Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, issued a protest note to Guyana after reports of plans to develop the disputed Tigri area. Concerns were raised about public announcements regarding activities on Surinamese territory, potentially undermining the agreements made between the two nations. The historical context of the dispute illustrates the complex relations and ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the region.
On Friday, Albert Ramdin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation of Suriname, lodged a formal protest with the Guyanese government due to plans to develop a military airstrip in the disputed Tigri area, also known as Camp Jaguar. This area, situated along the border between Suriname and Guyana, has been a source of contention for decades. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali announced intentions to reinforce an airstrip in this contested region, which prompted Mr. Ramdin to summon Guyanese Ambassador Virjanand Depoo, delivering the protest note during their meeting.
During their discussions, Minister Ramdin expressed significant concern regarding President Ali’s public declarations indicating actions on what Suriname considers its territory, which lack prior approval from Surinamese authorities. Ramdin highlighted that these activities contravene agreements established between the two nations during the 1970s in Chaguaramas. The protest notes also referenced prior plans by the Guyanese government to establish a school on Kasjoe Island, further stirring tensions in the region.
This border dispute dates back to when the Guyana Defence Force seized control of the Tigri area in 1969 during Suriname’s colonial period. Despite numerous agreements aimed at resolving the issue, including a 1970 accord mediated by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Eric Williams, Guyana continues to maintain its presence in the contested area. In prior statements, former Guyanese President David Granger suggested that Suriname should take the matter to an international tribunal if it is confident in its territorial claims.
Suriname’s stance, as articulated by former President Desiré Bouterse, has consistently emphasized that the Tigri area rightfully belongs to Suriname. He asserted, “The Tigri area is and remains Suriname’s.” This historic backdrop underscores the complexity of the ongoing territorial conflict.
The territorial dispute between Suriname and Guyana over the Tigri area, also referred to as the New River Triangle, dates back several decades. Following independence, tensions escalated in 1969 when the Guyana Defence Force occupied the area during a period when Suriname was still a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Various attempts have been made to mediate the conflict, but disagreements persist regarding the rightful ownership of the territory. Despite diplomatic efforts, incidents have continued to arise, raising concerns about stability in the region. Historical agreements, including one made in 1970, aimed to de-escalate tensions and withdraw military presence, but Guyana’s continued occupation undermines these efforts. The current political situation highlights the delicate relationship between the two countries and emphasizes the need for a peaceful resolution to this longstanding territorial issue.
The protest lodged by Suriname reveals the persistent tensions between Suriname and Guyana concerning the disputed Tigri area. Despite historical agreements intended to resolve territorial disputes, actions from the Guyanese government continue to infringe upon Suriname’s claims. Minister Ramdin’s formal objection highlights the unresolved nature of this border conflict, stressing the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and a possible reevaluation of past agreements to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.guardian.co.tt
