there is push back from some persons in Suriname despite high-level talks between the neighbouring states.
That push back, which Surinamese media reported is led by the business community there, seemed linked to the fact that standing regulations prohibit the issuance of SK and BV fishing licenses to Guyanese as foreigners.
‘WE HAVE DOCUMENTS’
In a subsequent interview with the News Room, Mustapha confirmed that Guyana had requested and Suriname agreed to issue the SK licenses.
The Agriculture Minister said he has documents to prove what was agreed to, noting that when the right time comes, he will ensure those documents are made available to the press.
“I have documents in my possession,” Mustapha told the News Room.
When asked about the prohibitive regulations in Suriname which makes the issuing of the license illegal, Mustapha said this formed part of the discussions between Guyana and Suriname and in a proposal submitted to Guyana by Suriname, a legal path around those regulations was proposed.
“When we had those discussions, all these were taken into consideration and what Guyanese will have to do to benefit from the license… if it stands now that they can’t get the licenses, I assure you that those things were taken into consideration, all those issues.
“As I said, I have documents to show the proposition from the Surinamese how it can happen… so that’s a non-issue,” Mustapha added.
