Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in Suriname’s National Assembly, has called for an emergency meeting with the Court of Audit and the Ministry of Land Policy following a damning report on land allocations in 2023. The report, which Somohardjo described as containing \”a stark and undeniable conclusion,\” reveals that land distributions were conducted unlawfully, leaving the public as victims of improper governance.
作者： admin
-
Warme zondag en overwegend droog
Today, Suriname is set to experience another warm day, with predominantly dry conditions in the morning, particularly along the coastal strip and in Paramaribo. Temperatures are expected to rise rapidly, reaching between 31 to 34 degrees Celsius by midday. The high humidity levels may make the weather feel even more oppressive. In the afternoon, localized rain and thunderstorms are likely, especially in the inland and savanna regions. These showers, though brief, could be intense, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds. Areas like Nickerie and Para might experience light rain earlier in the day. The coastal region is expected to remain mostly dry, though isolated showers inland cannot be ruled out. By late afternoon and evening, the chance of showers diminishes, and temperatures gradually drop to 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from the east to northeast.
-
Cruise tourism: Puerto Plata surpasses 1.9 million visitors through September
Puerto Plata’s Amber Cove and Taíno Bay maritime terminals have achieved a significant milestone, welcoming 1.9 million cruise passengers by September 2025. This accomplishment solidifies the province’s status as the Dominican Caribbean’s leading cruise destination. Despite a minor slowdown in growth during the latter part of the year, the terminals have demonstrated robust performance in attracting maritime tourists. In 2024, the terminals collectively hosted 2.6 million passengers, with projections for 2025 estimating between 2.6 and 2.7 million arrivals, maintaining the record-breaking figures of the previous year. A sector insider noted that the passenger numbers will remain close to past records, with only a marginal 4% difference, as growth has plateaued in recent months. Operated by Carnival Corporation and the ITM group, respectively, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay have become pivotal in revitalizing the northern region’s tourism economy, creating numerous jobs and generating substantial revenue. Puerto Plata, affectionately dubbed ‘The Bride of the Atlantic,’ continues to enhance its allure as a top Caribbean cruise destination, offering pristine beaches, captivating excursions, state-of-the-art port facilities, and the renowned hospitality of its people.
-
Srefidensi Telethon van start: eerste SRD 10.000 in half uur opgehaald
The Srefidensi Telethon officially commenced on Saturday at the Congreshal, marking a significant fundraising initiative for Suriname’s 50th anniversary of state independence. Within the first half-hour, the campaign successfully raised over SRD 10,000 through phone calls, SMS, physical donations, and bank transfers. The event, running until October 31, aims to collect a total of SRD 25 million. Organized by the Commission for 50 Years of State Independence, the Telethon seeks to fund the grand celebrations, estimated to cost SRD 65 million, with 60% of the funds allocated to schoolchildren and 40% to the festivities themselves. The initiative has garnered positive responses, including from the diaspora, as highlighted by coordinator Rachel Pinas. Influencers and TV personalities will engage with communities nationwide to encourage contributions, with the Congreshal serving as the central collection point. Pinas emphasized that donations can start from as little as SRD 50, urging everyone to participate generously.
-
News : Zapping…
In a significant operation on October 24, 2025, the Haitian National Police (PNH) targeted Laurent Bertony, alias ‘Ti Police,’ in Fonds-des-Blancs. Bertony, wanted for the assassination of police officer Rivaky Abner, was fatally shot while attempting to evade arrest. This operation underscores the PNH’s commitment to justice and public safety. Concurrently, France has reinforced its support for Haiti by training 48 specialized PNH officers from October 12 to 23. This initiative, involving units like BRI, SWAT, and UTAG, highlights international efforts to bolster Haiti’s security forces against criminal gangs. In the cultural sphere, Haiti mourns the loss of Dr. Michel Philippe Lerebours, a renowned art historian who passed away on October 25 in New York at the age of 91. His contributions to Haitian art have left an indelible mark. Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc on Haiti’s agriculture, devastating banana plantations and flooding cornfields, prompting urgent monitoring by the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO. In other news, Ms. Frantzia Gilles was appointed Chief of Staff at the Ministry for the Status of Women, and Allenby Augustin received the 2025 HSA Award for his dedication to preserving Haitian cultural heritage.
