分类： politics

In a significant political development, Guyana’s Parliament commenced its new session on Monday in the capital city of Georgetown, with dozens of newly elected members taking their oaths. Among them was Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), who was sworn in despite facing criminal charges in the United States and being subject to sanctions. WIN secured 16 of the 29 opposition seats in the recent general elections, solidifying its position as the leading opposition party. Mohamed’s formal induction as a parliamentarian took place during a special session at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. However, his appointment has sparked controversy due to his ongoing legal battles. Mohamed is sanctioned by the U.S. government and faces multiple charges in Florida, including money laundering, tax evasion, and gold smuggling. Critics have labeled his swearing-in as a ‘shameful first for Guyana’s Parliament,’ while WIN supporters hail it as a historic moment, emphasizing Mohamed’s electoral mandate. The situation raises questions about the integrity and credibility of the Parliament, as it grants a position to a member under significant legal scrutiny. Mohamed and his father are currently on bail in Guyana, required to report weekly to the police and surrender their passports. The possibility of extradition to the U.S. remains open, with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo clarifying that parliamentary status does not grant immunity from extradition or prosecution.

In a move that has sent shockwaves across Suriname, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) quietly issued a decree just days before the May 2025 elections, transferring ownership of the Leonsberg Pier and its surrounding land to a private individual, Sandiep Seemangal. This decision, seemingly routine on paper, has profound implications for the community, as the pier has long served as a vital public facility connecting Paramaribo and Commewijne, and a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Braamspoint and the mangroves. The privatization has left over 70 boat operators, fishermen, and tour guides in legal limbo, effectively barring them from using the pier they’ve relied on for decades. The Leonsberg Pier is more than just a docking point; it symbolizes free access to the river and the interconnectedness of Suriname’s communities. The timing of the transfer, finalized just days before the elections, has raised suspicions of last-minute political favoritism. Minister Stanley Soeropawiro and Assembly Member Bronto Somohardjo have both called for the land to be returned to the state, but reversing the decision will require a court order—a daunting task given the GBB’s backlog of nearly 900 lawsuits over disputed land claims. This incident is not isolated but reflects a broader erosion of integrity in governance, where public assets are increasingly privatized for political gain. The Leonsberg Pier case underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to protect public resources and restore trust in Suriname’s institutions. As the nation grapples with this crisis, the question remains: if even the river is no longer free, where does justice lie?

In response to recent reports on Starnieuws regarding the allocation of land near the Leonsberg docking pier, Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in the National Assembly, has summoned Ann Sadi, President of the Boat Owners Association, and her members for an urgent meeting. The discussion is scheduled to take place later today. Somohardjo expressed his frustration, stating, ‘The irregularities are becoming unbearable. The events of the past period defy all decency.’ He highlighted that ownership parcels have been leased, parking spaces of football clubs, public roads, and even nature reserves have been appropriated. ‘It is utterly scandalous and nauseating,’ he added. The parliamentarian emphasized that the recent allocation of the Leonsberg pier symbolizes deeper issues within the land allocation policy. ‘I meet people daily who come seeking their rights, crying and desperate. Enough is enough. The people demand action, not words,’ Somohardjo asserted. He expressed full support for President Jennifer Simons and Minister Stanley Soeropawiro in their efforts to return public facilities to the people. ‘Soft measures only worsen the problem. It’s time to correct what has gone wrong, protect the people, and confront the perpetrators,’ he stressed. Somohardjo mentioned that the Permanent Committee will consider legal steps to prevent public lands, bridges, and piers from falling into private hands without legal basis.