Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Congres zet modernisering rechterlijke macht centraal voor rechtszekerheid en ontwikkeling

    Congres zet modernisering rechterlijke macht centraal voor rechtszekerheid en ontwikkeling

    Suriname has embarked on a comprehensive judicial modernization program that national leaders describe as fundamental to legal certainty, public trust, and economic advancement. The initiative was formally launched today during a joint congress convened by the National Assembly, the Court of Justice, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office at Hotel Torarica’s Ballroom.

    Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin delivered the opening address, emphasizing that the modernization effort extends far beyond technical legal discussions. He identified three critical pillars for societal stability and sustainable economic growth: accessible justice, predictable legal procedures, and authoritative jurisprudence. The congress, supported by the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, represents a significant moment of national consensus regarding the urgent need for structural reforms within Suriname’s judicial system.

    The conference focuses on two primary reform areas: establishing a third judicial instance responsible for cassation (appeals) jurisprudence and modernizing the Public Prosecutor’s Office. These transformations aim to promote legal uniformity, judicial development, transparency, and effectiveness in criminal proceedings. The themes align with ongoing parliamentary initiatives to constitutionally anchor these judicial components.

    Rather than serving as a concluding event, the congress functions as a foundational element within a broader institutional and parliamentary trajectory. Organizers emphasize that the gathering provides concrete instruments and conceptual frameworks to support decision-making processes regarding judicial modernization. Outcomes and recommendations will be documented in a comprehensive final report that will serve as the basis for subsequent legislation and policy development.

    As a structural follow-up, the National Assembly will establish a Parliamentary Platform for Rule of Law and Constitutional Framework. This platform will facilitate periodic consultation with key judicial actors and monitor reform progress and coherence while fully respecting judicial independence.

  • Bangladesh: Campagne gestart voor eerste verkiezingen na afzetting Hasina

    Bangladesh: Campagne gestart voor eerste verkiezingen na afzetting Hasina

    Bangladesh stands at a critical democratic crossroads as it prepares for its first national elections since the 2024 uprising that ousted long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Scheduled for February 12, these elections represent the most significant electoral process in the nation’s history, with profound implications for its political future.

    Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate known as “banker to the poor” for his groundbreaking work with Grameen Bank, has committed to overseeing free and fair elections. Returning from exile in August 2024 amid popular demand, Yunus leads a transitional government that has championed comprehensive political reforms through the National Charter of July 2025.

    The reform charter proposes substantial constitutional changes including enhanced presidential powers, term limits for parliament members, and robust anti-corruption measures. While 25 of 52 registered parties have endorsed the charter, its implementation requires a national referendum to achieve constitutional status.

    Notably absent from the electoral landscape is Hasina’s Awami League, barred from participation since May following the suspension of its registration. The 78-year-old former leader, convicted in absentia for crimes against humanity during violent crackdowns on protesters, currently resides in India under political asylum.

    Political dynamics feature Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, emerging as a frontrunner. His campaign launch in Sylhet attracted massive crowds, signaling strong popular support. Simultaneously, a ten-party coalition led by Jamaat-e-Islami seeks to expand its influence, potentially marking a dramatic resurgence for the group that faced severe suppression during Hasina’s administration.

    The electoral process occurs amid concerning challenges including disinformation campaigns that Yunus attributes to both foreign media and domestic sources. These developments coincide with deteriorating relations with neighboring India following Hasina’s flight to the country during the palace storming by protesters.

    With 170 million citizens electing 350 parliamentary representatives, European Union observers have designated this event “the largest democratic process of 2026,” underscoring its global significance and potential to reshape South Asian politics.

  • Interpol treft illegale goudsector in Guyanaschild

    Interpol treft illegale goudsector in Guyanaschild

    In a landmark multinational operation, security and justice authorities from Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname have delivered a devastating blow to illegal gold mining operations throughout the ecologically sensitive Guyana Shield region. Conducted in December 2025, Operation Guyana Shield resulted in the apprehension of nearly 200 suspects and the seizure of substantial quantities of gold, cash, mercury, and mining equipment.

    The extensive crackdown involved over 24,500 individual and vehicle inspections across remote border territories. In Guyana alone, three individuals were arrested on suspicion of gold smuggling and money laundering after being found in possession of unprocessed gold and approximately $590,000 in US currency. Investigations suggest these suspects belong to an organized criminal network with potential connections to a prominent Guyanese gold exporter.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted the direct correlation between soaring global gold prices and the proliferation of illegal mining activities. “Illegal gold mining has emerged as one of the fastest-growing revenue streams for organized crime in Latin America,” Urquiza warned. “These operations inflict irreparable damage upon an ecologically vulnerable region while simultaneously undermining the rule of law.”

