Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Atompai steunt onderwijsactie: Leerkrachten kunnen niet blijven wachten

    Atompai steunt onderwijsactie: Leerkrachten kunnen niet blijven wachten

    A senior Surinamese parliamentary figure has publicly thrown his full support behind a national collective action by teachers, calling on the government to end years of broken promises and deliver tangible improvements to educators’ underpaid and under-resourced working conditions.

    Poetini Atompai, a member of the National Assembly for the NPS party and chair of the body’s permanent education committee, told local outlet Starnieuws he aligns entirely with the joint education unions’ call for teachers to stay away from work starting Monday to participate in a national consultation over long-outstanding demands. The action will remain in place until the government implements concrete steps to honor prior agreements and meet long-overdue financial commitments to the nation’s teaching workforce.

    Atompai, who previously led the Surinamese Police Union, argues that after years of empty pledges, the government can no longer delay providing clear answers on when and how educators’ professional and financial standing will be improved. He stressed that financial constraints cannot be an indefinite excuse for the persistent struggles teachers face, noting that many currently survive on a monthly salary of just 13,000 Surinamese dollars, paired with inadequate work infrastructure and support. This current situation is no longer sustainable, he added.

    Since taking office as a lawmaker, Atompai says he has repeatedly raised alarm over teachers’ legal and employment rights, bringing the issue to the attention of relevant authorities across the government. “Teachers have no visibility into any improvements to their situation. We promised them progress, and now we owe them clarity on what will be done, how it will happen and when it will happen. That is why this action is necessary right now,” Atompai stated.

    He pushed back on the government’s justification of limited public finances, arguing that this does not justify abandoning the country’s educators. “If there is no money, are teachers just supposed to die?” he asked. Atompai recalled that the current administration raised expectations for improved living standards during its election campaign, and it therefore has a binding responsibility to deliver on those promises.

    Drawing on his observations over the past year in office, Atompai offered a sharp rebuke of the country’s political leadership. “Based on everything I have seen over the past year in politics, my clear conclusion is this: the political establishment has other priorities. Moving the country forward is not its number one goal,” he said.

    Currently, the government and the Ministry of Education are holding ongoing negotiations with the education unions over the demands.

  • Mother’s Day, Messages of Tribute to Haitian Mothers

    Mother’s Day, Messages of Tribute to Haitian Mothers

    As Haiti marked its 2026 Mother’s Day celebration on January 6, senior government officials across multiple cabinet portfolios have issued public tributes recognizing the extraordinary resilience, sacrifice and foundational role of Haitian mothers both at home and across the global diaspora. The tribute comes as the Caribbean nation continues to grapple with widespread political instability, insecurity and widespread uncertainty that has disrupted daily life for millions of Haitian citizens.

    In his official address, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé extended a solemn message of gratitude to all Haitian mothers, framing them as unshakable pillars of the nation. ‘In the midst of the turmoil our country is experiencing, they remain steadfast,’ the prime minister stated. He described Haitian mothers as living symbols of courage, dignity, and unwavering hope, noting that their daily sacrifices, boundless love and quiet faith keep families intact and preserve the shared values that bind Haitian society together.

    Fils-Aimé emphasized that these women serve as the quiet but indispensable foundation of national cohesion. By nurturing solidarity within their communities and households, Haitian mothers reinforce a core truth: that national unity is Haiti’s greatest strength, and long-term stability is rooted first in the love and connection of the home. ‘The Government bows before these women who, despite insecurity, fear, and uncertainty, continue to protect, educate, and love, without ever giving up,’ he said. ‘It is thanks to them that the hope for a more stable and fraternal future remains alive.’

    Closing his address, the prime minister extended the nation’s formal gratitude: ‘To you, mothers of Haiti: the Republic thanks you. Your strength honors the Nation. Your love shows us the way. Together, hand in hand, we will build upon your solid foundations a more united, more peaceful, and prouder Haiti. Happy Mother’s Day! May God bless every Haitian mother and protect Haiti.’

    Valéry Fils-Aimé, Haiti’s Minister of the Environment, also released a tribute centering the contributions of mothers working within his department and across the country. He praised the tireless commitment of Haitian mothers who balance professional responsibilities protecting Haiti’s natural environment—one of the nation’s most valuable shared heritage—with their demanding roles as caregivers and family leaders. ‘Through their courage, their sense of duty, their selflessness, and their constant commitment, they contribute every day to the smooth functioning of the institution and to the noble mission of protecting our environment,’ he noted. He added that even amid daily challenges, these women carry out their work with unwavering professionalism, pride and dignity, while still showing boundless devotion to their families. Fils-Aimé extended his gratitude for their contributions to national sustainable development and community well-being, wishing all Haitian mothers a day of joy and well-earned recognition.

