28/08/2026
Today, the CEO of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), Mrs. Saudia Persaud, had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Dewkoemar Jibodh, newly appointed Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname in Guyana, for a positive, substantive and forward-looking discussion on strengthening private-sector and bilateral co-operation.
Since its inception, SGCC has enjoyed a strong and constructive relationship with the Embassy, and we welcome the addition of dedicated commercial representation as an important opportunity to deepen the connection between diplomacy, trade and the private sector.
Our discussion covered the Chamber’s history, membership and partnerships, its work across both markets, and our shared interest in creating practical opportunities for businesses while contributing to the wider Suriname-Guyana relationship.
A key focus was cross-border connectivity, including the recent disruption of the Canawaima Ferry Service and the impact on travellers and businesses. We welcomed today’s resumption of the service, while discussing the difficulties relayed to SGCC by those affected. The discussions cemented the longer-term need for greater reliability, efficiency, accessibility and modernisation. SGCC also shared perspectives from its Public-Private Management proposal for Canawaima and reiterated the importance of meaningful private-sector participation in shaping the future of this critical bilateral link. We further discussed the need for communication, documentation and support mechanisms for persons affected during any such challenges to both Surinamese and Guyanese in the future.
The engagement also explored the considerable commercial potential between two neighbouring and increasingly interconnected economies, particularly across oil and gas, energy, maritime, agriculture, manufacturing, ICT and digitalisation, infrastructure and mining. SGCC highlighted priorities and concerns emerging from our membership, including regulatory barriers, double taxation, and the importance of advancing the Corentyne River Bridge as a transformative piece of infrastructure for trade, investment and people-to-people connectivity.
Above all, the discussion reinforced a shared belief that the next phase of Suriname-Guyana relations must be built through partnership, consistent dialogue and stronger coordination between government, diplomacy and the private sector. We also explored opportunities to collaborate on events such as the SGCC-hosted International Business Conference - IBC, and platforms that bring greater visibility to key developments, opportunities and issues affecting both markets.
Mr. Jibodh expressed his support for SGCC, its membership and the work of the Chamber, as well as his readiness to engage, understand the priorities and challenges facing businesses across both markets, and collaborate on areas of mutual interest. This commitment to open and practical engagement is particularly welcomed as we work to ensure that private-sector perspectives are heard and that opportunities for bilateral cooperation translate into meaningful outcomes.
"As we await the arrival of Suriname’s Ambassador-designate to Guyana, SGCC looks forward to building on its longstanding relationship with the Embassy and working closely with Mr. Jibodh to strengthen commercial diplomacy, advance the interests of our members and deepen cross-border cooperation. Suriname and Guyana are more than neighbouring markets; our proximity, shared interests and increasingly interconnected economies give us every reason to pursue partnership with greater purpose. SGCC remains committed to helping translate that proximity into stronger commercial ties, practical cooperation and tangible benefits for businesses and people on both sides of the border." ~ Saudia Persaud, SGCC CEO.