    A significant achievement of the operation was the interception of mercury cylinders valued at over $60,000 in Guyana and Suriname. The highly toxic substance, commonly used in illegal gold processing, was discovered concealed within solar panels and transported via bus. Mirror operations conducted simultaneously along the Oyapock and Marowijne border rivers enabled coordinated inspections on both sides of these waterways.

    Authorities additionally confiscated counterfeit medications, alcohol, and cigarettes worth approximately $40,000 from stores supplying miners and suspected of involvement in gold and contraband smuggling. The operation also netted mining apparatus including pumps and gold mats, firearms, communication equipment, and intercepted a bus carrying undocumented migrants—including minors potentially vulnerable to child labor or sexual exploitation.

    Supported by the European cooperation program EL PAcCTO 2.0, INTERPOL, and the Dutch Police’s High Impact Environmental Crime team, participating agencies have hailed the operation as a breakthrough in regional collaboration against illegal mining and associated criminal enterprises.

  • ‘Breuk in de wereldorde’: toespraken van Carney en wereldleiders in Davos

    ‘Breuk in de wereldorde’: toespraken van Carney en wereldleiders in Davos

    The World Economic Forum in Davos has become the stage for a profound geopolitical confrontation as world leaders grapple with the destabilizing effects of Donald Trump’s aggressive foreign policy maneuvers. The atmosphere was charged with tension as representatives from major powers expressed starkly divergent visions for the future of international relations.

    French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stark warning about emerging ‘rule-free world order’ where international law is trampled and might makes right. In a notable visual metaphor, Macron addressed the forum wearing sunglasses—attributed to a burst blood vessel—while delivering sobering remarks about record global conflicts in 2024, acknowledging that some might be ‘fabricated’ while emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney presented perhaps the most dramatic assessment, declaring the world is experiencing a ‘rupture rather than transition’ in the US-led global system. He dismissed the concept of American hegemony as ‘fiction’ and warned that middle powers risk being sidelined if they don’t unite. ‘If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,’ Carney cautioned, emphasizing that traditional assumptions about geography and alliances no longer guarantee security or prosperity.

    The forum specifically addressed Trump’s threatened takeover of Greenland, which has alarmed European allies. Macron announced France would participate in joint exercises in Greenland specifically to support Denmark, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed Denmark and Greenland’s territorial integrity is ‘not up for discussion.’

    Von der Leyen outlined the EU’s response to geopolitical shocks, noting progress in energy, raw materials, defense and digitalization. She revealed the EU is close to finalizing a historic trade agreement with India that would create a market representing nearly a quarter of global GDP.

    Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng struck a contrasting tone, emphasizing cooperation and portraying China’s development as an opportunity rather than threat. He promised further market opening and equal treatment for foreign companies while calling for fair treatment of Chinese businesses abroad.

    The collective response from traditional US allies suggests a significant recalibration of global alliances as nations seek to navigate an increasingly unpredictable international landscape where established rules and institutions appear increasingly fragile.

  • Vissers zetten in op bescherming zeeleven en behoud exportmarkten

    Vissers zetten in op bescherming zeeleven en behoud exportmarkten

    Suriname’s fishing industry is undergoing significant regulatory transformations with the mandatory implementation of acoustic deterrent devices, known as pingers, across fishing vessels. This initiative, spearheaded by the Suriname Fisherfolk Organization (SUNFO), aims to protect endangered marine species including sea turtles and dolphins from entanglement in fishing nets.

    The regulatory overhaul comes in response to recent trade restrictions imposed by the United States on specific fishing methods. To regain access to the American market while simultaneously securing continued export privileges to the European Union, Suriname has attached stringent environmental conditions to all fishing licenses effective 2026.

    Comprehensive conservation measures extend beyond acoustic devices to include reduced maximum net lengths, mandatory onboard documentation of protected species, and the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems for enhanced maritime surveillance. The government has simultaneously intensified crackdowns on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, with violations now carrying penalties including permanent license revocation.

    Industry representatives have pledged full cooperation with the new framework. SUNFO Secretary Mark Lall emphasized that collective compliance is essential for maintaining international market presence. Suriname currently ranks among few regional nations with near-global export privileges, attributed to its robust management systems and adherence to international hygiene standards.

    The fishing sector acknowledges marine resources as renewable assets that, under responsible stewardship, can sustain future generations. Sustainable fisheries management is now framed as a shared responsibility among fishers, government agencies, and international partners.

