分类： society

A poignant tribute unfolded as Henry Does presented the first copies of the memorial publication “BRAM BEHR – A Working Class Hero Is Something to Be” to the children of the late Surinamese activist on what would have been his 75th birthday. The commemorative work emerged from a deeply personal request by Vladi, Behr’s youngest son, who sought photographs of his father who was tragically executed at age 31 during Suriname’s December Murders of 1982.

The publication’s title draws inspiration from contributor Wim Bakker’s recollection of their 1970s collaboration producing the progressive publication Rode Surinamer. Bakker reveals how John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” became their anthem, with its resonant chorus line ultimately providing the volume’s thematic foundation. “We had no idea then that this song was about him,” Bakker reflects.

Ronald Snijders contributes musical memories of Behr’s dedication as first violinist in the Volksmuziekschool Youth Orchestra, where his exceptional talent rapidly elevated him to concertmaster position. Snijders expresses profound shock at Behr’s eventual fate, noting that while the activist fiercely opposed injustice, he never employed physical violence.

The work contains particularly moving historical documentation, including Rita Rahman’s account of the journalistic solidarity between Behr and Leslie Rahman (another December Murders victim). She reproduces Behr’s heartbreaking April 25, 1982 letter to his nine-year-old son Raoul, written during imprisonment: “Those naughty soldiers put me in a dark cell for eight days, just like a thief. It wasn’t pleasant, but every day I thought of you. And of all the children outside who are hungry and poor.”

Personal testimonies continue with Marjan Markelo’s remembrance of Behr as her mathematics teacher in Moengo, describing his transformative pedagogical approach that encouraged critical inquiry and looking beyond surface appearances. Former AMS director and teacher Ronald Venetiaan contributes a powerful closing message urging Behr’s descendants to preserve his positive militant spirit while contextualizing his communist ideals within Suriname’s complex political landscape.

The memorial volume features extensive photographic documentation alongside contributions from numerous intellectuals and activists, concluding with a solemn memorial page honoring all fifteen victims of the December 8, 1982 executions.

Business representatives from the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB) have held urgent consultations with Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath to address the country’s worsening security crisis. The meeting was prompted by alarming reports from VSB members indicating a sharp increase in violent robberies targeting retailers, distribution companies, and other high-risk enterprises.

During the high-level discussions, VSB officials emphasized that armed robberies and violent incidents are causing substantial financial losses while simultaneously undermining Suriname’s investment climate and threatening employment stability. According to the association’s bulletin Nieuwslijn, both business owners and employees increasingly feel unsafe while conducting their professional activities.

The business association advocated for immediate, tangible security measures within a clear legal framework to enable better protection of personnel and commercial operations. VSB leadership stressed the critical importance of establishing structured collaboration between the Justice Ministry, security services, and private sector entities. Proposed solutions included developing joint action plans for specific districts and enhancing information sharing mechanisms.

Minister Monorath acknowledged the necessity of business community participation in combating criminal activities. Both parties expressed commitment to intensifying their dialogue and developing a coordinated strategy to reduce crime rates and enhance security measures for businesses and society overall. They agreed to continue discussions in the immediate future to formalize this collaborative approach.

Suriname commemorated a significant milestone on Sunday, January 18th, celebrating the 40th anniversary of World Religion Day—four decades of sustained interreligious dialogue, cooperation, and community engagement. Organized by the Suriname World Religion Day Foundation, this year’s event embraced the theme ‘Together We Form the Whole – Wi Na Wan,’ emphasizing that every religious tradition and citizen constitutes an essential component of Surinamese society.

The gathering took place at the Arya Dewaker Multipurpose Hall in Paramaribo, attracting representatives from diverse faith communities, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and government officials. Multiple speakers addressed the audience, exploring the theme from various religious perspectives with the shared objective of highlighting common values and strengthening national unity.

World Religion Day, established in 1986, has evolved into a global initiative promoting religious harmony and mutual understanding. In Suriname—a nation renowned for its rich religious and cultural diversity—the observance holds particular significance as a symbol of peaceful coexistence amid differences.

This 40th edition underscores the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue, respect, and collaboration across religious boundaries. The organization extended an open invitation for collective reflection on the unifying values that define Suriname, further solidifying the country’s exemplary role in regional religious harmony.