The recent International Business Conference in Paramaribo, Suriname, faced backlash for displaying an incorrect map that included Guyana’s New River Triangle as part of Suriname. This prompted strong condemnation from Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local business associations, and political leaders. The incident raised concerns about diplomatic representation and national sovereignty, emphasizing the need for accurate territorial recognition in international discussions.
Condemnation has intensified regarding the incorrect display of a map at the recent International Business Conference (IBC) held in Paramaribo, Suriname, which erroneously included Guyana’s New River Triangle as part of Surinamese territory. Prominent organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry have strongly criticized this misrepresentation. Attendees reported that the disputed map was disseminated during the conference, which raised significant concerns regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that the government was not consulted prior to the map’s distribution. They emphasized that had they been invited to partake in this process, they would have voiced strong opposition against the misrepresentation of the territory. The New River Triangle is internationally recognized as part of Guyana, established through binding agreements that defined the bounded territory delineated between British Guiana and Suriname in 1936.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud reiterated the importance of understanding national territorial limits, emphasizing that the New River Triangle is an inseparable part of Guyana. He underscored that the Joint Border Commission’s purpose is to provide recommendations for resolving border issues, and it is not meant to reconsider already established territorial demarcations. This incident reflects ongoing diplomatic challenges faced by Guyana in international forums.
Amanza Walton Desir, the Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, arguing that it highlights deficiencies in Guyana’s diplomatic representation abroad. She expressed disappointment over the absence of official protest regarding both this incident and a recent event involving a non-Guyanese delegate representing ‘Guyana Esequiba’ at an international event. Desir attributed these missteps to a lack of qualified professionals in diplomatic roles, which undermines Guyana’s international standing.
Moreover, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) condemned the inaccurate map’s use at the conference. The GCCI characterized the lack of objection from those present as tacit endorsement of actions undermining Guyana’s sovereignty. The GMSA remarked that gestures presenting such territorial inaccuracies must be firmly rejected and called for enhanced vigilance to ensure proper territorial representation in future engagements.
The chairman of Action Invest Caribbean Incorporated, Dr. Vishnu Doerga, noted that differing maps are part of the ongoing challenges surrounding this territorial issue. He acknowledged the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of both nations and referred to a border commission working to resolve these disputes. Importantly, SGCC CEO Rahul Lildhar confirmed his organization’s lack of involvement in the controversial map presentation while seeking updates on the border status from both governments, reinforcing their position of neutrality and support for improved relations between Suriname and Guyana.
The controversy surrounding the incorrect representation of the New River Triangle at the recent International Business Conference has drawn widespread condemnation from multiple sectors in Guyana. Key government officials and organizations emphasized the importance of national sovereignty, criticized the lack of diplomatic representation, and insisted on the need for accurate territorial depiction in international forums. The incident highlights ongoing diplomatic challenges and the necessity for stronger engagement in safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com
