博客

On the occasion of Marrondag, the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) has issued a heartfelt message emphasizing pride, reflection, and unity. The party honors the struggle and triumph of the Maroon ancestors, whose courageous choice for freedom laid the foundation for dignity and strength in contemporary Suriname. Today, October 10th, we pause to reflect on a pivotal chapter of our history: the battle and victory of our Maroon forebears. Against all odds, they chose freedom, establishing the groundwork for the dignity and resilience we continue to embody. Marrondag is not merely a day of remembrance but also a celebration of pride—pride in our culture, traditions, and the long journey our communities have undertaken. It serves as a reminder that freedom is never a given; it must be fought for and earned. As ABOP, we believe that the spirit and legacy of our ancestors guide us today. Their struggle teaches us that, despite setbacks, we can always strive for progress. Thus, we remain committed to advocating for equal opportunities, development, and representation—both in urban centers and rural districts—and to fostering a future where everyone can thrive. Let us use Marrondag not only to reflect but also to look forward. With respect for our past, we contribute to building a stronger Suriname, where the voice and strength of the Maroon communities hold a lasting place. The chairman of ABOP extends his congratulations to the entire Maroon community on this special day.

On October 10, 2025, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname paid tribute to the Indigenous and Maroon communities during the annual Day of the Maroons celebration. The ceremony, held at the Square of October 10, 1760, marked the 265th anniversary of the Maroons’ hard-fought struggle for freedom. President Simons emphasized that their resistance was a pivotal moment in Suriname’s history, ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery in 1863. She stated, ‘The Maroons did not receive freedom as a gift; they fought for it step by step. Their achievement should inspire us all to reflect on our shared history.’

Simons also highlighted the crucial role of Indigenous peoples in supporting escaped enslaved individuals during their flight to freedom. ‘The land we all inhabit originally belonged to the Indigenous peoples. They deserve our enduring recognition,’ she remarked. The President called for unity between Maroons and Indigenous communities, urging all Surinamese to work together for peace and progress under the theme ‘Ubuntu – I am because we are.’ She stressed, ‘No nation can thrive without unity. Even with wealth or resources, development is impossible if we do not hold onto each other. No group in this country should be left behind. We are each other’s guardians.’

In her speech, Simons reaffirmed her commitment to resolving land rights issues within three years, stating, ‘We do not need to wait for everything to be perfect. What can be addressed now must be tackled to ensure certainty for the people of the interior. I am committed to this.’ A special advisory group has been established at the Office of the President to address these matters, with consideration given to rulings by international bodies. ‘By recognizing land rights, we take steps toward a Suriname where everyone can envision their future. 2026 must be the year we take the first concrete steps,’ she declared.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the Day of the Maroons monument by President Simons and Vice President Gregory Rusland, alongside traditional leaders. The ceremony was preceded by a ‘towe waata’ ritual and the laying of wreaths by government and National Assembly members.