-
Ocoa coffee farmers face “disastrous” losses due to rain
The Orlando Mazara Coffee Growers Association (Asocaom) has declared the situation in the coffee-growing region of Quita Sueño, spanning seven areas in the Rancho Arriba municipality of San José de Ocoa, to be catastrophic in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s torrential rains. Daisy Encarnación Casado, the association’s coordinator, and Aris Peguero, project manager, revealed that the damage is extensive, with hundreds of quintals of coffee lost due to the severe weather. Producers are struggling to dry their grains due to the absence of drying tunnels and the destruction of local roads, leaving many farmers stranded on their properties. Additionally, the overflowing Nizao River near Montenegro has cut off access to several communities, isolating over 200 families. These families are now without medical services and face millions in losses from ruined coffee and other crops. In response, coffee growers have urgently appealed to President Luis Abinader to implement immediate measures to support the agricultural sector. They emphasized the critical importance of coffee production for reforestation, economic sustainability, and the livelihoods of local farmers. The association also called for the repair of local roads and the swift construction of a bridge over the Nizao River at the Montenegro Crossing to restore access and aid recovery efforts.
-
ASFA waarschuwt voor ‘resource curse’ door versnipperd local content-beleid
The Association of Surinamese Manufacturers (ASFA) has expressed deep concerns over the government’s approach to implementing its local content policy in preparation for the upcoming oil and gas production. Wilgo Bilkerdijk, ASFA’s director and former chairman, warns that Suriname risks repeating the economic mistakes of countries like Ghana and Nigeria, where oil revenues generated billions but failed to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. Bilkerdijk emphasizes that local content initiatives must not be tackled in isolation. ‘We lack a clear economic compass as a nation,’ he states. ‘Without a cohesive national vision and identified growth sectors, we’re merely mopping up with the tap still running.’
ASFA criticizes the fragmented execution of local content strategies, noting that while organizations like the Suriname Energy Chamber show commitment, the government lags in developing an overarching strategy. ‘The government seems reactive to oil and gas developments rather than proactively crafting policies that strengthen the entire economy,’ Bilkerdijk remarks. He underscores that local content should be part of a broader national transformation, addressing education, labor markets, investment laws, certification, and institutional strengthening simultaneously. ‘Without massive upscaling of vocational education and certification of workers and businesses, Suriname won’t be able to capitalize on the oil industry’s opportunities. Foreign labor will fill the gaps, marking the start of the resource curse.’
ASFA highlights that large-scale oil production is expected to begin within two years, yet the labor market remains unprepared. Studies reveal that Suriname’s workforce lacks the necessary skills to meet the oil sector’s demands. ‘If we don’t act swiftly, we’ll follow the path of Ghana and Nigeria, where multinationals reaped the benefits while local economies weakened and populations grew poorer,’ Bilkerdijk cautions. He also warns of the ‘Dutch disease,’ where the lucrative oil industry drains skilled workers from other sectors, undermining agriculture, industry, transport, and ICT—the foundations of sustainable growth.
ASFA urges the government to establish an inter-ministerial council involving the Ministries of Oil and Gas, Economic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Natural Resources. This council, Bilkerdijk suggests, should pave the way for a centrally coordinated national local content institute. ‘We need coherence between policy, legislation, and execution,’ he insists. ‘Local content must be part of a broader transformation strategy, supported by new investment laws, fiscal incentives, and certification. Otherwise, Suriname will be left with empty promises.’
