Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Column: De onderste steen moet boven komen

    Column: De onderste steen moet boven komen

    Suriname’s football community has been plunged into disarray following the sudden withdrawal of its national U-17 team from World Cup qualifiers in Honduras. The Surinamese Football Federation (SVB) announced the devastating decision mere days before the tournament, citing registration failures with CONCACAF as the primary reason for the collapse.

    The team’s preparation had been extensive, with numerous players specifically recruited from Dutch academies to strengthen the squad. Despite initial registration of sixty players with the regional governing body, critical omissions occurred that rendered nine players—seven from Netherlands-based programs and two domestic trainees—technically ineligible for competition.

    Multiple procedural failures have emerged throughout this debacle. Investigative reporting reveals that while the federation maintained an extensive registration list, they failed to properly include all overseas-based players. Furthermore, questions abound regarding why domestically-based players weren’t registered earlier and why no final selection was made from the properly registered players to avoid automatic disqualification.

    The financial and human cost has been substantial. Players traveled internationally only to be deemed ‘insufficiently qualified’ upon arrival—a wasteful expenditure of resources that has drawn sharp criticism. The selection process itself appears fundamentally flawed, with national team coach Marvin Brunings admitting to players that he couldn’t explain selection decisions as he himself hadn’t finalized the roster.

    This administrative catastrophe represents a significant failure for SVB leadership, with transparency demands growing from both the sporting community and general public. The federation’s explanation has generated more questions than answers, leaving Surinamese football facing serious questions about its organizational competence ahead of future international competitions.

  • NOB lanceert krediet tot SRD 400.000 voor jonge ondernemers

    NOB lanceert krediet tot SRD 400.000 voor jonge ondernemers

    Suriname’s National Development Bank (NOB) has inaugurated a specialized credit facility designed to empower young entrepreneurs across the nation. Dubbed the ‘Level-Up Credit’ initiative, the program targets individuals aged 18 to 27, offering access to business loans of up to SRD 400,000 for commercial investments and venture development.

    The financing mechanism operates under the Production Credit Fund (PKF), with designated allocations for diverse sectors including manufacturing, processing industries, creative arts, information technology, and innovative project undertakings. The program was officially unveiled on January 30, 2026, under the local slogan ‘Wan Okasi gi den Yongu Basi’ (An Opportunity for Young People).

    NOB President-Director Sandy Cameron emphasized the deliberately low-threshold application process, noting that youth applicants can submit projects through a streamlined documentation system. The bank has committed to processing complete applications within a 31-day review timeframe, according to Suriname’s Communication Service.

    Beyond financial support, the NOB provides comprehensive entrepreneurial guidance including assistance with Chamber of Commerce and Industry registration, permit acquisition, and administrative procedures. Post-approval monitoring remains integral to the program’s implementation framework.

    The credit facility features a maximum five-year maturity period with flexible repayment structures, including potential grace periods for principal payments in specific circumstances. Funding derives from the Production Credit Fund, which is resourced through national budgetary allocations and international financing mechanisms.

    The NOB actively encourages young Surinamese citizens with viable business concepts to leverage this financial opportunity for enterprise development and economic participation.

  • Wet Arbeidsadviescollege aangenomen; zittingsduur verlengd naar vijf jaar

    Wet Arbeidsadviescollege aangenomen; zittingsduur verlengd naar vijf jaar

    Suriname’s National Assembly has unanimously approved significant amendments to the Labor Advisory Council Act, fundamentally restructuring the tenure framework for council members. With all 30 votes in favor, the legislation extends membership terms from two to five years, marking a substantial shift in the country’s labor governance approach.

    Parliamentary officials emphasized that the extended tenure period aims to foster greater continuity, institutional stability, and expertise development within the tripartite advisory body. Silvana Afonsoewa, Chair of the Committee of Rapporteurs, articulated during deliberations that prolonged terms would enhance the stability of social dialogue between government, employers, and employee representatives.

    The legislative process featured vigorous debate regarding leadership term limits. In response to concerns about unlimited reappointments for leadership positions, legislators eliminated Article 4, Section 8 through an oral amendment. This establishes that the Council’s chair and deputy chair may now serve only two consecutive terms.

    Notably, regular members remain eligible for unlimited reappointments, preserving flexibility for labor unions and business associations to select their preferred representatives. Government officials serving ex officio on the Council are also exempt from the new term limitations.

    Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor André Misiekaba characterized the reforms as a significant boost to Suriname’s tripartite consultation model. The Labor Advisory Council, which advises the government on labor matters and socioeconomic policy, now operates under strengthened governance provisions that prevent ministers from dismissing its recommendations without formal justification.

  • ABOP viert 36 jaar: van binnenlandse verzetsbeweging tot nationale machtsfactor

    ABOP viert 36 jaar: van binnenlandse verzetsbeweging tot nationale machtsfactor

    PARAMARIBO – Suriname’s General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) commemorated its 36th anniversary on February 11, 2026, celebrating its evolution from a marginalized political movement into one of the nation’s most influential political entities. Founded in the early 1990s to advocate for recognition of inland territories and fundamental rights for underserved communities, ABOP has transformed into a mainstream national party with expanding influence across Suriname.

    The party’s trajectory demonstrates remarkable political resilience. During its formative decade (1991-2000), ABOP fought for parliamentary representation and political breakthrough, achieving a critical milestone in 2015 when it emerged as the country’s third-largest party. This position has since been consolidated through strategic expansion beyond traditional support bases.

    Party leadership now emphatically declares ABOP has transcended its regional origins. ‘We are no longer a single-district party but represent all Surinamese people,’ stated official communications. The 2025 implementation of a national electoral system further accelerated this transformation, generating growing support in key regions including Wanica, Para, and the capital Paramaribo.

    Through participation in successive coalition governments, ABOP has leveraged ministerial positions to drive tangible national development. The party highlights infrastructure achievements including new energy systems and drinking water projects that have delivered reliable electricity and clean water to tens of thousands of citizens. Additional milestones include expanding telecommunications connectivity to previously isolated interior regions through internet and mobile phone services.

    Beyond policy accomplishments, ABOP has cultivated a distinct identity as a socially conscious organization. Under the leadership of Chairman Ronnie Brunswijk, the party has established robust philanthropic initiatives providing direct assistance to citizens in need. These include funding overseas medical treatments, distributing social support packages to vulnerable families, and awarding educational scholarships to students.

    This practical approach to social justice forms the cornerstone of the party’s relationship with its constituents. ‘Politics must be tangible in people’s daily lives’ remains a recurring message within party communications.

    Looking forward, ABOP identifies affordable housing, comprehensive land rights recognition, economic diversification, and enhanced education and healthcare systems as priority policy areas. The core philosophy remains that every Surinamese citizen, regardless of origin or residence, deserves equal opportunities.

    The party’s motto ‘Fu kmopo na a katibo’ (To emerge from captivity) continues to symbolize its ongoing commitment to emancipation and development.

  • Woning en zakenpand verwoest door felle brand Jacquelineweg

    Woning en zakenpand verwoest door felle brand Jacquelineweg

    A devastating overnight fire has completely destroyed a residential property and commercial building complex on Jacquelineweg, with the blaze erupting at approximately 3:33 AM and rapidly escalating into an uncontrollable inferno.

    Emergency services received the initial alert at 3:33 AM, with first responders arriving to find the structures fully engulfed in intense flames. Despite the immediate deployment of firefighting resources, the combined efforts proved insufficient to salvage any of the buildings.

    The commercial complex housed multiple businesses including a clothing store, butcher shop, and ice factory within its premises. All structures were completely consumed by the fire along with their entire contents and inventory.

    The property owner, who resided on the premises with his family, reported hearing a loud explosion originating from the clothing store section immediately before the fire broke out. According to his account, the initial blaze began in this area before spreading with tremendous speed to adjacent buildings.

    While the exact cause remains undetermined pending official investigation, authorities confirmed the buildings were connected to the EBS power grid and carried appropriate fire insurance coverage.

    Both police and fire department investigators have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise origin and circumstances surrounding the catastrophic fire incident.

  • Tarieven drukken Colombiaanse bloemenindustrie

    Tarieven drukken Colombiaanse bloemenindustrie

    Colombia’s floral sector, ranking as the world’s second-largest flower exporter, successfully delivered millions of roses to the United States just in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations. However, beneath this seasonal success story lies an industry grappling with mounting economic pressures that threaten its long-term viability.

    Between January 15 and February 9, Colombia shipped approximately 65,000 tons of fresh flowers to the U.S. market. This Valentine’s Day period typically represents about 20% of annual sales for a sector that serves as the primary supplier to American consumers, according to industry association Asocolflores.

