Suriname on Monday celebrated 49 years of independence and both it and Guyana underscored the nearly five decades of bilateral cooperation, highlighting its importance, more so that a bridge linking the two countries is under active consideration.
“As nations with a shared responsibility to uphold the rule of law, Guyana and Suriname must work hand in hand to ensure transnational crime does not hinder the development and prosperity of our nations or that fugitives do not find safe refuge in our countries,” Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, who spoke on behalf of government said at a reception held at the Pegasus Suites in Kingston, Georgetown, to commemorate the anniversary.
She noted that cooperation between Georgetown and Paramaribo “is vital to effectively combat crime, particularly involving the transnational trade in narcotics, human trafficking and contraband.”
Meanwhile, Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal, said that her country too celebrates the enduring friendship and collaboration with Guyana which was cemented in diplomatic relations, immediately 49 years ago.
It was on November 25th 1975 that Suriname and Guyana officially established diplomatic relations, she said, and since then, the relations further developed deep historical and cultural ties that have been cultivated over decades and the planned bridge will only make that tie stronger.
“The mega infrastructural project of the construction of the bridge over the Corentyne River connecting Suriname and Guyana, will foster greater movement of goods and people strengthening economic and cultural ties. This bridge furthermore, symbolises a vital investment in connectivity and economic integration, paving the way for seamless cross-border trade and regional cooperation making our region even more attractive for investments,” the Surinamese envoy said.
“In the near future we will reap the fruits of this project”, she added, also pointing out that beyond economics, Suriname and Guyana are united in their commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Both countries have walked similar paths, the Ambassador posited, shaped by their natural resources, diverse cultures, and resilient peoples. She said that Suriname believes that this common journey was instrumental in laying a strong foundation for the robust bilateral relationship both sides enjoy today. “The relationship over the years has been one that stands as a model of co-operation, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.”
She continued, “In the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect we should seek to continue strengthening the ties between our two countries. Suriname and Guyana have a lot of similarities. The landscape, culture, weather, rainforest are basically the same. We also had the same colonizers, the British and the Dutch. I often come across familiar Dutch names in places like Blankenburg, New Amsterdam, Vreed-en-Hoop, Goed Fortuin, Fort Kyk-Over-Al, Uitvlugt and so on….”
Tangible results since both countries’ governments took office in 2020 were also highlighted with the ambassador saying that the Dialogue and Cooperation Platform is being monitored on the highest level by the two Heads of State in President Irfaan Ali here and Chandrikapersad Santokhi in Paramaribo. “This platform consists of more than 10 committees and working groups of mutual interest to both countries, signifying the varied cooperation.”
Blankendal noted that there are times the relationship would not be smooth but the commitment both countries had would see any issue resolved.
“Every relationship has its own challenges whether it be a marriage, employer and employee, between friends or even between family members. The secret is to resolve things in peace and mutual understanding. As we are adhering to the international principles of law, democracy and peaceful dialogue, we will continue to elevate our region as a Zone of Peace, where our communities will experience a stable safe and secured living environment,” she said.
“Notwithstanding, we still have a long way to achieve full independence, prosperity and well-being for our people, and only by staying united we will achieve sustainable development for our nations and prosperity for our people,” Ambassador Blankendal noted.
