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  • SRD 117 miljoen overgemaakt voor toelagen ziekenhuispersoneel

    SRD 117 miljoen overgemaakt voor toelagen ziekenhuispersoneel

    The Surinamese Ministry of Finance and Planning has confirmed the transfer of SRD 117.6 million (approximately $117 million) in outstanding allowances for hospital personnel, addressing growing tensions with healthcare unions. The funds cover multiple critical allowances for the first quarter of 2026, including bridging, recruitment, and retention payments, alongside clothing allowances and government contributions to regional medical facilities.

    This financial injection comes in response to recent ultimatums from health sector trade unions demanding timely payment of these essential benefits. The ministry emphasized that despite the disbursement already occurring through proper channels, various practical factors can occasionally cause processing delays within the payment system.

    The bridging allowance, a temporary support measure, was established to assist healthcare workers during the transitional period toward implementing a new wage structure for the sector. This interim solution aims to provide financial stability for medical professionals while authorities finalize the comprehensive compensation reform.

    Minister Adelien Wijnerman and Director Vincent Fernandes verified that the Central Bank of Suriname has transferred the full amount of SRD 117,657,390 to Finabank accounts designated for hospital disbursement. From this central repository, funds will be distributed to individual healthcare institutions’ accounts for subsequent allocation to medical staff.

    The ministry has issued an urgent appeal to healthcare workers to maintain service continuity, assuring them that the financial resources have now been released through established procedural channels.

  • Election petitions not frivolous – Gonsalves says

    Election petitions not frivolous – Gonsalves says

    Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves has emphatically rejected Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s characterization of High Court petitions against him and Foreign Minister Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble as “frivolous,” asserting instead that they represent matters of profound constitutional importance. The legal challenges, which question the eligibility of both officials to hold parliamentary seats due to their Canadian citizenship, have sparked a heated exchange between government and opposition figures.

    Gonsalves, speaking during his weekly Star Radio broadcast, countered the Prime Minister’s complaints about judicial time consumption by invoking historical precedent. He referenced the 2015 general elections when Friday’s New Democratic Party (NDP) filed similar petitions and organized protests alleging electoral theft by Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party (ULP). “They had no case and the case crumbled, but they dragged it on,” Gonsalves remarked, highlighting what he characterized as NDP’s prolonged challenges despite ultimately unsuccessful outcomes.

    The opposition leader further accused NDP of establishing a harassment campaign against then-Supervisor of Elections Sylvia Findlay-Scubb through a group called “Frontline,” alleging daily verbal abuse that damaged the nation’s investment appeal by creating perceptions of political instability. “People do not want to come to a place which reeks of political instability,” Gonsalves stated, directly addressing Friday: “Don’t get amnesia as to what persons like yourself instigated and supported for a period of five years.”

    Despite this historical context, Gonsalves committed to expediting the current proceedings, noting petitioners have instructed legal counsel to move expeditiously through judicial channels. He anticipates determinations at both High Court and Court of Appeal levels in due course.

    Prime Minister Friday presented a markedly different public demeanor following Thursday’s case management hearing, appearing unbothered as he exited the Kingstown High Court. When approached by media, he described the day as “beautiful” and “wonderful” while directing legal inquiries to government lead counsel Anand Ramlogan S.C. from Trinidad and Tobago.

    The petitions, filed by claimants Williams and Browne, contend that Canadian citizenship constitutionally disqualifies both officials from parliamentary service—Friday as Northern Grenadines MP since 2001 and Bramble in his second term representing East Kingstown.

  • ‘Tide Turners – Stewards of the Sea’ initiative launched in SVG

    ‘Tide Turners – Stewards of the Sea’ initiative launched in SVG

    The SVG Sailing Association has inaugurated a groundbreaking environmental program titled ‘Tide Turners – Young Stewards of the Sea,’ mobilizing young sailors to protect the South Coast Marine Managed Area through comprehensive monitoring and conservation efforts.

    The official launch ceremony occurred Friday at Vincy Sail Club in Coconut Grove, uniting youth sailors, community representatives, and environmental partners dedicated to preserving St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ marine ecosystems. Five young sailors delivered compelling testimonies about their personal connections to the ocean and concerning environmental transformations they’ve witnessed during coastal voyages.

    Educational specialist Joshua Gooding and project director Anne Weinhardt outlined the initiative’s ambitious objectives while acknowledging Louise Mitchell’s inspirational role in conceptualizing the project. The program receives financial backing from the SVG Conservation Fund, enabling meaningful youth engagement and school participation.

    Tide Turners equips young sailors with practical conservation tools through environmental education, biodiversity assessment, shoreline purification drives, and community outreach. Participants will systematically document marine wildlife sightings, coastal modifications, and pollution indicators, generating crucial localized environmental data.