    Kathia VERDIER, Minister for Haitians Living Abroad, used the occasion to shine a particular spotlight on Haitian mothers in the global diaspora. She highlighted the daily struggles these mothers face, from geographic separation from their extended communities to systemic and economic challenges, as they work tirelessly to build better futures for their children and support their families back in Haiti. ‘Despite distance, difficulties, and separation, [these mothers] continue to be the pillars of their families,’ Verdier stated, praising their strength, determination and commitment to core Haitian values, before extending holiday wishes to all mothers.

    In a break from official statements, Pedrica SAINT JEAN, Minister for the Status of Women, marked the occasion with on-the-ground outreach to new mothers. On May 31, Saint Jean visited two healthcare facilities: a hospital in Delmas 33 and the Eliazar Germain Hospital Center in Pétion-Ville, where she distributed essential maternity care kits to dozens of women who had recently given birth. During her visits, she commended the extraordinary courage, resilience and dedication that all Haitian mothers demonstrate, even amid daily hardship, noting their irreplaceable role in holding families together and driving long-term societal progress. She also reaffirmed her ministry’s ongoing support for Haitian mothers on the day dedicated to honoring their contributions.

    Rounding out the government’s tributes, Minister of Public Works Pierre Louis drew a connection between national development and the work of mothers. ‘Building the future of a nation is not just about infrastructure; it begins with the love, education, and resilience that you transmit every day,’ he said. ‘Through your sacrifices, you pave the most beautiful paths: those of life and hope. Honor and respect to you.’

  • Long Bay Zen Resort Will Not Affect Public Beach Access

    Long Bay Zen Resort Will Not Affect Public Beach Access

    During a recent appearance on his weekly ‘Browne and Browne’ radio program Saturday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to dismiss growing public and political criticism over the newly groundbreaking Long Bay Zen Resort, pushing back hard against claims that the luxury tourism development will block public access to the popular Long Bay Beach.

    A core point of contention raised by opponents, including political figure Comrade Knight, centers on assertions that the resort project will seize remaining public beachfront land and close off the coastline to local residents. Browne refuted these claims emphatically, clarifying that the new resort is being constructed exclusively on the footprint of the original Long Bay Hotel, a hospitality site that has operated on the stretch of coast for more than 50 years. Far from being a new encroachment on public coastal lands, he framed the project as a long-planned redevelopment of existing private tourism property.

    The project’s timeline dates back more than a decade, Browne explained. Developers acquired the former hotel property roughly 11 years ago, with initial plans for a much larger buildout. The initiative faced a major setback when investors lost tens of millions of dollars deposited in an offshore bank that collapsed into financial distress, pushing back construction for years. Despite the major financial hit, Browne noted that the development consortium remained committed to moving the project forward, bringing the long-delayed initiative to the groundbreaking stage this year.

    Browne also addressed lingering controversy surrounding a one-acre beachfront plot that was previously owned by his son, a point critics have flagged as a potential conflict of interest. He laid out the full history of the parcel, explaining that it first entered the market when the prior owner of the Long Bay Hotel, Chris LaFourie, sold it in 2014. A previous plan under the former United Progressive Party (UPP) administration had proposed acquiring this plot as part of an earlier hotel expansion, a move that Browne’s Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) opposed at the time out of concern that it would reduce public beach access for local residents.

    That earlier proposal ultimately fell through, and the parcel was returned to the open market, where multiple private buyers expressed interest. Browne confirmed that his son purchased the one-acre plot for $750,000 in a private transaction, before later selling it to the Chinese development group behind the Long Bay Zen Resort for $1.5 million. The prime minister emphasized that the entire deal was a straightforward transaction between two private entities, with no improper access to public land or policy favors involved.

    The luxury Long Bay Zen Resort, which recently held its groundbreaking ceremony on Antigua’s eastern coast, is designed to include 120 guest rooms as a high-end tourism destination aimed at boosting the island nation’s hospitality sector. Browne’s comments come as part of ongoing efforts to build public trust and address misinformation surrounding the project ahead of its continued development.

