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  • Tobago eyes two Senate seats

    Tobago eyes two Senate seats

    A landmark constitutional overhaul put forward by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar would secure Tobago two guaranteed representation slots on the Senate’s Independent benches, marking a historic shift in the island’s standing within the national parliamentary structure.

    Persad-Bissessar unveiled the plan during a formal ceremony marking the commissioning of the new East Terminal at ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago, confirming that pre-discussions with Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Farley Augustine had earned his full backing for the measure, even as the government acknowledges the proposal must still clear a structured parliamentary approval process. Local media outlet The Express reports the constitutional amendment will require a special majority vote in parliament to move forward, a high bar that leaves the final outcome dependent on cross-party support from sitting legislators.

    Currently, the country’s constitution only enshrines guaranteed representation for Tobago in the lower House of Representatives, where the island holds two constitutionally protected elected seats. If approved, the reform would extend this guarantee to the upper Senate for the first time in the nation’s history. Under the existing framework, the President holds full discretionary power to appoint all nine Independent senators with no mandate to include Tobagonian representatives, even though a small number of Tobagonians have held Independent Senate seats in past and current iterations of the body.

    The proposed amendment would not expand the total number of Independent senators, which remains capped at nine. Instead, it would mandate that the President must appoint a minimum of two Tobagonians from those nine positions, embedding geographic equity for Tobago directly into the nation’s founding legal document. Persad-Bissessar framed the change as a critical step toward closing long-standing representation gaps, extending the same equity principle her government applied to recent local government reforms in Trinidad.

    Earlier this year, the administration passed legislation to expand Trinidad’s local government system from 14 to 17 municipal corporations, creating three new boroughs and upgrading Chaguanas to official city status, changes designed to correct historic inequities in resource allocation and community representation. “We passed that to get greater recognition, equitable recognition, and the allocation of resources to communities throughout Trinidad,” the prime minister noted, arguing that the same commitment to fairness must now apply to Tobago. Echoing a shared regional sentiment, she added, “Because as Farley told us, when Tobago wins, Trinidad wins. And when Tobago and Trinidad wins, everybody wins. Everybody wins.”

    For decades, Tobago has held constitutional protection for two seats in the House of Representatives, a provision that recognizes the island’s unique identity within the republic and ensures its residents have a guaranteed voice in the elected lower chamber. Today, those two seats are held by David Thomas of Tobago East and Joel Sampson of Tobago West, both members of the Tobago People’s Party. “It’s not guaranteed which party will win them, but you’re guaranteed to have two people, Tobago and Trinidad people, sitting in the House of Representatives,” Persad-Bissessar explained, noting that the existing constitutional arrangement left a critical imbalance: no parallel guarantee existed for Senate representation.

    “While Tobago is guaranteed representation in the House, the Constitution provides no corresponding guarantee for representation in the Senate. Today, I am pleased to announce that my Government proposes to introduce legislation in our Parliament to amend our Constitution to guarantee Tobago two Senate seats. And this will be in addition to your two guaranteed seats in the House,” she said. Acknowledging the legislative road ahead, she added, “We will have to see how the parliamentarians vote.”

    This reform comes amid a publicly strained relationship between Persad-Bissessar and the current cohort of Independent senators, whom she has repeatedly criticized for voting down key government legislation, including controversial special operations policing measures and public procurement framework amendments. By reshaping the composition of the Independent bench to require two Tobagonian appointments, the reform could alter the voting dynamic of the upper house, though the prime minister framed the change solely as a step toward equity.