  • Column: Sportieve keuze op basis van realiteitszin

    Column: Sportieve keuze op basis van realiteitszin

    Professional footballers of Surinamese descent holding Dutch nationality face a complex career crossroads despite their high-level performances in competitive leagues. Many find themselves overlooked for selection to the Netherlands national team (Oranje), even as younger native Dutch colleagues receive call-ups. This creates a strategic dilemma for players who must weigh national pride against practical career considerations.

    The reality of international football presents harsh truths: some players receive nominal call-ups only to spend minimal time on the pitch during brief substitute appearances. These limited opportunities fail to provide adequate proving grounds while simultaneously locking players out of representing alternative nations through FIFA eligibility rules. The scarcity of actual playing time becomes particularly crucial during international matches, where scouts from major clubs actively monitor performances for transfer opportunities.

    Within Oranje’s selection process, intense competition creates an environment where only consistently starting players from top European clubs typically secure positions. The national coach enjoys the luxury of choosing among Dutch-nationality players performing at elite levels across Europe’s premier competitions. Regular playing time, statistical performance, and club success become determining factors in selection decisions, often leaving talented but less-featured players waiting for injuries to create opportunities.

    For players consistently receiving minutes in major leagues yet remaining overlooked by Dutch selectors, representing Suriname (their ancestral nation) presents a viable sporting alternative. Suriname’s national team coach operates without the same depth of top-tier options, meaning guaranteed playing time and greater visibility for scouts. This alternative path offers practical advantages over potentially waiting indefinitely for Netherlands recognition that might never materialize or result in meaningful playing time.

    Footballers must therefore conduct clear-eyed assessments of their actual prospects: evaluating both the likelihood of selection and the probability of substantive playing time if called. Those publicly declaring their Oranje aspirations risk finding themselves sidelined after limited opportunities, potentially closing doors to other international representation. The optimal path requires balancing national team aspirations with practical career development considerations in a highly competitive global sport.

  • Vakbeweging slaat alarm over koopkracht en uitblijven afspraken

    Vakbeweging slaat alarm over koopkracht en uitblijven afspraken

    The Ravaksur Plus labor union coalition has issued a formal warning to the president regarding the government’s failure to implement previously agreed fiscal and wage measures, exacerbating the ongoing decline in purchasing power for employees and retirees. In a strongly worded letter dated January 22nd, the coalition outlined multiple systemic failures in socioeconomic dialogue that threaten to permanently stall crucial negotiations.

    The unions documented how 2025 concluded with persistently high inflation rates and volatile exchange fluctuations, creating severe economic pressure on broad population segments. Particularly affected are working citizens and pensioners who face diminishing real income values despite previous government commitments. Notably, promised fiscal relief measures—including raised tax-free thresholds and expanded tax brackets scheduled for implementation before January 1, 2026—remain unfulfilled.

    According to Ravaksur Plus, consultation meetings with government representatives have repeatedly failed to produce concrete decisions or actionable implementations. Even established dialogue structures within ministerial departments are reportedly functioning inadequately. Additionally, an expert team appointed by the president specifically to engage with labor representatives has yet to initiate contact, further demonstrating the breakdown in communication.

    The consequences are particularly severe for public servants, private sector employees, and retirees. Civil servants experience structural erosion of purchasing power, while private sector workers cannot achieve meaningful income improvements without the promised tax reforms. Pensioners bear disproportionate impact from rising prices due to fixed incomes.

    The coalition emphasizes that socioeconomic policy properly belongs within recognized high-level consultation bodies such as the Social-Economic Council (SER) and Tripartite Consultation. Ravaksur Plus demands the reactivation of these institutions to enable proper policy preparation through collaboration between government, labor representatives, and business sectors.

    The unions highlight that recent government debt restructuring and refinancing operations have created newfound fiscal space. They advocate allocating portions of these resources toward structural salary adjustments for public servants and genuine tax relief for private sector employees.

    Finally, Ravaksur Plus references a comprehensive manifesto submitted at the current administration’s inception containing proposals for structural socioeconomic improvements. The coalition notes they have received no substantive response to these proposals and now demand clarity regarding high-level consultation frameworks and implementation timelines for existing agreements. The letter concludes with a stark warning that continued government inaction risks fundamentally undermining confidence in the entire social dialogue model.

  • Volksgezondheid en IKBeN versterken samenwerking voor betere bescherming van kinderen

    Volksgezondheid en IKBeN versterken samenwerking voor betere bescherming van kinderen

    In a landmark move to address systemic child protection gaps, Suriname’s Minister of Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, André Misiekaba, has formalized a comprehensive partnership with the Integral Child Protection Network (IKBeN). This binding commitment establishes a reinforced collaborative framework between government agencies and civil society organizations to combat child abuse, violence, and neglect through coordinated action.