  • National Youth Council of Dominica elects new Executive Committee; outgoing president describes tenure as rewarding and challenging

    National Youth Council of Dominica elects new Executive Committee; outgoing president describes tenure as rewarding and challenging

    The National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) has formally ushered in a new term of youth leadership, wrapping up its electoral process to seat a new 2026–2028 Executive Committee that will steer the organization’s work for the next two years.

    Heading the new leadership slate is President Yannick Regis, while Jemima Mills has taken up the role of General Assembly Chairman. The full executive team includes Dylan Registe as First Vice President, Keanu Winston as Second Vice President, and Shervin Dominique stepping into the position of Communications Lead. Rounding out the elected body are Nicole Eustache, who serves as Assistant Secretary Treasurer, and two additional members at large: Dezarie Burnette and Jeanique Hypolite.

    The handover of power comes as outgoing NYCD President Phael Lander delivered a reflective farewell address, looking back on his tenure as one of the most transformative periods of his life, marked by both profound rewards and significant leadership hurdles. Lander opened up about the unseen challenges of guiding the youth council, noting that every public initiative and official appearance was undergirded by unspoken hardships, from navigating stretched budgets to weathering unexpected crises that hit the organization in recent years.

    Among the most severe setbacks Lander highlighted were a series of damaging incidents at NYCD headquarters: a fire on May 5 that caused extensive water damage from firefighting efforts, followed shortly by a burglary that left the organization reeling. Even with limited resources and compounded adversity, Lander emphasized that the entire council community showed remarkable resilience to keep its programs running for young Dominicans.

    In his address, Lander expressed sincere gratitude to the departing executive, partner organizations, affiliated youth groups, volunteer workers, and young people across Dominica for their steadfast support through turbulent times. While he acknowledged that he left office with unmet goals that he had hoped to deliver, he stressed that every decision and effort during his tenure was rooted in a single core mission: serving the needs of the Dominican youth population.

    Offering key guidance to the incoming executive team, Lander urged the new leaders to prioritize collaborative work, anchor all decisions in the NYCD constitution, avoid letting personal conflicts or individual ambition distract from the organization’s core mission, and always retain sight of their foundational purpose for entering public service. He reminded the new team that the National Youth Council as an institution far outlasts any individual leader, noting that elected officials are only temporary caretakers of the organization’s mission.

    Lander closed by thanking Dominican youth for the trust they extended to him during his tenure, and for holding him accountable throughout his time in office. Even as he steps down from the presidency, Lander reaffirmed that his commitment to advancing youth development in Dominica remains unshaken. “The title may be gone, but the commitment to youth development remains. The work continues,” he said.

  • Guyana Bar Association’s election heads to court- Attorney Darren Wade

    Guyana Bar Association’s election heads to court- Attorney Darren Wade

    On Sunday, May 31, 2026, defeated candidate and attorney-at-law Darren Wade announced plans to mount a legal challenge to last Friday’s Guyana Bar Association (GBA) Council election, claiming ineligible voters were permitted to cast ballots in direct violation of the professional body’s bylaws.

    Wade, whose slate of candidates lost to the opposing ticket led by incoming GBA President Arudranauth Gossai, confirmed his firm intention to file a lawsuit over the disputed poll. He told Demerara Waves Online News that the core of the legal challenge rests on the GBA’s decision to allow government-employed attorneys, who hold non-private practice positions, to vote. Under GBA regulations, only full private practice attorneys qualify for regular voting membership, while government-employed and other non-private practitioners are limited to associate membership that carries no voting rights.

    The contested election was held via a virtual Zoom Annual General Meeting (AGM), which the GBA says drew the highest number of attending members in the organization’s history. But Wade alleged that after he raised formal objections to the presence of government-employed attorneys in the voting process, GBA organizers allowed these ineligible participants to remain. He added that official records do not clearly identify who cast ballots, despite preliminary data indicating that 100 percent of the ineligible government-employed lawyers he identified participated in the vote.

    Citing explicit GBA bylaws, Wade explained that Section 3 of the organization’s governing rules restricts voting membership exclusively to attorneys engaged in full private practice, defined as attorneys not employed by the state. All other attorneys, including those on government payrolls, are restricted to associate membership, which explicitly excludes voting rights, a restriction that is also clearly posted on the GBA’s official website. Wade emphasized that the election’s core irregularity stems from organizers’ failure to adhere to these longstanding rules.