    To contextualize the proposal, it is important to outline the existing structure of Trinidad and Tobago’s Senate. The 31-member body is entirely appointed by the President, with breakdown as follows: 16 government senators selected on the advice of the Prime Minister, 6 opposition senators selected on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and 9 Independent senators appointed entirely at the President’s sole discretion. Unlike politically aligned senators, Independent senators are chosen from outstanding leaders across economic, social, community, and professional fields, with no requirement for consultation with political leadership. All Senate appointees must be citizens of Trinidad and Tobago over the age of 25, meet statutory disqualification requirements, and vacate their seats when parliament is dissolved; the President also holds discretionary authority to revoke Independent Senate appointments at any time. Currently, only one Tobagonian, attorney Candice Jones-Simmons, holds an Independent Senate seat, with two other prominent Tobagonians having served in the role in previous years.

    If passed, the reform will cement Tobago’s equal standing in national governance, aligning the island’s representation with the national anthem’s call for Trinidadians and Tobagonians to stand “side by side” as the islands of the blue Caribbean Sea.

  • Term insurance benefits: Can diabetics get term insurance in India?

    Term insurance benefits: Can diabetics get term insurance in India?

    A common misconception among people living with diabetes is that a diagnosis automatically disqualifies them from securing term life insurance. In reality, eligibility and policy terms are shaped by a wide range of individual factors, not just the diagnosis itself. Understanding how insurers evaluate applications, what benefits term insurance provides, and how to prepare your application can help diabetics make informed decisions that protect their family’s financial future.

    First, it is critical to dispel the myth that a diabetes diagnosis guarantees an automatic application rejection. Insurers do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating diabetic applicants. Instead, they conduct a holistic assessment that accounts for multiple variables beyond the diagnosis, including the type of diabetes, age at diagnosis, how well the condition is managed, whether there are any diabetes-related complications, overall health status, personal and family medical history, age, lifestyle habits such as smoking, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.

    For example, an applicant with well-controlled blood sugar who consistently monitors their condition and follows their treatment plan will typically receive a more favorable assessment than someone with unregulated blood sugar and existing complications. This individualized evaluation means that a diabetes diagnosis alone rarely leads to automatic rejection, so applicants should not assume they will be turned down before submitting their information.

    The core benefit of term insurance remains the same for diabetics as it does for any other applicant: it provides critical financial protection for a policyholder’s family in the event of the policyholder’s death during the policy term. If the policyholder passes away while the coverage is active, the insurer pays out a pre-agreed death benefit to the named beneficiary. This lump sum can be used by the family to cover a wide range of essential financial obligations, including routine household expenses, outstanding loans and other debts, children’s education costs, long-term financial goals, and day-to-day living expenses that would be impacted by the loss of the policyholder’s income. Unlike investment-linked or savings-based insurance products, term insurance is designed first and foremost for protection, making it an important tool for family financial planning regardless of health status. The appropriate coverage amount will vary based on an applicant’s income, outstanding liabilities, financial goals, and the number of dependents relying on their income.

    When completing a term insurance application, transparency about your diabetes and overall health is non-negotiable. Insurers will ask specific questions about your condition, and in many cases, will require a medical exam to verify your current health status. They will review details including your current blood sugar levels, the medication or treatment you are following, any existing co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, and your lifestyle habits.

    It is never a good idea to hide information about your diabetes or omit key health details to secure a lower premium. Non-disclosure of critical health information can lead to serious complications later, most commonly when a claim is filed, and the insurer discovers the unreported condition. This can result in denied claims, leaving your family without the financial protection you intended for them. If your diabetes is well-managed, keeping organized copies of your recent medical reports and treatment records ready to submit can streamline the application process and help insurers accurately assess your risk.

    Many diabetic applicants wonder if their diagnosis will automatically lead to higher premium costs. The short answer is that it can, but how much higher depends entirely on your individual risk profile. Because diabetes is associated with increased long-term health risks, insurers will often categorize diabetic applicants as higher risk than similar applicants without the condition, which can lead to higher premium rates. That said, there is no standard premium for all diabetic applicants. Two applicants of the same age and income can receive very different premium quotes based on differences in how well their diabetes is managed, their medical history, their lifestyle, and other individual risk factors. This is why it is essential to compare multiple policy options rather than accepting the first quote you receive. Beyond premium costs, applicants should also compare the coverage amount, policy term, exclusions, and claim requirements to find the policy that best fits their needs.

