标签： Suriname

A tragic incident unfolded this afternoon in the remote region of Stoelmanseiland, resulting in the drowning of 24-year-old Ritchel Linga from Paramaribo. According to initial police reports, Linga had traveled to the area several weeks ago to engage in gold mining activities. His cousin revealed that the victim had gone to the river around 2:00 PM to wash his clothes and bathe. When Linga failed to return after some time, his cousin initiated a search. Only his clothing and bathing items were found on the riverbank. A search operation was immediately launched with the help of other residents. After some time, the lifeless body of the victim was recovered from the water. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the dangers faced by those working in remote and hazardous environments.

A significant incident occurred today when a large section of the bridge over the Coppenamerivier near Witagron collapsed, severing the crucial link between the inland regions and Paramaribo. Initial reports indicate no casualties, but the collapse has had profound implications for residents, businesses, and travelers reliant on this vital route. The bridge’s failure has rendered traffic to and from Paramaribo impossible, severely hampering access to inland villages and goldfields. Authorities are currently assessing the situation, but the disruption is expected to have lasting economic and social impacts on the region. Emergency response teams are working to establish alternative transportation solutions while investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway.

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.

Today, Suriname commemorates Marrondag, a day dedicated to honoring the courage, perseverance, and quest for freedom of the Maroon community. The Party for Rights and Development (PRO) extends its congratulations not only to the Maroon community but to the entire Surinamese population on this significant occasion. The PRO emphasized that the history of the Maroons is intertwined with that of all Surinamese, serving as a reminder that freedom and justice are the cornerstones of the nation. Over two and a half centuries ago, the Maroons chose freedom over subjugation, resisting colonial rule, waging a brave struggle, and establishing autonomous communities deep in the interior. Their resilience led to peace treaties with colonial powers in 1760 and the subsequent years, marking 265 years since these agreements. These treaties are among the earliest official recognitions of free Black communities in the Americas and represent a pivotal chapter in Suriname’s history of resistance—a source of national pride that continues to inspire. Marrondag underscores that freedom is not a given; it requires maintenance, much like justice and progress. The PRO sees this day as a call to reaffirm these values. While Maroons are now visible in governance and politics, many communities remain socially and economically vulnerable. Challenges in education, infrastructure, and economic development persist, limiting opportunities for youth in these regions. The PRO views it as its duty to safeguard equal rights and development opportunities for all Surinamese, emphasizing that investing in Maroon youth is investing in the nation’s future. Education is key: it opens perspectives, strengthens communities, and keeps the spirit of freedom alive. The PRO advocates for sustained focus on education in the interior, including well-equipped schools, skilled teachers, and access to digital resources. The history of the Maroons teaches that freedom was not granted but fought for, and this spirit of self-reliance and perseverance lives on in the new generation of Maroon youth striving for knowledge, independence, and progress. Marrondag is not only a day of remembrance but also of responsibility, reminding us that the work of our ancestors is incomplete until every child in Suriname, regardless of origin or residence, has equal opportunities to thrive. The PRO wishes all of Suriname, especially the Maroon community, a powerful and proud Marrondag, hoping that the spirit of freedom, justice, and development continues to guide the nation.

The National Democratic Party (NDP) has issued a heartfelt message of respect and solidarity on the occasion of the Day of the Maroons, celebrating the resilience, freedom, and pride of the Maroon community in Suriname’s interior, urban areas, and diaspora. In a statement, the NDP highlighted the historical significance of the Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans who broke free from bondage and established independent communities in Suriname’s hinterlands, preserving their unique traditions, legal systems, and leadership. The party commemorated the signing of the 1760 peace treaty between the colonial government and the Ndyuka Maroons, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the recognition of Maroon peoples. However, the NDP emphasized that this recognition remained largely symbolic for decades, as Maroons continued to fight for equal access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, political representation, and respect. The statement acknowledged the Maroons’ contributions not only to Suriname’s history but also to its future. Despite their historical struggles, Maroons faced marginalization, with many villages lacking basic amenities and migration to urban areas presenting new challenges. The NDP noted significant progress in recent decades, with increasing numbers of Maroons holding leadership roles in government and parliament, pursuing higher education, and contributing to national development. Yet, challenges persist, particularly in infrastructure, internet access, education, and healthcare, exacerbated by the recent socio-economic crisis. The NDP outlined a vision for an inclusive future, prioritizing land rights recognition, sustainable infrastructure, education, public health, local economic development, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The party concluded with a call for national unity, drawing inspiration from the Maroons’ spirit of resistance and resilience as a beacon of hope for all Surinamese in building a nation where every culture, people, and voice matters.