    The GBA has formally confirmed that Gossai’s ticket defeated Wade’s slate to take control of the 2026-2027 GBA Council. The new leadership includes former GBA President Kamal Ramkarran as First Vice-President, Teni Housty as Second Vice-President, Yashmini Singh as re-elected Secretary, Samuel Glasgow as Treasurer, and Mohanie Anganoo as Assistant Secretary. Seven additional members, including senior counsels Robin Stoby and Jamela Ali, were elected to fill at-large Council seats. Wade has criticized that the GBA only released vote results as percentages, refusing to publish raw vote totals to verify the outcome.

    Ramkarran, who served as outgoing GBA President during the election, has rejected Wade’s allegations outright. In a May 25 response to Wade’s pre-election concerns, Ramkarran denied any rules were broken and challenged Wade to produce concrete evidence to back his claims. “Despite your allegations, I must point out that the Bar Association’s rules have been complied with in every regard, as always. If you are aware of any rule in particular which has been inadvertently missed, I would be grateful if you could bring it to our attention,” Ramkarran said. He also dismissed as “untrue and defamatory” Wade’s claim that the outgoing Council refused to commit to a transparent, free and fair election without intervention from senior independent members of the legal profession.

    Wade’s concerns over electoral fairness predated the Friday vote. In the lead-up to the election, he raised multiple red flags about procedural irregularities, including his claim that a number of eligible voting members were not invited to the virtual AGM. He also formally requested key procedural details ahead of the poll, including the identity of the appointed Returning Officer, formal rules governing nominations, voting, counting and result declarations, Zoom platform participant access and capacity controls, constitutional provisions governing the election, contingency plans for technical failures, and a complete official list of eligible voters. Wade also warned of an uneven playing field, noting that the incumbent GBA leadership had full access to all member contact and eligibility data that was not shared equally with all competing candidate slates.

    This electoral controversy comes amid a similar recent dispute in Guyana’s independent professional bodies: just prior to the GBA vote, elections for the Guyana Press Association (GPA) were also marred by allegations of partisan political preference from the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC).

  • DNA-voorzitter kondigt evaluatie van nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek aan

    DNA-voorzitter kondigt evaluatie van nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek aan

    Suriname’s parliament, the Nationale Assemblée (DNA), is set to conduct a comprehensive, systematic review of how the country’s new Civil Code (BW) functions in real-world practice, DNA Chairman Michael Adhin announced Friday at a legal industry gathering in Paramaribo.

    Addressing attendees of the “Legal Lunch Suriname: From Code to Workplace — Book 2 BW & Governance in Practice” event hosted by the Leadership Academy at the Radisson Hotel, Adhin emphasized that a legislative body’s work does not end when a bill is passed into law. The event brought together legal practitioners, compliance officers, organizational leaders, regulators, and business representatives to discuss the ongoing rollout of the new Civil Code and the role of strong governance across institutions.

    “A law is not an end product, it is simply one phase in a continuous cycle,” Adhin told the gathered audience. He noted that while the public typically only sees the legislative process from bill drafting through official publication in the state gazette, the true value and impact of any law only emerges during day-to-day implementation. This post-enactment assessment, he argued, is a core responsibility of parliament that too often goes unaddressed.

    Adhin pointed out that gaps frequently emerge between the text of a law written in the legislative chamber and its application for ordinary people, businesses, and public institutions. A law can only prove it is workable, delivers meaningful social value, and aligns with on-the-ground realities once it is put into use, making systematic post-implementation evaluation a foundational element of accountable governance and high-quality lawmaking.

    The new Surinamese Civil Code received parliamentary approval in 2024 and officially entered into force on May 1, 2025. Given the sweeping scope of this landmark legal reform, Adhin explained that a structured review is critical to understanding its real-world impact, drawing a parallel to similar legal overhauls in the Netherlands, where reforms are rolled out and assessed in gradual phases to address unforeseen challenges.

    To carry out the evaluation, Adhin announced three concrete initiatives led by the Nationale Assemblée. First, the body will establish a permanent consultation platform structured similarly to parliament’s existing Academic Week, to facilitate ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and lawmakers. Second, a dedicated digital reporting portal will be launched, allowing ordinary citizens, legal professionals, and organizations to flag specific provisions that cause confusion or create practical bottlenecks in daily use. Third, three DNA-appointed independent experts will integrate insights and recommendations shared during the Legal Lunch into the formal evaluation framework.