    Launch attendees participated in a symbolic pledge-writing ceremony, committing to specific actions supporting marine protection. The initiative immediately transitioned to operational activities, conducting its first educational workshop Saturday for 18 participants covering marine biodiversity, environmental surveillance, and responsible stewardship principles.

    Throughout the coming year, the program will expand to include coordinated monitoring sessions, sailing-based observation missions, and organized beach cleanups. Collected environmental data will be synthesized into a comprehensive community report for distribution to government bodies and conservation organizations.

    The SVG Sailing Association anticipates Tide Turners will cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious Vincentians committed to safeguarding their island nation’s surrounding waters. This twelve-month youth-led endeavor represents a significant advancement in community-driven marine conservation through education, engagement, and practical environmental stewardship.

  • Sponsor to donate windows, doors for 200 houses rebuilt after Beryl

    Sponsor to donate windows, doors for 200 houses rebuilt after Beryl

    Significant progress is underway in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ post-hurricane housing recovery efforts, with multiple initiatives converging to address displacement caused by Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in July 2024. Housing Minister Andrew John has revealed that an anonymous organization, collaborating with the Red Cross, will donate windows and doors for 200 homes, substantially aiding reconstruction in the hardest-hit Southern Grenadine islands where over 90% of structures suffered damage or destruction.

    The government is simultaneously advancing a strategic housing program featuring prefabricated homes that can be erected within four weeks once foundations are prepared. Minister John confirmed the administration is proceeding with a previously arranged agreement with a Trinidad and Tobago company for prefab housing, noting that while initially skeptical, the time and cost efficiency of prefab construction proved compelling for rapid rehousing.

    Financial mechanisms are being activated to support these efforts, including the fine-tuning of an existing loan arrangement with the Saudi Fund that could provide funding for up to 200 new homes. This external financing would alleviate pressure on the national budget, allowing greater focus on material procurement and logistics.

    The government has already made substantial progress in reducing displacement numbers, cutting the original 700 displaced families by more than half to approximately 300 households through careful assessment and elimination of duplicate or unnecessary placements. Minister John acknowledged that political considerations had previously influenced displacement lists, but the current administration has implemented more rigorous verification processes.

    Logistical improvements include relocating assembly operations to covered facilities at Campden Park to accelerate construction and identifying land parcels in Chester for clustered housing development. The Housing and Land Development Corporation continues to accept registrations for the prefab housing program, which has generated considerable public interest beyond those affected by Hurricane Beryl.

  • Iran zet in op uithoudingsvermogen en energieverstoring in strijd tegen VS en Israël

    Iran zet in op uithoudingsvermogen en energieverstoring in strijd tegen VS en Israël

    Iran is executing a calculated strategy of attrition against the United States and Israel, emphasizing economic disruption and psychological pressure over conventional military superiority, according to regional security analysts. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintains firm control over battlefield operations despite the loss of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in initial attacks, with experts noting the organization’s consolidation of power through the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader.

    The conflict has evolved into an existential struggle for Tehran, which analysts Fawaz Gerges of London School of Economics and Alex Vatanka of Middle East Institute describe as resembling a ‘wounded but increasingly dangerous animal.’ Iran’s military approach focuses on maximizing economic damage throughout the Gulf region, targeting energy infrastructure from Qatar to Saudi Arabia to increase costs for neighboring countries, European partners, and the United States while testing Washington’s political resolve.

    Despite President Donald Trump’s commitment to continue hostilities until Iran’s complete defeat, the confrontation appears to be transforming into a prolonged war of endurance. U.S. intelligence sources indicate significant depletion of Iran’s missile arsenal, though regional assessments suggest Tehran retains more than half of its pre-war stockpile, sufficient to sustain attacks for several weeks.

    Within Iran, daily life demonstrates remarkable resilience with shops and banks remaining operational during bombardements. The population shows no signs of mass protests or elite fragmentation, instead displaying strengthened national solidarity that potentially allows the regime to adapt to a war economy and consolidate control.

    Global markets are already feeling the conflict’s impact, with oil prices reaching record highs not seen since 2022. Brent crude surged due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil exports, while aluminum prices also rose significantly indicating broader commodity market instability.

    Rising energy costs have triggered rationing measures and distribution restrictions worldwide, with multiple countries implementing temporary fuel sales regulations to prevent shortages. This creates increasing pressure on households and industries while heightening political tensions across multiple regions.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently emphasized the global necessity for peace, stability, and dialogue, describing the Middle East situation as entering a delicate and dangerous phase where military escalation offers no solution. China advocates for immediate ceasefire and political dialogue with respect for national sovereignty and non-interference principles.

    The coming weeks will prove crucial as Iran bets on political exhaustion of its adversaries while the U.S. and Israel prepare to maintain military pressure. Regardless of outcome, the conflict has created an injured and unpredictable actor capable of further disrupting regional and global balance.

