In strongly worded statements, sections of the Guyanese private sector rejected the incorrect map of Guyana used at the 2026 Suriname Energy, Oil & Gas Summit & Exhibition, held in Paramaribo.
The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) was the first to issue a statement on Wednesday, a day after the map controversy emerged at the opening ceremony of this year's conference. A map displayed on the screen incorrectly showed the New River Triangle area as part of Suriname's territory instead of Guyana's.
GOGEC President Manniram Prashad said international conferences must uphold the highest standards of accuracy, professionalism, and respect for internationally recognised borders and sovereign territories.
"The New River Triangle is and remains an integral part of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, as affirmed by internationally recognised legal processes. Any suggestion that its status is subject to differing 'beliefs' is misleading and does not reflect the binding nature of Guyana's sovereignty over the territory.
"GOGEC notes that this is not the first occasion on which inaccurate territorial representations have surfaced in public forums. We previously voiced our concern when similar actions were undertaken by foreign entities, and we remain consistent in our position that Guyana's territorial integrity must be respected at all times," Prashad said in the statement issued by GOGEC.
Similar statements came from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC). As they reaffirmed that the New River Triangle area is part of Guyana's territory, they also addressed how such actions strain bilateral ties.
The GCCI called on the Government of Guyana and businesses operating in Guyana to reject the seemingly continued use of the incorrect map in Suriname.
Notably, the GCCI called for action on the part of Guyanese, stating: "... the Chamber encourages Guyanese and the business community to not support events that depict such disrespect of our country."
Meanwhile, the PSC said it is committed to respect and dialogue but called for reciprocity and respect.
"The PSC calls upon the organisers of SEOGS 2026, including Staatsolie, to publicly address this matter and provide assurances that future conferences and official presentations will accurately reflect Guyana's territorial boundaries," the PSC said in its statement.
Guyana and Suriname are neighbours on the continent of South America, and sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states. Over the last few years, the two countries have emerged as new players in the oil and gas sector, and there has been much interest between governments and the private sector in working together.
However, the continued use of an incorrect map of Guyana has been viewed by the private sector bodies as a disrespectful move that strains bilateral ties.
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