PARAMARIBO – The Suriname Association of Journalists (SVJ) celebrates its 35th anniversary on February 8, marking a transformative journey from deep professional divisions to unified advocacy for press freedom and ethical journalism.
Founded in 1991 through the visionary efforts of journalist Nita Ramcharan, the SVJ emerged from the dissolution of two rival organizations: the Surinamese Journalists Circle (SJK) and the Association of Progressive Media Workers (VPM). This consolidation ended years of ideological conflict that had paralyzed collective action for journalists’ rights.
The association’s creation responded to a dark period in Surinamese media history. The 1980s witnessed severe press suppression, including the 1982 murder of five journalists, arson attacks on Radio ABC, Radio Radika, and newspaper De Vrije Stem, followed by widespread censorship and media bans. These events created an atmosphere of fear and distrust that drove many journalists to flee the country.
Under Ramcharan’s pioneering leadership as first chairperson, the SVJ established itself as an independent professional body committed to transcending political divides through journalistic ethics, professionalism, and press freedom advocacy.
Over three decades, the SVJ has evolved into a cornerstone institution within Suriname’s media landscape, consistently defending journalists—members and non-members alike—against pressure campaigns while serving as a crucial dialogue partner with authorities.
Current SVJ Chair Naomi Hoever, a 19-year journalism veteran who has led the organization for two years, identifies new challenges in the digital era. “With the emergence of social media, many now consider themselves journalists, threatening to overshadow the work of true professionals,” Hoever told Starnieuws.
In response, the SVJ has initiated a landmark accreditation system to distinguish professional journalists. An accreditation committee comprising former SVJ chairs Wilfred Leeuwin (chair), Nita Ramcharan, and Ivan Cairo will distribute the first official press badges during anniversary celebrations to members meeting professional criteria.
This accreditation represents more than administrative formalities—it establishes a quality marker identifying who practices journalism according to professional standards versus those who don’t. The initiative aims to restore authority, credibility, and respect for the profession amid growing concerns about misinformation, opinion disguised as news, and uncontrolled online publications.
Thirty-five years after its founding, the SVJ again stands at a crossroads: where it once bridged ideological divisions, it now guards professional quality, maintaining that free, professional journalism remains indispensable to Suriname’s democratic institutions.