Fifty years ago, Suriname chose to stand on its own feet, embarking on a journey marked by progress, setbacks, pride, struggle, growth, and disappointment. Today, on November 25, the nation not only celebrates its golden jubilee but also reflects deeply on its past and future. At the heart of Suriname’s resilience through every era has been one constant force: labor. It is the workers, craftsmen, nurses, farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers, youth, and elders who have formed the backbone of the economy, sustaining the nation even when policies and circumstances were unfavorable. Labor must once again take center stage in Suriname’s development, demanding strength, learning, discipline, tolerance, and unity. Progress is never automatic; it requires a working community that continually evolves and supports one another. The labor movement, too, deserves recognition for its pivotal role in the nation’s history. As Suriname celebrates 50 years as a republic, the labor movement must remain vigilant, ensuring that labor remains protected, strengthened, and just, even in times of growth. Suriname has made mistakes—sometimes due to inexperience, division, or short-term interests—but these errors need not be obstacles. They can serve as fertile ground for growth, transforming past missteps into wisdom for the future. Suriname, though small in size, is a nation of immense diversity, resilience, and character. A new Surinamese identity is needed—one that unites the courage of the Indigenous, the discipline of the Javanese, the pride of the Creoles, the determination of the Hindustanis, the creativity of the Maroons, the flexibility of the Chinese, and the hospitality of the Boeroes. These traits are not contradictions but the building blocks of a unified Surinamese character. To become a model of a small yet well-functioning nation, Suriname must embrace unity in vision, responsibility, and the belief that this country belongs to all its people. The power lies within the people, in their work, attitude, and willingness to do better than yesterday. On this 50th anniversary, the Surinamese Party of Labor (SPA) calls for cherishing and strengthening the good, honestly acknowledging and learning from the wrong, placing labor at the core of progress, building a national identity on the strengths of all cultures, and choosing a future where Suriname not only exists but thrives. Suriname can be a nation that transcends itself, determines its own course, and achieves greatness in its actions, regardless of its size. Together, with labor, unity, and pride, Suriname will continue to build its future.