    Preparing ahead of time can make the application process much smoother for diabetic applicants. Start by gathering all your recent medical records and details about your current medication before you begin the application. This will help you provide accurate information quickly and avoid delays. Next, take time to calculate your actual financial needs to determine the right coverage amount. Factor in your family’s current living expenses, any outstanding loans, your children’s education costs, and other long-term financial commitments. Most importantly, do not wait until you need coverage urgently to start the process. Age is a key factor in insurance underwriting, so starting the process earlier gives you more options and often more favorable rates. It is also worth remembering that good diabetes management benefits more than just your insurance application: following your doctor’s advice, taking your medication as prescribed, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits are critical for your long-term overall well-being.

    In conclusion, a diabetes diagnosis does not close the door on securing term life insurance. While insurers will evaluate your health and risk profile to determine your eligibility and policy terms, many diabetics are able to secure coverage that meets their needs. The core benefit of term insurance – protecting your family’s financial future if you are no longer able to provide for them – remains just as valuable for people living with diabetes. The key steps to securing the right policy are being transparent about your health, understanding how your condition impacts your premium, comparing all available options, and planning ahead. Do not let the fear of rejection stop you from exploring your options: with the right preparation, you can find a policy that provides meaningful protection for your family and fits comfortably within your budget.

  • Op deze woensdag: overwegend bewolkt met hoge temperaturen

    Op deze woensdag: overwegend bewolkt met hoge temperaturen

    A detailed weather forecast for Suriname on October 14 predicts a mostly cloudy start to the day, with regional variations in temperature and a low but non-negligible risk of brief, localized rain or thunderstorms.

    According to the forecast for the capital city of Paramaribo, morning temperatures will hover around 23 degrees Celsius, paired with noticeably high humidity that will create an uncomfortable start to the day. By the afternoon, temperatures will climb rapidly to a peak near 38°C. While the sky will remain mostly cloudy with some partial clearings, the combination of heat and humidity will leave many areas feeling sweltering. The warmest part of the day is expected around 3:00 PM local time.

    Even in cooler regions like Brownsweg, temperatures can still reach up to 36°C, and forecasters are warning that inland areas of Sipaliwini could see extreme highs of 40°C. In the western district of Nickerie, conditions will be slightly milder, with top temperatures ranging between 33 and 36°C.

    Forecasters note there is a chance of localized afternoon rain or thunderstorm activity, though any precipitation is expected to be short-lived. The probability of precipitation around 3:00 PM in Brownsweg is estimated at 20%, while the district of Marowijne faces just a 5% chance of rain on October 14. Overall, the risk of widespread, long-lasting rainfall across the country is very low, but residents and visitors are advised to stay prepared for sudden isolated storms through the afternoon and evening hours.

    As the evening progresses, temperatures are expected to gradually cool down to around 25°C, with cloudy conditions persisting alongside the continued low risk of isolated showers in some areas.

  • “Ready to serve”: PM Drew cleared to resume duties, heads to Washington for US-Caribbean talks – WIC News

    “Ready to serve”: PM Drew cleared to resume duties, heads to Washington for US-Caribbean talks – WIC News

    After completing a full course of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis has received official medical clearance to resume all of his official responsibilities, just days ahead of a high-stakes regional diplomatic summit in Washington, D.C.

    In a nationally broadcast address to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis on October 14, 2026, the prime minister opened his remarks with heartfelt gratitude to those who supported him through his recent surgery and recovery. He first extended thanks to Almighty God for his restored health, before turning to acknowledge the outpouring of public support he received from across the federation.

    “From the depths of my soul, thank you. Thank you for every prayer whispered in the quiet of the night. Thank you for every message, every call, every kind word. I felt your love and care. I felt your faith and I truly believe that it helped to carry me through,” Drew said in the address.

