In a grand ceremony held at the Presidential Palace gardens, Suriname celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence by decorating 190 citizens for their unwavering dedication and selfless contributions to the nation’s development. The event, marked by pride and gratitude, highlighted the diverse fields in which these individuals have excelled, including governance, healthcare, culture, education, community building, youth development, sports, and journalism. The highest honor of the day, the Grand Officer in the Order of the Palm, was bestowed upon Frits Pengel, the founder and pioneer of STVS, Suriname’s national television network. President Jennifer Simons, addressing the gathering, emphasized the common thread among the honorees: their love and commitment to their communities. She remarked, ‘Progress is not achieved by words alone but through courage, dedication, action, and hard work. Suriname sees you, appreciates you, and thanks you.’ Among the distinguished recipients was artist Kenny B, who was named Commander in the Order of the Yellow Star. The awards were distributed across various categories, including Silver and Gold Medals, Knights, Officers, and Commanders in both the Order of the Palm and the Order of the Yellow Star. Pengel stood out as the sole recipient of the Grand Officer distinction this year, underscoring his exceptional impact on Surinamese society.