    The agreement, signed during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, represents a strategic shift toward integrated child welfare management. IKBeN serves as a multilateral platform uniting government ministries, domestic NGOs, and international partners including UNICEF Suriname. The network will prioritize developing standardized case management protocols and referral systems to ensure timely intervention for children in high-risk situations.

    This policy intensification follows a severe incident in Commewijne that exposed critical vulnerabilities in existing child protection mechanisms. In response, authorities have drafted an action plan emphasizing targeted measures and high-level administrative integration of child-focused policies. A cross-ministerial pilot project will designate technical representatives from each ministry to streamline interdepartmental coordination.

    UNICEF Child Protection Officer Sandhya Soekhoe joined IKBeN focal points Angela Salmo and Dana Plet-Wardi in endorsing the pact, which commits signatories to unconditional support for child development rights. The agreement explicitly recognizes every child’s entitlement to security, personal growth, and social welfare, mandating improved information-sharing practices to make protective services universally accessible and effective.

  • Iran meldt 3.117 doden bij protesten; waarschuwt VS voor vergelding

    Iran meldt 3.117 doden bij protesten; waarschuwt VS voor vergelding

    Iran’s state broadcaster has officially acknowledged 3,117 fatalities during recent nationwide protests that erupted on December 28, 2025, marking the deadliest civil unrest in decades. According to the Wednesday announcement, 2,427 victims included both civilians and security personnel, though details regarding the remaining casualties remain unspecified.

    The disclosure comes amid escalating regional tensions as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning to the United States during a Beirut seminar on Friday. Araghchi cautioned that Iran would respond “without hesitation with everything we have” to any new attacks against the Islamic Republic, referencing last June’s conflict with Israel. He characterized potential large-scale confrontation as “fierce” and prolonged, with significant regional and global implications.

    Independent verification of casualty figures remains challenging due to internet restrictions and information blackouts. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates at least 4,560 deaths based on activist networks within Iran, significantly higher than official figures.

    Meanwhile, US military assets continue redeploying to the region, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group transiting from Asia toward the Middle East. Satellite imagery confirms F-15E fighter aircraft and mobile HIMARS rocket systems being positioned throughout the region, coinciding with new travel restrictions for American diplomats visiting bases in Kuwait and Qatar.

    The protests initially sparked by economic grievances rapidly evolved into broad criticism of Iran’s theocratic regime, recalling memories of the 1979 revolution’s chaos. Although demonstrations have subsided in recent days, human rights organizations fear increased fatalities may emerge as information gradually leaks from the information-restricted nation.

    Iranian authorities have arrested approximately 26,500 individuals, warning that “terrorists” linked to Israel and supported by the US will face prosecution. Concerns mount that some detainees may receive death sentences, crossing what US officials previously identified as red lines in tensions with Iran.

    In a significant development, the Kurdish National Army of Kurdistan (PAK) claims Iran conducted its first foreign military operation since the protests began, attacking a base in northern Iraq and killing one fighter. Kurdish dissident groups have long found refuge in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, creating persistent tensions between Baghdad and Tehran.

    The international community continues monitoring the volatile situation, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting human rights and preventing further regional escalation.

  • Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Suriname’s Judicial Intervention Team (JIT) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized crime after discovering a fully operational twin-engine aircraft at a meticulously maintained illegal airstrip deep within the remote Goliath territory. The sophisticated discovery occurred on Saturday, January 17th, during routine aerial reconnaissance missions designed to monitor previously identified clandestine landing strips.

    The aircraft, found in remarkably good technical condition, had been expertly camouflaged with natural foliage including leaves and branches, rendering it virtually undetectable from both aerial surveillance and ground observation. Authorities noted the exceptional concealment efforts demonstrated the advanced operational capabilities of those involved.

    Further investigation of the immediate vicinity revealed substantial quantities of aviation fuel stored in numerous jerrycans, indicating prepared capacity for extended flight operations. The airstrip itself showed signs of recent use and careful maintenance, suggesting regular illicit air traffic in the region.

    Due to the challenging remote location and complex logistical considerations, Surinamese authorities executed a carefully coordinated extraction operation with support from the Air Force of the National Army. The aircraft was successfully started on site and safely flown to Paramaribo for comprehensive forensic examination and further investigation into its origins and suspected criminal connections.

    The Public Prosecutor’s Office communication unit confirmed the operation represents a major disruption to suspected criminal networks operating in the country’s interior regions, though specific criminal activities connected to the aircraft remain under investigation.