  • Greene Holds Bilateral Talks with Canadian Official at Commonwealth Ministers Meeting in London

    Greene Holds Bilateral Talks with Canadian Official at Commonwealth Ministers Meeting in London

    In a significant diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister E.P. Chet Greene convened substantive talks with Canadian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Robert Oliphant. The bilateral discussion, facilitated by the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in the United Kingdom, centered on revitalizing the Commonwealth’s contemporary role and strategic positioning ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The high-level dialogue addressed critical issues affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with particular emphasis on building systemic resilience against environmental and economic vulnerabilities. Both nations explored mechanisms to bolster the rule of law as a cornerstone of democratic institutions and governance frameworks. The conversation further extended to collaborative strategies for mitigating global de-risking phenomena—where financial institutions reduce exposure to certain jurisdictions—and navigating complex geopolitical shifts.

    Minister Greene and Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant unanimously emphasized the indispensable value of multilateral cooperation, pledging to enhance their collaborative efforts within the Commonwealth architecture. This meeting underscores the ongoing commitment between Caribbean nations and traditional Commonwealth partners to address shared challenges through coordinated diplomatic channels.

  • Young Women Debate Cannabis Policy in Mock Parliamentary Sitting

    Young Women Debate Cannabis Policy in Mock Parliamentary Sitting

    In a dynamic demonstration of civic engagement, participants of Antigua and Barbuda’s Young Women in Leadership programme convened a mock parliamentary session to debate cannabis legislation reform during International Women’s Day observances. The special sitting featured a comprehensive examination of a proposed motion to establish a Joint Select Committee tasked with reviewing existing cannabis laws through both human rights and gender-responsive perspectives.

    The parliamentary simulation focused on the Cannabis Act 2022 and related drug amendments, with proponents arguing that periodic legislative reviews are essential for maintaining relevance in an evolving society. One delegate emphasized that “a responsible government does not just pass reforms, it safeguards and ensures that its citizens are taken care of,” advocating for integrated educational campaigns within any revised cannabis policy framework.

    Advocates maintained that a specialized committee would enable thorough consultation with experts and community stakeholders while assessing the socioeconomic and public health implications of recent cannabis reforms. Supporters further contended that structured evaluation could identify deficiencies in public education, law enforcement protocols, and regulatory mechanisms while simultaneously fostering youth protection and economic inclusion within the emerging cannabis sector.

    The opposition voiced skepticism regarding the necessity of establishing new parliamentary structures, noting that significant legislative reforms had already been implemented in recent years. One participant cautioned that premature revisiting of the legal framework could generate policy uncertainty, suggesting that society required additional time to adapt to existing changes.

    Alternative proposals emerged suggesting that current government institutions already possess sufficient expertise to conduct legislative analysis without creating additional bureaucratic layers. Health concerns featured prominently in the discourse, with references to regional data indicating substantial marijuana usage among student populations and calls for science-based decision-making in future policy considerations.

    Despite divergent perspectives, the deliberation underscored the multifaceted nature of cannabis policy, intersecting with criminal justice, economic development, public health, and human rights considerations. Program organizers designed the exercise to provide practical experience in parliamentary procedures while stimulating informed dialogue on national policy matters. The leadership initiative aims to cultivate future female leaders by enhancing capabilities in public address, legislative debate, and governance principles.

  • Column: President Jennifer Simons wordt flink beproefd

    Column: President Jennifer Simons wordt flink beproefd

    Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons faces a critical governance challenge as her administration’s promised anti-corruption campaign confronts mounting transparency issues across multiple state-owned enterprises. The President, who had emphatically pledged during her electoral campaign to combat corruption “without pardon” regardless of position or political affiliation, now oversees a series of escalating scandals that threaten to undermine public trust.

    The unfolding investigations reveal a pattern of irregularities throughout Suriname’s state apparatus. At LVV, multiple malversation probes remain ongoing, including an unfinished investigation into the previous management of the Milk Center. The situation worsened when the new director and deputy director of the Milk Center were compelled to resign after signing contracts with the State Health Fund for services at exorbitant rates, though their official termination status remains unclear.

    January witnessed the suspension of Grassalco CEO Wesley Rozenhout from the mining sector enterprise, which manages substantial interests including operations in Guyana. Concurrently, Guysure faces persistent questions regarding its share structure involving five individuals, creating tensions without satisfactory explanations.

    The State Health Fund itself saw its director dismissed, yet a comprehensive and transparent account of the facts and subsequent resolution remains elusive. Similarly, the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision suspended Director General Ruben Ravenberg and terminated his contract after discovering his appointment violated established procedures through two separate contracts—one unknown to the board and involving only the minister and director. Ravenberg has engaged legal counsel and announced intentions to return to work, setting the stage for confrontation.

