分类： society

Suriname has marked a significant milestone in industrial safety with the completion of an intensive chemical security training program, the first of its kind in the nation meeting international standards. The three-week program, concluded Monday at Bux Engineering facilities, equipped specialists with advanced techniques to handle hazardous materials and counter CBRN threats—Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear hazards.

Anwar Alibux, CEO of Bux Engineering, emphasized the program’s critical importance given Suriname’s regular importation of radioactive sources for medical applications and oil/gas sector operations. The training utilized specialized equipment and methodologies previously unavailable in the country, addressing significant gaps in handling explosives, laboratory chemicals, industrial cleaning agents, and mining raw materials.

The curriculum extensively covered transport and storage protocols for dangerous substances—areas where Suriname has historically underperformed. Participants received instruction on identifying chemicals potentially misused for manufacturing chemical/biological weapons or illegal narcotics. Additional modules included oil spill cleanup procedures and emergency response techniques.

This initiative became possible after Surinamese specialists successfully completed the international Associate Program of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in October. The OPCW, a United Nations-affiliated independent body based in The Hague, oversees the global chemical weapons ban.

Twelve specialists from four private companies—Muhaarib Security NV, Yamuna NV, Suriname Drones Services NV, and Bux Engineering—participated in this inaugural session. The program will expand in 2026 to include more private enterprises and government agencies, offering modular training ranging from three days to six weeks depending on specialization.

Alibux highlighted the urgent need for such investment: ‘Dozens of annual chemical incidents in Suriname go unreported, while improper chemical handling causes chronic health issues among laboratory and industrial workers. The critical missing element is a 24/7 HAZMAT response capability for inspections and emergencies. Currently, adequate response to chemical incidents or disasters often takes days.’

A devastating domestic incident in Richelieu, Suriname, has escalated into a national tragedy claiming ten lives, including the perpetrator, exposing profound institutional failures across multiple sectors. The catastrophe began when a man assumed custody of five young children following their mother’s departure from the family, creating a pressure cooker environment that culminated in mass murder.

Multiple warning signs preceded the violence, with close contacts aware of the deteriorating situation. Yet despite clear indicators of escalating tension, no effective intervention occurred. The tragedy highlights critical deficiencies in Suriname’s crisis response infrastructure, particularly the absence of 24/7 emergency hotlines and specialized agencies equipped to handle pre-criminal emergencies.

The sequence of failures continued after the initial violence. When neighbors attempted intervention, they became additional victims. Police responding to the scene reported being forced to use lethal force against the threatening suspect, who sustained injuries before being transported to emergency care. Following medical treatment, authorities deemed him fit for incarceration.

In a shocking development, the suspect subsequently died by suicide within his police cell using medical bandages—raising serious questions about institutional protocols. How could someone with gunshot wounds, experiencing severe psychological distress, be discharged from hospital care directly into police custody? What observation and safety measures were implemented? Who determined his suitability for detention, and who ultimately bore responsibility for his welfare?

This case represents not isolated errors but systemic collapse across social services, mental health support, law enforcement, and judicial systems. The tragedy underscores the absence of coordinated crisis management and preventive mechanisms in Surinamese society.

Suriname now faces urgent questions about creating functional safety networks before situations escalate into violence. The nation must establish clear protocols for overload, domestic violence, and despair cases while ensuring proper safeguards for individuals in state custody, regardless of their crimes.

As the country declares a National Day of Mourning, the conversation must extend beyond sympathy toward concrete institutional reform. Without implementing substantive changes and learning from these catastrophic failures, society risks repeating similar tragedies through continued systemic neglect.

In the wake of the devastating family tragedy in Richelieu, Commewijne district, Suriname has established a temporary relief fund to provide comprehensive aftercare support for three severely affected families. The initiative was spearheaded by Assembly member Ann Sadi (NDP), who collaborated with two others to create the Community Service Commewijne fund.

Sadi, a Commewijne resident with personal connections to the impacted families, explained the fund emerged from overwhelming public demand. “I received countless calls from both within Suriname and abroad from people desperate to help but lacking proper channels,” Sadi stated. Accepting personal donations directly was not an option—transparency and accountability were paramount.

In coordination with banking authorities, the fund established three separate accounts denominated in SRD, USD, and EUR. The structure incorporates stringent financial controls: none of the three authorized signatories can independently withdraw funds. All transactions require unanimous consent among all three parties with direct bank supervision, ensuring complete transparency for donors.

The authorized signatories include Melanie Drakenstein (family representative), Ann Sadi, and Gloria Bottse of Tra Fas De. Sadi emphasized her involvement is separate from her political role: “This transcends politics—it’s about humanity. These families have been completely shattered and require sustained support.”

Fund resources are exclusively dedicated to aftercare services including psychosocial counseling, social support, medical and therapeutic care, child guidance, and potential school transition assistance when necessary. The fund will publish weekly financial reports for two months to maintain public accountability.

While the Surinamese government is covering funeral expenses, the fund specifically addresses the long-term emotional and practical challenges families face. Among the affected are the immediate family of the deceased children’s mother, relatives of two elderly victims, and the family of a temporary Suriname resident. Sadi noted one family member remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

Within hours of account activation, the fund received initial donations including SRD 1,000 and €50, demonstrating strong community solidarity. “People want to help immediately,” Sadi observed. “This fund complements government commitments.”

The temporary nature of the fund underscores its focused mission. “This is about care, dignity, and trust,” Sadi concluded. “And trust can only be earned through absolute transparency.”

Community Service Commewijne fund account details at Godo Bank:
SRD: 2002595607
EUR: 2002595615
USD: 2002595623