Suriname and Guyana important access to South America

Although Suriname’s economic structure differs much from that of most members of the Caricom, the country is not a standout. Ramesh Dookhoo, Guyanese and chairman of the Caribbean Association for Trade and Industry (Caic) is convinced Suriname fits in perfectly in the Caribbean. The Caic met in Paramaribo this week. Dookhoo says Suriname and Guyana have much in common. Both countries have booming economies and continue to focus on the Caricom, while at the same time looking towards the south. Both countries could be instrumental in facilitating export of the Caricom to Latin America. One crucial factor would be shipping lines between Caricom nations. Dookhoo sees an important role for Suriname as shipping hub. ‘The move to modernize the port now comes in very handy.’ If northern Brazil is developed further countries like Suriname and Guyana could provide access to sea. Competition between the ports of Suriname and Guyana is good, says Dookhoo. ‘There is no need for a gigantic harbor to facilitate both countries. South America is a large continent so there is room for several access points.’ The Caic official foresees increasing transport between South America and Africa in the near future. Caic is actually a Caricom-‘plus’ organization. Not only trade associations from Caricom countries are affiliated to the organization, but associations from the Dominican Republic and the French and Dutch Antilles as well. These countries have an associate status in Caricom. The Dominican Republic has a very complex relationship with Caricom. The country had applied for membership, but the request was put on ice last year to protest the move on thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent. The Dominican Republic had revoked citizenship of the subjects, in fact casting them out. Many Caricom nations consider the Dominican Republic a threat: its economy is as big as that of all Caricom nations put together. The question is whether it would be wise to keep such a regional economic superpower out. Dookhoo is convinced that Caricom needs the Dominican Republic because the nation has a lot of experience that could be beneficial to the rest of the region. ‘I haven’t noticed any tyranny or dominance in their business approach.’ Still it would be wise to draft special agreements with the country because of its enormous economy and its ties to Europe. ‘We can’t accept them to be a full Caricom member and still allow them to maintain a special relation with the EU.’-.