    The prime minister also singled out for praise the medical professionals who oversaw his care, including teams at the Joseph N. France General Hospital in St. Kitts and Nevis, specialist clinicians in Martinique and Miami, as well as staff from the French and American embassies who facilitated his care abroad. He credited Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley and the full federal Cabinet for seamlessly maintaining government operations during his medical leave, noting that the smooth transition of day-to-day governance is a powerful testament to the strength and maturity of St. Kitts and Nevis’ national institutions.

    “While I was away, your government did not miss a beat. We have a mature and serious administration. Plans were in place. The transition was smooth. The work continued. That is a testament to the strength of our institutions, to the character of our people who serve in them, and also to the maturity of my cabinet colleagues,” Drew emphasized.

    He also saved special thanks for his family, calling his wife, son, mother, and sisters his “anchor” through the challenging recovery period. During the address, Drew updated citizens on the progress of key national initiatives launched by his administration: the 50 Megawatt Solar Project is already underway, geothermal energy development on Nevis has reached its most advanced stage in the nation’s history, a new desalination plant now provides 24-hour access to clean water for more than 70% of the population, construction of the new Basseterre High School is ongoing, and the Greenhouse Village Initiative is being expanded to boost domestic food production and reduce reliance on costly imports.

    Ackowledging that many citizens across the federation have felt discouraged or overlooked in recent months, Drew urged the public to hold onto hope, emphasizing that national progress depends on collective effort rather than government action alone. “Progress is not just about government. It is about all of us. It is about a collective national effort. It is about neighbors helping neighbors. It is about believing again. It is about us working together for the betterment of all,” he stated.

    Reflecting on his own recent health trial, Drew shared that the experience has not weakened his commitment to public service, but instead strengthened his resolve to deliver for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. Confirmed to be in excellent health, the prime minister announced he will travel to Washington, D.C. later this week to take part in the US-Caribbean Dialogue, scheduled for October 15. He stressed that his in-person participation is critical to advancing the federation’s interests, noting that preliminary groundwork has already been laid for several mutually beneficial partnerships with the U.S. and other Caribbean nations.

    “I consider my personal participation especially important. We have already laid the groundwork for several meaningful partnerships, and I want to ensure continuity in those discussions, strengthen the relationships we have built, and advance commitments that can bring real benefits to our country,” Drew explained. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis maintains a strong, clear voice in all international discussions that shape the nation’s future, closing his address by asking for continued prayers as he returns to full-time public service. “I am ready to work. I am committed to building and advancing our beloved Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,” the prime minister declared.

  • IMF verwacht economische krimp in Midden-Oosten en Centraal-Azië door oorlog

    IMF verwacht economische krimp in Midden-Oosten en Centraal-Azië door oorlog

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delivered a sharp downward revision to its 2026 economic growth forecast for the Middle East and Central Asia (MENA) region, projecting a 0.3% collective economic contraction driven by escalating geopolitical tensions related to the United States, Israel, and Iran conflict. This marks a dramatic downgrade from the 1.9% growth prediction the fund released in April, underscoring how regional unrest is reshaping global economic projections.

    The core cause of this revised outlook, the IMF notes in its latest *World Economic Outlook* published Tuesday, is persistent disruption to shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical chokepoint for global energy trade. Under normal operating conditions, roughly one-fifth of all global oil supplies transit the narrow strait, making it a linchpin of international energy security. Ongoing restrictions on merchant shipping have severely pressured oil and gas exports from the Gulf Cooperation Council bloc, dragging down growth prospects for the region’s major energy-producing nations.

    The IMF’s projections, which are still preliminary forecasts rather than final economic outcomes, show starkly uneven negative impacts across major regional economies. Kuwait is expected to see the sharpest contraction, with GDP set to shrink by 16.7% in 2026. Iraq follows close behind with a projected 16% contraction, while Qatar is forecast to face a 15.6% GDP decline. Bahrain will see an 11.3% contraction, Iran’s economy is projected to shrink by 7.6%, and Saudi Arabia—the region’s largest energy exporter—will register a 3.3% contraction. The report notes that Saudi Arabia has been able to partially offset shipping disruptions by rerouting increased volumes of oil via its East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea, softening the blow to its economy.