    At energy company EBS, tensions between CEO Leo Brunswijk, the executive board, and supervisory directors have escalated to the point where board members refused to meet under Leo’s leadership. Although President Simons discussed the matter on Monday, no official statement has emerged regarding the outcome.

    The central issue emerging across these cases is the administration’s failure to provide adequate transparency—a particularly sensitive matter given President Simons’ campaign promises of open governance. When officials face suspension, dismissal, or pressure without clear explanation, public distrust inevitably grows, undermining the fundamental confidence necessary for state enterprises to function effectively.

    President Simons now confronts a significant test of leadership—not because she bears personal responsibility for every institutional failure, but because her administration’s handling of these cases will determine whether Suriname truly transitions from the era of selective justice and cronyism that voters rejected.

  • Schorsing SBB-directeur leidt tot juridische strijd; Ravenberg gaat dinsdag toch aan het werk

    Schorsing SBB-directeur leidt tot juridische strijd; Ravenberg gaat dinsdag toch aan het werk

    A significant institutional conflict has emerged between Suriname’s Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) and the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) following the suspension of Director General Ruben Ravenberg. Official documents confirm the suspension takes effect Tuesday, March 10th, prompting Ravenberg to announce both his legal challenge and intention to report to work regardless.

    The ministry, through correspondence to attorney Murwin Dubois, maintains Minister Stanley Soeropawiro’s decision stands firm. Officials assert the suspension was implemented in full compliance with SBB’s statutory provisions and existing legal regulations. The ministry further stated that arguments presented by Ravenberg’s legal counsel provided insufficient grounds for reconsideration, leaving the suspension unequivocally in force.

    Legal representatives for Ravenberg have formally contested the suspension’s validity. Dubois & Partners argue the action fails to meet legal requirements under civil service legislation. According to their legal analysis, suspension of a government official only becomes permissible during criminal investigations or when dismissal for dereliction of duty or unreliability is under consideration. The firm emphasizes that the ministry’s own communication explicitly states no substantive judgment was made regarding Ravenberg’s performance, thereby eliminating legal justification for suspension.

    The SBB Staff Union has intervened to call for calm among personnel. In internal communications, the union clarified it had no official knowledge of circulating letters from the timber sector expressing concerns about the director’s position. The organization reported observing no exceptional unrest or consternation among staff despite external suggestions otherwise. Union leadership urged members to maintain composure and refrain from premature conclusions while monitoring developments closely.

    With the suspension deadline approaching, tensions threaten to escalate into physical confrontation at forestry institution facilities. Ravenberg’s declared intention to physically resist the suspension while the ministry maintains its legal validity sets the stage for potential institutional disruption. This developing situation now appears destined for judicial resolution, with potential implications for internal organizational dynamics and Suriname’s forest management governance.

  • Nieuwe directeur MI-GLIS, Belfor-Amoida legt nadruk op betrouwbare grondinformatie

    Nieuwe directeur MI-GLIS, Belfor-Amoida legt nadruk op betrouwbare grondinformatie

    In a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Monday, Nita Belfor-Amoida was sworn in as the new Director of Suriname’s Management Institute for Land Registration and Land Information System (MI-GLIS). The inauguration was conducted by President Jennifer Simons and witnessed by Vice President Gregory Rusland, signaling the government’s heightened attention to land management reforms.

    President Simons emphasized the institution’s critical role in Suriname’s development framework, stating that MI-GLIS serves as the foundational pillar for recording and administering all real estate data nationwide. The institute bears legal responsibility for documenting and verifying information concerning the legal status of land and properties throughout the country.

    The head of state articulated that transparent and reliable land information constitutes an essential requirement for both government operations and citizen rights. ‘Clarity regarding property ownership between citizens and the state forms an indispensable component of national development,’ Simons asserted. She noted that authenticated land data proves vital for housing initiatives, agricultural programs, and resolving complex inheritance and property rights disputes.

    Simons further highlighted that land ownership conflicts have historically generated significant consequences for Surinamese families, making MI-GLIS’s accurate, efficient, and integrity-driven performance a governmental priority. She characterized land as both a fundamental factor of production and a prerequisite for national stability and development.

    The newly appointed director acknowledged her appointment represents a career milestone accompanied by substantial challenges. Belfor-Amoida expressed confidence that existing institutional obstacles could be systematically addressed through collaborative effort. ‘We must function as a unified team regardless of position—together we are strong,’ she declared in her inaugural address.

    Belfor-Amoida referenced her prior experience as a parliamentary faction expert, which she stated provided extensive training in legislative analysis. She committed to upholding legal compliance and regulatory adherence as guiding principles throughout her leadership tenure.