    The festive demand coincides with significant challenges, including a 10% U.S. import tariff imposed in April last year as part of broader trade measures by the Trump administration. This is particularly impactful given that the United States accounts for approximately 80% of Colombia’s flower exports.

    Additional pressures include a peso that has strengthened nearly 12% against the dollar over the past year and a 23% minimum wage increase, both of which reduce competitiveness and squeeze profit margins. José Antonio Restrepo, manager of Ayure SAS Eclipse Flowers near Bogotá, warns that without changes to these economic conditions, the sector could face massive layoffs and closures starting in July.

    Flower cultivation represents Colombia’s most labor-intensive agricultural sector, providing formal employment for about 240,000 people across 10,500 hectares of land. This year, the fact that Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday presents additional challenges, as consumers traditionally send flowers primarily to offices during weekdays.

    The pressure extends beyond Colombia. Ecuador, the world’s largest flower exporter, faces similar issues with rising production costs and trade barriers. Kenya, a major supplier of cut flowers to the European market, likewise struggles with increasing costs and stricter import regulations. These developments create global pressure on the floral trade industry, which remains closely tied to seasonal holidays and consumer trends.

    Despite these challenges, the atmosphere at nurseries like Ayure SAS Eclipse Flowers remains positive. Workers such as Susana Vega find satisfaction in contributing to bringing joy to people, particularly women and mothers, during this important holiday.

  • Rosita Leeflang nieuwe directeur van STVS

    Rosita Leeflang nieuwe directeur van STVS

    Suriname’s media landscape witnesses a significant leadership transition as Rosita Leeflang assumes the role of Director at the Surinamese Television Foundation (STVS). She succeeds Raoul Abisoina, who held the position for over five years. Abisoina expressed philosophical acceptance of his departure, acknowledging that such changes inherently accompany political appointments. “This is something one must always anticipate,” Abisoina stated in comments to Starnieuws.

    Leeflang brings comprehensive expertise as a seasoned media and communications specialist with extensive background in journalism, media production, and cultural entrepreneurship. Her established career includes notable work as journalist, news anchor, and producer within Suriname’s media industry.

    Beyond traditional journalism, Leeflang has actively contributed to cultural preservation through various documentary projects and cultural initiatives. She owns Roseternal Media, a production company specializing in news content, documentary films, and event management.

    Her cultural leadership extends to chairing the Foundation K.A.S.E.K.O., an organization dedicated to promoting Surinamese kaseko music culture. Her documentary ‘Langabere,’ celebrating kaseko musical traditions, recently gained international recognition through selection at the Curaçao International Film Festival, enhancing her global professional profile.

    Academically, Leeflang possesses robust qualifications in historical and heritage studies. She earned a Master’s degree in Museum and Heritage Studies from the Reinwardt Academy, complementing her earlier Bachelor’s degree in History. This combination of practical media experience, cultural advocacy, and academic foundation positions Leeflang to provide comprehensive leadership for STVS’s future development.

  • Goudzoekers Rosebel-Zijin weigeren ontruiming en noemen zich geen illegalen

    Goudzoekers Rosebel-Zijin weigeren ontruiming en noemen zich geen illegalen

    A tense standoff continues in Suriname as artisanal gold miners operating within the Rosebel-Zijin mining concession have publicly refused to vacate the area. The situation reached a critical point on Tuesday evening during a community meeting in Paranam, where miners unanimously declared they would not leave the site they currently occupy. They assert they do not consider their activities illegal, significantly complicating resolution efforts. Despite their firm stance, the miners expressed a willingness to engage in structured dialogue and establish orderly agreements to prevent further escalation.

    The potential eviction, announced by police authorities, sparked significant political debate earlier in the day within the National Assembly. Assembly member Silvana Afonsoewa (NDP) voiced strong opposition to immediate police action, advocating instead for preliminary negotiations with the mining communities. She highlighted the profound social implications and potential for violent confrontation that a forced eviction could trigger.

    Following a meeting of parliamentary faction leaders, Rabin Parmessar (NDP) confirmed that representatives of the gold miners are scheduled to meet with the Ministers of Natural Resources and Justice & Police on Wednesday afternoon. This high-level discussion aims to forge a peaceful solution that avoids further tensions and potential violence.