    Against the regional downturn, the IMF upgraded its overall 2026 global economic growth forecast slightly to 3.1%, up 0.1 percentage points from its earlier projection. The United States is expected to post 2.3% growth, while China’s economy is projected to expand by 4.5%. The Eurozone will see a more modest 1.1% expansion, while Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean are forecast to grow 4.5% and 2.3% respectively. Even within the MENA region, not all economies face contraction: Kyrgyzstan is projected to lead the region with 9% GDP growth in 2026.

    Despite the marginal upgrade to global growth, the IMF has emphasized that downside risks remain elevated across the global economy. Additional escalation of the MENA conflict, renewed trade tensions between major powers, fragile government fiscal positions, and a potential pullback in artificial intelligence investment could all slow global growth momentum. On the upside, faster-than-expected productivity gains from AI investment and a de-escalation of geopolitical and trade tensions could lift growth projections faster than currently expected.

    The IMF warns that the economic spillover effects of the regional conflict extend far beyond directly involved nations. The Gulf region’s heavy dependence on energy exports and unimpeded access to global shipping routes leaves it uniquely vulnerable to prolonged disruptions. A lasting recovery of normal shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz will be a critical determinant of both regional economic stability and global energy market performance moving forward, the report concludes.

  • Ottley Hall man fined for bullets he claimed he found

    Ottley Hall man fined for bullets he claimed he found

    A 20-year-old Ottley Hall resident has received a $3,000 fine after pleading guilty to illegal ammunition possession, with a senior magistrate reminding the young man of his responsibility to act lawfully when encountering unregulated dangerous items.

    Orlando McDonald Jr. appeared before the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday, where he admitted to holding four live .45 caliber rounds without a valid license granted under the territory’s Firearms Act. Chief Magistrate Colin John opened the hearing by reprimanding McDonald, noting that as an adult, he should have understood the risks of keeping ammunition he claimed to have discovered on a public road rather than turning it over to law enforcement.

    Court documents outline the chain of events that led to the discovery of the ammunition. On September 15 at approximately 9:30 a.m., investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) intercepted a Toyota Vitz near Randy’s Supermarket on Lower Bay Street, acting on anonymous reports that masked men were travelling in the vehicle. McDonald was behind the wheel of the car at the time of the stop.

    An initial search of the vehicle and all occupants turned up no illegal items, so officers moved all individuals present to the CID station for further processing. A subsequent search warrant was granted to search the residences of everyone detained, with PC 105 Castello leading the search team alongside CID and Rapid Response Unit officers.

    While no prohibited materials were found at the driver’s home, Castello discovered a small wooden box holding the four .45 rounds on top of a dressing table in McDonald’s bedroom. When questioned by police after the discovery, McDonald told officers he had found the ammunition on the roadside roughly a week prior to the stop. He later provided a voluntary written statement to investigators at CID headquarters, with a Justice of the Peace present to witness the statement.

    Ballistic and background checks confirmed the four rounds were fully operational, and official records showed McDonald holds no license to possess firearms or ammunition, nor is he a registered dealer.

    Appearing on McDonald’s behalf as a friend of the court, defense attorney Sean Marshall argued that the young man was a strong candidate for rehabilitation. Marshall told the court McDonald has expressed deep remorse for his decision to keep the ammunition instead of surrendering it to police.

    Prosecutor Shamrack Pierre supported issuing a non-custodial sentence for the offense, a position Chief Magistrate John echoed. John ultimately ordered that the $3,000 fine be paid within three months, adding that failure to meet the payment deadline will result in a six-month prison sentence for McDonald.

