Among the very important agreements reached was the establishment of a Border Commission to deal with the problem in the Corentyne River, and a sub-committee to examine the modalities of joint exploration of mineral resources existing along the areas of dispute.

The President also reported that agreement was reached with his Suriname counterpart on cooperation against cross border smuggling and narco-trafficking.

He said too that in his discussions with the Surinamese private sector they expressed keen interest in increasing trade and investment between the two countries.

Against such a background therefore, it was a surprise to Guyanese that during the recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council of Human and Social Development (COSHOD) meeting in Georgetown, the Surinamese representative displayed a map of Suriname showing the New River Triangle in southeast Guyana as part of its territory.

This showed great disrespect for Guyana's sovereignty and was an unfortunate deviation from all diplomatic norms.

It leaves one to wonder how the Surinamese public would have reacted if the "shoe was on the other foot."

Even more disturbing was that this most unfortunate act came at the time of the launching of CARIFESTA VIII to be held next year in Suriname.

In a recent viewpoint, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor James Rose correctly observed:

"The seriousness, maturity and diplomatic niceness, which informed the deliberations (COSHOD Meeting) were then shattered when the head of the Suriname delegation is alleged to have displayed a map showing the New River Triangle as belonging to Suriname.

"This has been described variously as political immaturity, poor diplomacy and or, official arrogance and must have embarrassed senior CARICOM officials, regional delegates, not to mention, the several Guyanese present."

It would seem that while some agree on paper to settle disputes peacefully and amicably, in practice they take a contradictory stand.

Some have argued that the display of the map by the Surinamese can be considered provocative.

In his address to the Suriname Parliament during his visit in January, it would be worthwhile to recall, President Jagdeo made it explicitly clear that Guyana wishes to settle the problem in a peaceful manner.

He pointed out that conflicts do not benefit anyone, advocating cooperation rather than conflicts and noting: "Conflicts only waste resources."

But while urging a cooperative bilateral spirit he emphatically declared that this will not be at the expense of compromising Guyana's borders.

In view of this unfortunate development therefore, Guyana's Foreign Affairs Ministry should move speedily and with a sense of urgency to engage its Surinamese counterparts to rectify this situation to ensure that there is no recurrence.

Both countries, while being neighbours, are also members of CARICOM and their peoples have long shared close ties.