标签： Suriname

Despite the orderly conduct of the elections in accordance with established guidelines, agreements, and training, the poll workers who dedicated their efforts remain unpaid. Nationwide, an average of ten citizens per district—totaling sixty-two districts—served as poll workers. These individuals carried out their duties diligently, despite exhaustion, challenging conditions, and occasional shortcomings, in compliance with the 2025 Electoral Decree. Remarkably, five months later, these citizens are still relying on assurances from the Minister and the Director of Internal Affairs. While it is claimed that the full payment lists have been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the disbursement is contingent on available financial resources. These citizens performed a vital national service, ensuring the smooth execution of the voting and counting processes. Their responsibilities carried significant accountability, and many endured considerable hardships, including lengthy river journeys through the dense rainforest and inadequate accommodations alongside police and military personnel—all in the interest of democracy. Meanwhile, the new Assembly members were sworn in on June 29, 2025, followed by the inauguration of the President and Vice President on July 16, 2025. Subsequently, the ministers and deputy ministers of the Simons-Rusland cabinet were sworn in at the presidential palace. None of these constitutional steps would have been possible without the dedication of the poll workers. The sudden withdrawal of registered personnel had previously caused tense moments for the election organizers. The message of this article is clear: Financial settlements must be finalized by the end of October 2025, or at the latest, before November 25, 2025. Marcellino Nerkust, Former Chairman of Polling Station 666, Boven-Coppename District, Witagron.

In a recent development, law enforcement authorities have apprehended two 17-year-old suspects, identified as H.K., alias ‘Boeger,’ and G.T., alias ‘Papie,’ on charges of fraud and armed robbery. The duo, who were taken into custody, have reportedly confessed to their crimes, according to a statement released by the police Public Relations department.

On October 11, a distressing incident unfolded on the Corantijn River, situated between Apoera and Nieuw Nickerie, when a boat reportedly sank. According to initial reports, all eight individuals on board managed to escape unharmed and found refuge on a nearby small island. The Maritime Police of Nickerie and the Nieuw Nickerie Police were promptly notified following the distress call. Emergency services are now mobilizing to evacuate the stranded passengers from the island as swiftly as possible. The cause of the boat’s sinking remains unclear, prompting authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the incident. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or missing persons at this stage.

In a pressing open letter to President Jennifer Simons, the village leaders of Apoera, Washabo, and Section have called for urgent measures following the partial collapse of the bridge over the Coppenamerivier near Witagron. The leaders emphasized the need for emergency provisions and long-term structural solutions to restore accessibility to West Suriname. They highlighted that despite repeated warnings, heavily loaded trucks, particularly from the timber industry, have continued to use the bridge, disregarding safety regulations. This negligence has left local businesses and workers without income once again. The letter also demanded clarity on potential compensation for affected entrepreneurs and criticized the unfair burden placed on communities that already benefit little from timber concessions. The leaders proposed two immediate solutions: deploying a pontoon at Witagron for safe transport of people and goods, and expediting the restoration of the road connection between Apoera and Nickerie, including the construction of a bridge over the Kaboerie Creek. They warned that without swift action, the region risks economic isolation, severely impacting supply chains and daily life. The letter concluded with a plea for the president’s prompt attention to ensure the region remains safe, accessible, and economically viable.