  • PM gets clean bill of health after stroke

    PM gets clean bill of health after stroke

    BASSETERRE, St Kitts and Nevis – In a national address broadcast Tuesday, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew announced that medical providers have given him a full clean bill of health, clearing him to resume all official duties just over a month after he suffered a stroke that required emergency overseas treatment.

    The 53-year-old leader, who is a trained medical doctor, first fell ill at the end of August, when he began experiencing persistent nausea, vomiting, neck pain, dizziness, and impaired mobility and balance. He was airlifted first from St. Kitts to Martinique on August 31, then transferred to a specialized hospital in Miami for advanced evaluation and treatment on September 2. Drew later confirmed his condition was a stroke triggered by vertebral artery dissection, a tear in one of the major arteries that supplies blood flow to the brain.

    Following weeks of intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, Drew said the latest round of medical assessments confirmed his recovery is progressing far better than expected, and he has been authorized to return to full-time work immediately.

    In the emotional televised and radio address, Drew opened by expressing deep gratitude to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for the outpouring of support he received during his treatment and recovery. “From the depths of my soul, thank you. Thank you for every prayer whispered in the quiet of the night. Thank you for every message, every call, every kind word. I felt your love and care. I felt your faith. And I believe, I truly believe, that it helped to carry me through,” he told the nation.

    Drew emphasized that he remained fully informed on all government business throughout his leave, and credited Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley and his full Cabinet for enabling an uninterrupted transition of responsibilities that kept governance running smoothly. “Plans were in place. The transition was smooth. The work continued. That is a testament to the strength of our institutions, to the character of our people who serve in them, and also to the maturity of my Cabinet colleagues,” he said.

    Reflecting on his health scare, Drew framed the experience as a challenging but perspective-shifting moment that reinforced his core priorities. “This experience, as is obvious, has been a trial. But it has also been a testimony: a testimony to the power of God, the power of prayer, and a testimony to the love of my family and of our people,” he said. “One begins to understand what truly matters, and for me, that has always been my faith in God, my family, the love of the people, the health and well-being of every citizen, the future of our country, and the legacy we leave for our generations to come.”

    Drew confirmed he will move forward with a planned official trip to Washington, D.C. later this week to take part in a high-level U.S.-Caribbean dialogue scheduled for October 15. He noted the meeting offers a critical opportunity to advance bilateral discussions on priorities key to the federation, including energy security, new economic investment opportunities, national security cooperation, expanded healthcare access, and improved livelihoods for all residents.

    “ We have already laid the groundwork for several meaningful partnerships, and I want to ensure continuity in those discussions, strengthen the relationships we have built, and advance commitments that can bring real benefits to our country,” Drew added, closing his address by reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the shared vision for the federation he has led. “Today, I address you not from a hospital bed, not in a rehabilitation centre, but as your prime minister, ready to serve, ready to resume my full-time duties.”

  • Van Samson en Asabina willen duidelijkheid over herstelbetalingen slavernijverleden

    Van Samson en Asabina willen duidelijkheid over herstelbetalingen slavernijverleden

    Two members of Suriname’s National Assembly, Cedric van Samson representing the VHP party and Ronny Asabina from the BEP party, are pressing the Surinamese government to deliver greater transparency around the nation’s involvement in global and regional reparations efforts addressing the legacy of historical slavery. The pair is pushing for guarantees that descendants of enslaved people and local grassroots organizations will be able to access and benefit directly from the funding and development projects allocated to this work.

    During a recent plenary sitting of the National Assembly, van Samson drew lawmakers’ attention to an upcoming debate scheduled for October 15 in the Dutch House of Representatives, where Dutch legislators will continue deliberations on the legacy of Dutch slavery and the design of national reparations and recovery measures. Van Samson has posed two key questions to the Surinamese government: to what degree has Suriname’s official position on reparations been incorporated into the Dutch policy-making process, and what concrete steps has the Surinamese administration taken to defend the interests of Surinamese communities affected by the transatlantic slave trade?

