标签： Suriname

During the Belém Climate Summit in Brazil, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a significant bilateral meeting aimed at deepening cooperation between their nations. The leaders agreed to organize a presidential-level working visit by February 2026 to further develop concrete areas of collaboration. Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, announced that foreign ministers from both countries will convene a follow-up meeting before the end of this year to prepare for the visit. Key topics discussed included the Amazon rainforest, climate policy, and poverty alleviation. Suriname formally expressed its support for Brazil’s Tropical Forests Forever Fund, a climate initiative recently launched by President Lula. Social development also took center stage, with President Simons expressing interest in learning from Brazil’s successful Bolsa Família program, which supports vulnerable families. Minister Bouva highlighted upcoming discussions on agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and education, as well as plans to strengthen ties with Brazil’s Rio Branco Institute to provide more Surinamese students with opportunities to study in Brazil. Bouva emphasized that the relationship with Brazil is a foreign policy priority and stressed the importance of regional collaboration with Guyana and neighboring countries, aiming to maximize societal and economic benefits through targeted investments.

The Pertjajah Luhur (PL) party has expressed profound sorrow upon learning of the passing of Ronald Venetiaan, the former President of the Republic of Suriname. On behalf of the party, heartfelt condolences have been extended to the Venetiaan family, the National Party of Suriname (NPS), and the entire Surinamese community. With his departure, Suriname has lost a leader of exceptional integrity, wisdom, and moral fortitude. Venetiaan symbolized calm in times of turmoil, principles under pressure, and dignity amidst division. His life was a lesson in service, and his leadership served as a guiding light for future generations. The party has expressed its gratitude for his tireless dedication to democracy, justice, and national unity. Pertjajah Luhur wishes strength, comfort, and blessings to his loved ones, party members, and the entire nation during this period of mourning. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Rest in peace, Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan. Your legacy endures.

The Committee for Reparations of Suriname’s Slavery Past has formally submitted a petition to the Surinamese government, urging structured dialogue on recognition, apologies, and reparations. Acting President Gregory Rusland received the petition at the Vice President’s Office on Wednesday. The move comes ahead of the state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, scheduled for December 1–3, 2025. The petition, supported by descendants of enslaved Africans and Indigenous communities, calls for immediate action to address the unresolved legacy of Dutch colonialism and slavery. It emphasizes the need for a unified approach to material and immaterial reparations, aligned with the CARICOM Ten-Point Plan and international frameworks such as the 2001 UN Durban Declaration and the 2005 UN Basic Principles on Reparations. The committee stresses that reparations extend beyond financial compensation, encompassing restitution, rehabilitation, truth-seeking, guarantees of non-repetition, and the structural development of affected communities. It criticizes the lack of concrete measures following apologies issued by the Dutch government and monarchy in recent years. The petition requests that descendants and Indigenous representatives be included in the official committee preparing for the royal visit. It also seeks a formal dialogue with the King during the visit, including a public moment where he reiterates his 2023 apology in Suriname and outlines a path toward reparations. Acting President Rusland expressed full understanding of the committee’s efforts, calling the issue ‘of great importance’ and promising to discuss the petition with President Jennifer Simons upon her return. The petition follows meetings on October 11 and November 1, 2025, where the committee drafted a reparations program and agreed to speak ‘with one voice’ to stakeholders. It highlights the inadequacy of apologies without reparations and calls for measurable actions to improve the lives of affected communities. The committee also urges recognition from sectors and institutions that have yet to acknowledge their historical roles, such as shipping companies, insurers, universities, and families. It references international and regional processes, including CARICOM, the African Union, and the UN Decade for People of African Descent, as guiding frameworks for justice and development.

Anand Chotkan, the 48-year-old Director of Livestock at Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV), has been arrested on allegations of embezzlement and fraud against the state. The arrest follows an investigation into the disappearance of approximately 100 sheep and cattle, a excavator, a tractor, and an ATV, which were reported missing on October 18. Minister Mike Noersalim of LVV expressed deep concern, stating that such fraudulent activities tarnish the department’s reputation, especially when senior officials are involved.

Preliminary findings suggest that Chotkan had been selling livestock, including breeding bulls, cows, and calves, from the State Farm without authorization since February 2022. The proceeds from these sales were never remitted to the state. Chotkan initially claimed that the money was stored in a drum that had been lost. However, during a search of his home, authorities discovered a drum containing a substantial amount of cash in US dollars and euros.

Further suspicions arose when it was revealed that Chotkan allegedly attempted to defraud the state of over SRD 86 million. He is accused of forging his signature on a performance statement for the delivery of cattle from Brazil, despite the animals never being supplied. The Ministry of Finance was on the verge of transferring the funds to the supplier, but the Central Land Accounting Service (CLAD) intervened, preventing the transaction.

Minister Noersalim emphasized the importance of rooting out corruption within the ministry to ensure the accelerated development of the agricultural sector. He acknowledged the severity of Chotkan’s arrest, given his role in overseeing the State Farm, which is reportedly in dire straits. However, Noersalim remains optimistic, highlighting the training of new personnel and the willingness of retirees to contribute to the ministry’s efforts.

“We are committed to the accelerated development of the agricultural sector and will continue to refine our policies,” Noersalim concluded, reaffirming his determination to combat corruption and restore integrity to the ministry.

Suriname has lost one of its most revered leaders, Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan, who passed away at the age of 89. The former president, known for his integrity and dedication to the nation, served three terms as the head of state, guiding the country through periods of significant transformation. Venetiaan’s death was confirmed by his family, who were by his side during his final moments. His leadership, marked by a focus on education, ethics, and stability, left an indelible mark on Suriname’s political landscape. Born on June 18, 1936, in Paramaribo, Venetiaan began his career as an educator before ascending to the highest office in the land. He first became president in 1991, serving until 1996, and returned to power from 2000 to 2010. His tenure was characterized by financial recovery, democratic strengthening, and national reconciliation. Venetiaan’s modest lifestyle and unwavering moral compass earned him the affectionate nickname “Papa Venetiaan” among his peers. Even after retiring from active politics, he remained a moral beacon in national discourse. His legacy is not defined by grand infrastructure projects but by his commitment to honest governance, discipline, and moral values. Venetiaan is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. The nation has been informed of the passing of this great Son of Suriname, and tributes are pouring in from across the country.