Months before the controversial seizure of a Guyanese vessel in the Corentyne River, Suriname’s Justice Minister Chandrikapersad Santokhi claimed that the river across its entire width to be completely Surinamese territory.
According to a report in the de Ware Tijd newspaper, Santokhi made the claim in April to Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo, explaining that nationals of both countries engaged in economic activities on or through the river should abide by regulations in force. de Ware Tijd said Santokhi made the comment to President Jagdeo during a meeting of Caricom Ministers in charge of national security that was held in Guyana.
In mid-October Suriname’s maritime authority seized the MV Lady Chandra in what Guyana has labelled an act of aggression. The boat captain was placed in the lock-ups and the other six crew members were left on board the vessel. The vessel and crew were eventually released after the payment of a fine of US$400. Guyana has since lodged a complaint with the United Nations over the incident.
If this is true, why did the president allow this minister to talk that ignorance in from of him in Guyana, and he just let it go…..
People don’t talk stupidness bout u mother in front of you and you dont do nothing.
We know Guyana ain got the military capacity right now to deal with them the way we should but at least get lil pride and use your english tongue.
I dont think the president understands his role properly.
I tend to agree! Why didnt the President say something about the claim made by the Dutch minister?
What an impossible claim by the Surinamese. So because Chandrikapersad Santokhi say that the river belongs to Surinam that is so? The ploy here is to claim the entire western coastline so as to avoid us from exploiting our oil resources.
I don’t believe Jagdeo was ever told that the river belongs to Surinam the way it is mentioned by SN. If Jagdeo was so boldly told that the river high water mark is Suriname’s then why has Jagdeo not rejected this bully ishtic behaviour from Chandrikapersad? I believe Jagdeo heard it the same way we always hear it…thru gossip (and the arrest of the MV Lady Chandra) and the constant harassment of our people.
However it is done, it is a blatant disrespect to Guyana, Guyanese, the Caricom Family (whatever that is), and World Order. President Jagdeo HAS TO PUT A STOP TO THESE DUTCH CLAIMS NOW AND FOREVER.
Hey Dudes, I think Guyana should start detaining Surinamese vessels that ply the Corentyne River on our side. Enough is enough.
to be silent is an indication of submittance, i hope in this case of guyana and suraname that this is not so, THE INTERNATIONAL community(united nations) is getting tired of guyana complaining WHENEVER there is an intrusion by suriname on our teritory, we should at least indicate some sort of resistance to this agression.
If this story is correct and I believe it is, I want to take this opportunity to apologize to Police Commissioner Greeene for saying that he was “out of touch” when that tragedy happen. He was right when he said this issue was complex.
You hit the hammer right on the head. You may have to
go back and fight for your country SWAT.
If this river belongs to Suriname – then the back tracking issue is not for the GPF to handle but for Suriname. Just my thoughts.
While I think Suriname’s claim to the river has merit there has to be some record of the agreement someplace which shed light on what obtains with Guyanese use of the river.
Why hasn’t the President said anything on this conversation and try to have some sort of agreement made reference the use of the river by Guyanese!
I have two words for you, WEAK GOVERNMENT. And to all of you, who disagree with me, prove me worng.
The only way the international community will be interested in addressing and resolving this isue is if it is converted into a crisis. Therefore, Guyana must assert its claim to half the width of the Courentyne River, and follow this up with vigorous enforcement action. Throw the ball in Suriname’s court and have effective countermeasures ready. Whatever subsequently unfolds will surely attract the attention of the international community. I hope the maritime wing of the GDF is appropiately outfitted and equipped.