    A core priority for van Samson is preventing the common pitfall of reparations funding failing to reach the marginalized communities it is intended to support. He has called for explicit, prioritized inclusion of grassroots groups and direct descendant representatives in the implementation of all recovery projects, and has also asked for clarification on proposed national memorial and museum initiatives focused on Suriname’s slavery history, including details on how much input Surinamese stakeholders have in developing these projects.

    Van Samson also referenced the 10-point plan for reparatory justice adopted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), asking the government to outline how Suriname will integrate the framework into its national policy. This question carries particular urgency as Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons is set to assume the rotating CARICOM presidency in the near term.

    Asabina echoed van Samson’s concerns, adding that while multiple funding streams have already been established to support slavery recovery efforts globally, Suriname has not yet taken sufficient advantage of these available opportunities. Asabina is calling on Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to provide parliament with a full, detailed update on all progress the government has made on reparations engagement to date.

    Like van Samson, Asabina emphasized that grassroots organizations must be guaranteed full, active participation in all initiatives emerging from the national slavery recovery process. He added that the government has a responsibility to improve public communication not only with the legislature, but with all of Surinamese society, to share clear information about available funding opportunities and ongoing government actions. Both lawmakers agree that Suriname must take a more proactive leadership role in regional and global reparations processes, ensuring that all allocated resources directly contribute to the development and empowerment of the communities that continue to bear the impacts of the transatlantic slave trade centuries later.

  • DNA-leden slaan alarm over drinkwaterproblemen en hoge aansluitkosten

    DNA-leden slaan alarm over drinkwaterproblemen en hoge aansluitkosten

    Access to safe drinking water remains a pressing, unresolved crisis for communities across Suriname, prompting three lawmakers from different political blocs to call on the National Assembly (DNA) and the national government to implement urgent, targeted interventions to address widespread disparities in access and affordability.

    Rabin Parmessar, leader of the NDP parliamentary faction, has raised sharp alarm over exorbitant connection costs that put access to the national water grid out of reach for many households. He pointed to a recent case in Commewijne, where local residents were quoted a total price of nearly 250,000 units to install new water infrastructure to serve their community. What makes the situation particularly unacceptable, Parmessar argues, is that households are being forced to cover not just the cost of individual connections from the main pipeline to their homes, but also the full cost of constructing the main arterial pipeline itself. While he notes that individual connection fees are a reasonable expectation for households, forcing local communities to shoulder the entire cost of primary infrastructure development goes far beyond what residents can reasonably be expected to pay. Parmessar emphasized that he has never encountered such a lopsided cost structure in his decades in public life, and stressed that clean water is an irreplaceable basic necessity, especially during the annual dry season when water scarcity worsens across the country.

    Genevievre Jordan, a parliamentarian from the ABOP party, drew attention to the acute crisis faced by remote communities along the Marowijne River, where hundreds of residents remain completely cut off from access to treated clean drinking water. Jordan explained that the situation becomes particularly dangerous during the dry season, when natural, unregulated water sources shrink and become increasingly contaminated. She has called on the government to fast-track development of long-term solutions for these inland communities, and pressed the Ministry of Finance and Planning to expedite review of funding requests from the Ministry of Natural Resources dedicated to expanding water access in Marowijne.

    Jordan stressed that expanding universal access to clean water is not just a domestic policy demand, but a binding international commitment Suriname has made as part of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which prioritize universal access to basic clean water for all communities. She called it completely unacceptable that as the country approaches 2026, residents of inland Suriname still lack access to this core basic necessity.

    Steven Reyme, a legislator from the A20 party, added that the water access crisis is not limited to inland rural areas. Even in the capital city of Paramaribo, dozens of neighborhoods are home to households that still struggle to secure formal access to potable water and electricity, he explained. For low-income families living below the poverty line that make up large shares of these urban communities, the high upfront cost of connecting to utility grids remains an insurmountable barrier.