Bilkerdijk calls for government-funded development financing to certify workers and businesses, enabling them to meet international oil and gas sector standards. ‘Oil presents a unique opportunity to scale our economy, but only if we invest in the people and businesses driving this transformation,’ he asserts. ASFA stresses that the time for action is now, reminding Suriname of its long-standing but unfulfilled rhetoric on economic diversification. ‘Every government talks about diversification, but no one makes decisions,’ Bilkerdijk concludes. ‘We must define our growth sectors and build policies around them. Otherwise, we’ll lose another historic chance. Without a national vision, profits will flow to multinationals, leaving the population in poverty. We must prevent this at all costs.’
-
Aerodom responds to the effects of Storm Melissa: “So far, no flights have been canceled”
As Hurricane Melissa advances toward the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic’s airports, managed by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), continue to operate without disruptions. Luis José López, Aerodom’s Communications Director, confirmed to arecoa.com on Sunday, October 26, that all scheduled flights are running as planned, with no cancellations reported. López emphasized that operations remain normal and that the concessionaire is prepared to communicate any changes to passengers through multiple channels if necessary. Aerodom has activated its Emergency Plan, with airport teams implementing preventive measures to ensure safety and operational continuity. Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 113–136 knots (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h), continues its slow but steady path past the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of intense downpours, thunderstorms, flooding, and mudslides. Experts note that the storm’s structure is reorganizing, with decreased upper-level winds potentially allowing it to strengthen further. Melissa is expected to reach Category 5 status before making landfall in Jamaica early next week.
-
Religion : First Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV
In the midst of Haiti’s ongoing turmoil, marked by violence, natural disasters, and systemic poverty, Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation, *Dilexi te* (Latin for ‘I have loved you’), has emerged as a beacon of hope. The document, which emphasizes Christ’s love for the poor and calls for the Church’s renewed commitment to the marginalized, has resonated deeply with Haiti’s suffering population. Bishop Pierre-André Dumas, Vice-President of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti, who is currently recovering in the United States after an attack by criminal gangs, has described the exhortation as a ‘prophetic text’ that speaks directly to the pain and aspirations of the Haitian people. The exhortation, signed on October 4, 2025, and published on October 9, 2025, underscores the moral imperative to address poverty, which Bishop Dumas argues is not an inevitability but a consequence of human choices. The document also finds relevance in the lives of Haiti’s most vulnerable, including victims of gang violence, migrants, and families displaced by natural disasters. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Bishop Dumas remains hopeful, citing the solidarity and faith of Haiti’s communities as evidence of divine benevolence. *Dilexi te* has been hailed as a transformative message that could inspire Haiti’s path to recovery and renewal.
-
Melissa: Nearly 100 people evacuated from Saona Island
In a swift and coordinated response to the impending threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Republic Navy (ARD), under the Ministry of Defense (MIDE), successfully evacuated 98 individuals from Saona Island this Saturday. The operation was executed as a preventive measure against the storm’s adverse effects, which have already brought heavy rainfall and high waves to the eastern and southern coasts of the country. The evacuation was part of a broader emergency response strategy led by the Ministry of Emergency Management (MIDE), which mobilized all available resources of the Armed Forces to support the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and civil authorities in ensuring public safety. Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, the Minister of Defense, directed the Navy to activate its emergency protocols, deploying surface naval units and specialized rescue teams. Vice Admiral Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez, Commander General of the Navy, emphasized the critical role of interoperability among Naval Commands, the Eastern Naval Zone, the Captaincy of the Ports, and the Dominican Maritime Authority in the operation’s success. ‘This swift action reflects the preparation, discipline, and commitment of our men and women of the sea, who respond with determination whenever the nation needs them,’ stated Vice Admiral Crisóstomo Martínez. The evacuees were safely transported to the Port of Bayahibe, where they received immediate assistance from relief agencies. The Ministry of Defense reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives, safety, and well-being of its citizens, with air, naval, and land resources remaining on standby to address any further challenges posed by Storm Melissa.