    Adhin stressed that the discussions at the one-day event would not be merely academic: the insights collected through these channels will be used to refine the Civil Code and strengthen future legislative drafting in Suriname. “What is exchanged here today will absolutely not go to waste,” he said. “These on-the-ground experiences and perspectives will help us build a clear, accurate picture of how the new Civil Code is working, and drive the ongoing development of more effective, responsive legislation for all Surinamese.”

  • Prosecutor’s fixation on spent shell puzzles judge

    Prosecutor’s fixation on spent shell puzzles judge

    The high-profile murder trial involving six active-duty Jamaican law enforcement officers is set to reconvene on Tuesday, with a key procedural dispute over a single spent bullet casing taking center stage for courtroom arguments.

    The six officers — Sergeant Simroy Mott, Corporal Donovan Fullerton, Constables Andrew Smith, Sheldon Richards, Orandy Rose, and Richard Lynch — stand accused of the 2013 shooting deaths of three men: Matthew Lee, Ucliffe Dyer, and Mark Allen. Fullerton faces an additional charge of submitting a false statement to Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations, the country’s police oversight body.

    The incident dates back to January 12, 2013, when the three victims were travelling through the Barbican neighborhood of St Andrew in a blue Mitsubishi Outlander. According to initial official accounts, officers signaled the vehicle to pull over, and after a brief delay, the driver stopped. Prosecutors allege that three men exited the vehicle and opened fire on police, triggering a shootout that left the three men dead, while a fourth suspect escaped the scene. Two unregistered firearms were recovered from the area after the gunfight.

    Investigators collected dozens of spent bullet casings from the Acadia Drive crime scene, near its intersection with Evans Avenue, and submitted all evidence to the Government Forensic Laboratory for ballistics testing. A total of 14 5.56mm casings, alleged to have been fired by the responding officers’ service weapons, were packaged together in a single envelope for analysis. Of these 14 casings, 12 were definitively matched to three police rifles used on the day of the shooting. Two casings, however, had no matching weapon on record — one of which was visibly damaged after being run over by a vehicle.

    Lead prosecutor Kathy-Ann Pyke has made the unmatched damaged casing a point of focus, demanding that the case’s veteran ballistics expert, a laboratory superintendent with nearly 20 years of experience in firearms analysis, re-examine the casing by running it through the lab’s computerized matching system to determine its origin. Pyke has argued that the extra step is necessary to properly label the casing as corresponding to crime scene marker number one, which has already been presented to the court via photographic evidence. She said the request comes as a precautionary measure to avoid mixing the casing up with other 5.56mm ammunition evidence collected from the scene.

    But High Court Judge Sonia Bertram-Linton has repeatedly questioned the relevance of the request since proceedings began on Friday, expressing confusion over why the single casing needs to be singled out for additional testing. The judge noted that the request introduces new evidence that would require full disclosure to the defense, and that she could already anticipate an objection from the defense team. Before the judge could finish her remark, lead defense attorney Hugh Wildman immediately voiced his objection to the proposal.

    Wildman’s unusual offhand comment — “I did not attend Ward 21 before I came here” — sparked a brief back-and-forth in the courtroom, before the judge encouraged the prosecution to move forward with the proceedings. Wildman’s co-counsel, Althea Grant-Coppin and John Jacobs, have formally objected to allowing any additional analysis of the casing, arguing that the full ballistics report has already been submitted to the court as evidence.

    When the trial resumes today, both the prosecution and defense will present full arguments on whether the additional testing should be allowed, after which Judge Bertram-Linton will issue a formal ruling. Following the ruling, the defense is scheduled to begin its cross-examination of the ballistics expert witness.

  • IDEICE explores alliance with University of Chicago to strengthen public policies in the Dominican Republic

    IDEICE explores alliance with University of Chicago to strengthen public policies in the Dominican Republic

    CHICAGO — A delegation of senior researchers and administrative leaders from the Dominican Institute for Evaluation and Research of Educational Quality (IDEICE) has completed a working visit to Chicago, where they held targeted collaborative talks with experts from the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) as part of a landmark project to launch the Dominican Republic’s first evidence-focused public policy laboratory.

