标签： Suriname

In a decisive move, Suriname’s President has intervened to halt ongoing discussions regarding the export of bauxite from West Suriname, emphasizing that no agreements or negotiations have been conducted on behalf of the government. This development comes amidst a backdrop of historical controversies surrounding bauxite deals, including past attempts by former ministers to renegotiate terms with foreign entities at the eleventh hour. The President’s firm stance has been echoed by the Vice President, who assured that all potential investors are being kept informed and that any processing of bauxite must occur domestically, with due consideration for indigenous interests. However, the President’s recent public statements have caused confusion among some, particularly following the visit of a Chinese mining company’s CEO to Suriname. The President also addressed broader issues of land allocation, declaring that all land grants since 2018 are illegal and that a thorough review will be conducted to legitimize rightful allocations. This process is expected to be a monumental task, potentially involving hundreds of legal cases and significant financial implications for the state. The President’s proactive measures aim to rectify past irregularities and ensure that Suriname’s natural resources are managed in the best interest of its citizens.

Jennifer Vreedzaam, a member of Suriname’s National Assembly (NDP), has formally requested the Attorney General and the Minister of Agriculture to investigate the contentious allocation of over 113,000 hectares of land in the Wayambo region. Vreedzaam alleges potential legal violations and the infringement of indigenous rights in the communities of Cornelis Kondre and Donderkamp. The land, allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) for agricultural purposes on November 16, 2022, spans 27,925 hectares. Vreedzaam argues that the allocation process may have bypassed legal procedures, particularly those safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities as outlined in the 1982 Decree on State Land Allocation. She highlights the presence of visible communities, agricultural activities, and hunting grounds on the allocated land, raising concerns about the lack of prior consultation or consent from local residents. The case draws parallels to a 2015 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which condemned Suriname for human rights violations in the Kaliña and Lokono case. Vreedzaam also points to the inclusion of the protected Coroniezwamp area in the allocation, further complicating the issue. She calls for accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal frameworks, including the 2017 Anti-Corruption Law. The letter underscores the importance of protecting indigenous rights and ensuring proper governance in land allocation processes.

Suriname’s Vice President Gregory Rusland has addressed recent confusion stemming from President Jennifer Simons’ remarks regarding Chinalco, a leading Chinese mining company. Rusland emphasized that the president is fully briefed on all significant matters, including the recent visit of Chinalco’s CEO to Suriname. Speaking to Starnieuws, Rusland clarified that he maintained regular communication with the president, even during her overseas trips, and informed her in advance about the meeting with the Chinalco delegation.

The CEO of Chinalco arrived in Suriname on November 3 for a brief visit, following a request made to Rusland on November 1. During the discussions, Rusland expressed his disagreement with the terms of an agreement presented by the previous administration. He stressed that Suriname should not merely export raw materials, as outlined in the initial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Instead, he advocated for local processing of resources to create added value and ensure greater benefits for the country.

Rusland also highlighted the importance of considering the interests of local communities and adhering to environmental standards in any future agreements. The Chinalco CEO reportedly expressed willingness to discuss these concerns, with Rusland assuring that the government would formalize its stance.

The vice president reiterated Suriname’s openness to dialogue with credible investors but emphasized the need for clear conditions. He stated that while Suriname must navigate the complexities of international power dynamics, it should also define its own objectives clearly. “We do not deter serious investors, but they must contribute to sustainable development and local value creation,” Rusland affirmed.

On a personal note, Rusland marked his 66th birthday quietly, out of respect for the passing of former President and Honorary Chairman Ronald Venetiaan.

Rodrigo Paz has officially assumed the presidency of Bolivia, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape after nearly 20 years of governance by the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party. The 58-year-old conservative business advocate and son of a former president was sworn in during a ceremony at the Plurinational Legislative Assembly in La Paz, Bolivia, on Saturday. His inauguration was met with applause from attendees, signaling hope for a new direction.

In his inaugural address, Paz emphasized a commitment to ‘God, family, and homeland,’ and declared that Bolivia is now open to the world after two decades of leftist rule. He pledged to address the country’s severe economic crisis, which includes annual inflation exceeding 20%, chronic fuel shortages, and a depletion of foreign currency reserves. The outgoing administration of Luis Arce had exhausted nearly all reserves to sustain fuel subsidies, leaving Paz with a daunting task.

Paz, a Christian Democrat, campaigned on a platform of ‘capitalism for all,’ promising economic reforms centered on decentralization, lower taxes, fiscal discipline, and continued social spending. However, economists have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of simultaneously stabilizing the economy and maintaining social programs.

In a bold move, Paz also vowed to restore ties with the United States and collaborate with international security organizations, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which was expelled by former President Evo Morales in 2008. ‘Never again a Bolivia isolated by failed ideologies or turning its back on the world,’ Paz declared during the ceremony, attended by delegations from over 70 countries and local dignitaries.

Paz’s presidency signals a departure from the state-centric economic model of the MAS era, which thrived during the early 2000s commodity boom but later faltered due to declining natural gas exports and unsustainable subsidies. His administration faces the challenge of navigating Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in 40 years while balancing the demands of reform and social welfare.