The New River Triangle, also known as the Tigri Area, is a forested region located in the southeastern part of Guyana, within the East Berbice-Corentyne region. This area has been a subject of territorial dispute between Guyana and Suriname since the 19th century. While Guyana administers the territory, Suriname claims it as part of its Sipaliwini District.
📍 Geographic Overview
The disputed area lies between the New River (referred to as the Upper Corentyne River by Suriname) and the Corentyne River, extending to the Kutari River near the Brazilian border. The contention arises from differing interpretations of the source of the Corentyne River, with Guyana identifying the Kutari River and Suriname asserting the New River as the true source.
🕰️ Historical Context
The border dispute traces back to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814, which established the Corentyne River as the boundary between British Guiana and Suriname. In 1840, British surveyor Robert Schomburgk identified the Kutari River as the source of the Corentyne. However, in 1871, geologist Charles Barrington Brown discovered the New River, leading to conflicting claims over the territory.
In 1969, three years after gaining independence, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) took control of the area, establishing a military presence and renaming the Surinamese Camp Tigri to Camp Jaguar. Despite a 1970 agreement to withdraw military forces, Guyana continues to administer the region.
🏞️ Indigenous Communities
The Tigri Area is home to indigenous communities, notably the Tiriyó people. Villages such as Kasuela (also known as Cashew Island) and Sakuru are located within the disputed territory. These communities maintain traditional lifestyles, relying on the rich biodiversity of the region for sustenance and cultural practices.
⚖️ Current Status
As of now, the New River Triangle remains under the administration of Guyana, with ongoing claims by Suriname. The area is characterized by its dense forests, diverse ecosystems, and strategic significance. Efforts to resolve the dispute have been intermittent, with both nations maintaining their respective positions on the matter.
📚 Further Reading
For a comprehensive overview of the New River Triangle and its historical background, refer to the Wikipedia article.