    Headed by IDEICE Executive Director Jesús Andújar Avilés, the delegation traveled to the University of Chicago’s main campus to meet with DIL leadership, including DIL Faculty Director Ryan Cooper, Executive Director Emely Cupito, and a team of senior research fellows specializing in public sector innovation. Over the course of the two-day working meeting, the two groups held in-depth exchanges on three core themes: frameworks for scaling successful public innovation projects, rigorous methodological approaches to evidence-based policy evaluation, and concrete pathways for long-term partnership to adapt DIL’s proven model to the Dominican Republic’s unique policy context.

    During the visit, IDEICE representatives also gained detailed insights into DIL’s ongoing global portfolio, which leverages advanced data analytics, impact evaluation, and randomized control trial methods to tackle pressing social challenges from poverty to public health access, all with the goal of helping governments craft more effective, equitable public policies. In a post-visit statement, IDEICE emphasized that the trip builds on the institution’s longstanding mission to expand domestic research, innovation, and policy evaluation capacity across the Dominican Republic. The planned public policy lab, when established, will serve as a central hub for translating rigorous applied research into actionable, high-impact policy decisions that benefit Dominican communities, the statement added.

  • Abinader receives Suriname President at the National Palace

    Abinader receives Suriname President at the National Palace

    On Monday, a key moment of diplomatic exchange unfolded in Santo Domingo, as Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader extended a formal, high-profile welcome to his Surinamese counterpart Jennifer Geerlings-Simons at the National Palace. The visit marks a deliberate push by both Caribbean nations to deepen longstanding bilateral relations and unlock new areas of cross-border cooperation that align with their shared national interests.

    To mark the significance of the official visit, Geerlings-Simons was greeted with full traditional military honors befitting a head of state. The ceremonial opening included a 21-gun salute, the official playing of both the Dominican Republic and Suriname national anthems, and a formal inspection of the Dominican honor guard by the visiting leader. Once the formal welcome ceremony concluded, the two heads of state first convened for a closed-door private meeting to discuss core priority issues, before transitioning to expanded bilateral talks that included full senior delegations from both governments. These broader discussions covered a wide range of topics of mutual concern to both nations.

    The structured official agenda for the visit outlines a series of key diplomatic milestones. Among the scheduled events are the signing of multiple new bilateral agreements, the release of a joint formal declaration outlining shared priorities, and an official luncheon hosted by President Abinader in honor of his visiting counterpart. Geerlings-Simons is also set to pay her respects at Santo Domingo’s Altar of the Fatherland, before attending a formal reception hosted by the Dominican government. On Tuesday, the final day of the visit, the Surinamese president will travel to the Dominican National Congress, hold meetings with top legislative leaders, and take part in a special parliamentary session before wrapping up her official visit to the country.

  • Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrives in Dominican Republic for official visit

    Suriname President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons arrives in Dominican Republic for official visit

    PUNTA CANA – Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons touched down in the Dominican Republic Saturday, kicking off an official working visit that will extend through June 2. The visiting head of state was greeted with full military honors upon arrival, and received by high-ranking Dominican government representatives, including senior officials from the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the Dominican diplomatic mission stationed in Suriname. Geerlings-Simons is not traveling alone; a delegation of senior Surinamese government officials, including Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva and Transport, Communications and Tourism Minister Raymond Landveld, is accompanying her throughout the visit.

    On Monday, the diplomatic schedule will center on high-level talks at the Dominican National Palace, where Geerlings-Simons is set to hold a full slate of official meetings with Dominican President Luis Abinader. The packed agenda opens with a closed-door private bilateral discussion between the two leaders, followed by plenary talks between the full delegations from both nations. After the discussions, the two sides will hold a formal signing ceremony for multiple new cooperation agreements, before issuing a joint official declaration outlining shared priorities. Following the meetings, Geerlings-Simons will join Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez to lay a wreath and pay respects at the Altar of the Fatherland, a prominent national memorial in the country.

    Tuesday will bring the next phase of diplomatic engagement: the Surinamese president is scheduled to hold talks with top Dominican congressional leaders before delivering a landmark address to a joint session of the Dominican bicameral legislature.

    This official visit marks a key milestone in the steadily growing bilateral relationship between the Dominican Republic and Suriname. Over recent years, the two Caribbean nations have actively expanded collaborative frameworks across a range of high-priority sectors, including energy, hydrocarbon development, agriculture, and commercial air services. Recent diplomatic efforts and existing agreements have centered on three core mutual goals: increasing bilateral trade volumes, advancing shared progress in sustainable energy development, and deepening cross-sector collaboration that benefits both nations’ populations and economies.