    Reyme has called on the government to explore the creation of tailored payment schemes that would allow low-income households to pay connection fees in installments rather than requiring full upfront payment. While he acknowledged that the Surinamese government already provides subsidies for basic utility services, he noted that even with existing support, many vulnerable households cannot cover the required upfront connection costs. Flexible payment plans targeted at low-income families, he argued, would close this gap and allow all households to access the basic services they need.

    While the three legislators focused on distinct regional and economic dimensions of Suriname’s drinking water crisis, their statements converged on a shared core concern: access to affordable, clean drinking water remains far from a guaranteed right for a large share of the Surinamese population. Lawmakers from across the country’s political factions have united to pressure the national government to prioritize long overdue reforms and infrastructure investments to ensure this fundamental basic need is accessible to all citizens, regardless of where they live or their income level.

  • PetroChina financiert renovatie en modernisering Aula 7 van AdeKUS

    PetroChina financiert renovatie en modernisering Aula 7 van AdeKUS

    On a recent Tuesday, Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) celebrated the official opening and handover of its fully renovated and upgraded Aula 7, a core lecture facility completely funded by PetroChina Investment Suriname B.V. (PCIS), a local subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The opening ceremony was jointly led by Surinamese Vice President Gregory Rusland and PCIS General Director Li Guoyong, with Virginia Asin-Oostburg, chair of the AdeKUS University Board, also taking part in the commemorative activities.

    The renovation project grew out of collaborative discussions between PetroChina and AdeKUS addressing pressing needs to upgrade the university’s aging teaching infrastructure. A formal cooperation agreement laying the groundwork for the renovation and outfitting of Aula 7 was signed by both parties in March 2026. The upgraded 80-seat venue is now equipped to host lectures, seminars, academic presentations and a wide range of other university events for students, faculty and researchers across all of AdeKUS’s faculties, including postgraduate trainees.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Director Li emphasized that educational investment is a core part of PetroChina’s commitment to supporting Suriname’s long-term development. “Investing in education means investing in Suriname’s future,” Li noted, adding that the modernized lecture hall is designed to foster better knowledge sharing, cutting-edge research and the development of innovative ideas among the university community. Li expressed his hope that the new facility would benefit both current students and staff, and serve as a lasting resource for future generations of Surinamese learners.

    The comprehensive renovation touched every core system and feature of the lecture hall, including structural updates to walls, flooring, ceilings, windows, as well as full upgrades to lighting, electrical infrastructure and air conditioning. The space was also outfitted with brand-new modern seating, integrated writing surfaces, universal device charging points, and state-of-the-art audio-visual and multimedia equipment to support contemporary teaching methods.

    In a boost to the local economy, all on-the-ground execution of the project relied heavily on Surinamese businesses and local expertise. Clipper Vastgoed N.V. led all construction and renovation work, while All Interior Solutions N.V. handled the supply and installation of custom furniture and interior fittings. The entire project was overseen by a dedicated project management and supervision team appointed by AdeKUS, with technical guidance from PetroChina’s own project team and multimedia installation support from the UCIT team led by Rishi Bhattacharji.

    During the official opening ceremony, Li Guoyong and Asin-Oostburg jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the project, before Rusland and Li cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the space. Attendees included Haidy Lindveld, representative of Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Jia Jinyi, counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Suriname, members of the AdeKUS University Board, and representatives from PetroChina, Staatsolie Suriname and the Confucius Institute.

    As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives in Suriname, PetroChina prioritizes investment in three key areas: education, public health, and environmental stewardship. The company currently holds exploration, development and production rights for offshore blocks 14 and 15 in Suriname, after signing production sharing contracts for the blocks with Staatsolie in September 2024. Staatsolie participates in both projects through its local subsidiary Paradise Oil Company N.V. For PetroChina, the Aula 7 renovation project marks a tangible contribution to strengthening Suriname’s higher education infrastructure and advancing the long-term development of the country’s tertiary education sector.