    The Paranam meeting was organized by community leader Miriam Asadanoe, partly in response to a recent fatal incident in the concession area that claimed the life of a young miner. Asadanoe revealed she has been providing ongoing support to the victim’s family and emphasized the inherently complex nature of the Rosebel dispute, noting the concession area is situated directly within an established village. “In such situations, legal standing is not immediately clear-cut, which is precisely why dialogue is essential,” she stated in an interview. She expressed astonishment at the police’s eviction announcement, which was made without prior consultation, labeling the approach as fundamentally misguided.

    Asadanoe confirmed she has discussed the matter directly with President Jennifer Simons, who reportedly shares the position that dialogue must precede any enforcement action. Nearly one hundred miners participated in the meeting, proposing various solutions including formal cooperation agreements with the mining company and frameworks for regulated artisanal work within designated zones. These proposals will be compiled into an official report to be presented to the president this week. Asadanoe stressed that the miners seek clarity and recognition, not confrontation, asserting that “if they are listened to seriously, a clash can be prevented.”

  • Melkcentrale wijzigt naam nieuw product na maatschappelijke kritiek

    Melkcentrale wijzigt naam nieuw product na maatschappelijke kritiek

    In a swift reversal following public criticism, Melkcentrale NV has announced it will rename its newly launched dairy product originally called ‘Monchémel’ after CEO Monché Atompai. The product will now be marketed under the name ‘Tropimel’, with only the first 100-unit batch retaining the director’s namesake branding.

    The company revealed the strategic pivot through its official Facebook page just one day after the product’s unveiling. According to the statement, attaching the CEO’s name to the initial limited edition serves as a symbolic gesture recognizing Atompai’s dedication and leadership within the organization.

    During Tuesday’s press conference, management had presented the product exclusively as Monchémel without disclosing the planned name change or limited production scale. Executives initially claimed staff had collectively chosen the name as gratitude for their director. ‘The entire staff selected this name as thanks to our director. He deserves it,’ management stated during the presentation.

    CEO Atompai expressed surprise and honor during the event, noting: ‘They indicated it relates to how I’ve worked recently. They say I came as a hero, which is why they chose to give such a name to a product.’

    The subsequent clarification emphasizes that Tropimel’s introduction marks a significant corporate milestone. Melkcentrale’s statement elaborated: ‘Linking the first batch’s name to our director symbolizes our appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and team spirit characterizing our organization.’

    Following the initial 100 units, all subsequent production will carry the Tropimel branding when the product launches commercially on February 11th.

  • President Simons: digitalisering moet leiden tot banen en betere dienstverlening

    President Simons: digitalisering moet leiden tot banen en betere dienstverlening

    Suriname has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation journey with the inaugural Suriname Silicon Valley (SSV) Summit, convened on Tuesday at the Royal Torarica Ballroom. President Jennifer Simons delivered a keynote address emphasizing that digitalization should serve as a means to tangible outcomes—job creation, enhanced efficiency, and improved public services—rather than an end in itself.

    The summit, orchestrated by the Father Mother Figure (FMF) Foundation, brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, and academic institutions to address the nation’s technological lag. The event was structured around four core thematic tracks: Talent and Skills Development, Cybersecurity, Business-IT Alignment, and Governance, complemented by hands-on workshops designed to translate theory into practice.

    President Simons endorsed the initiative, noting its alignment with both global digital trends and national government strategies aimed at modernizing public services and optimizing organizational processes. ‘Digitalization must be rational, timely, and future-oriented,’ Simons stated. She urged young professionals and entrepreneurs to actively leverage the opportunities presented by such platforms.

    Henk Redmond, founder of FMF and chief architect of the summit, outlined a decentralized vision for the Suriname Silicon Valley. Instead of a single geographic hub, the initiative will establish multiple innovation centers across various districts to ensure broader accessibility. ‘Proximity to communities is essential to ensure easy access to these hubs,’ Redmond explained. The model integrates living, learning, and working within cohesive environments to stimulate growth in the ICT sector.

    Practical outcomes from the summit included the development of solution frameworks for pressing challenges, such as building a robust ICT ecosystem, establishing special economic zones, and designing fiscal incentives to attract investment. Additionally, the event facilitated direct connections between employers and job seekers, with several companies offering on-the-spot recruitment opportunities. Emphasis was placed on reducing barriers for marginalized groups through apprenticeships and business coaching for nascent entrepreneurs.

    President Simons highlighted the critical role of civic engagement in national development, asserting that progress stems not solely from government but from citizens and civil society organizations. She concluded by expressing gratitude to all participants and voicing optimism that the collaborations forged would catalyze sustainable growth in Suriname’s digital economy.