标签： Suriname

A nation with a shared past and a shared future also bears a shared responsibility. This is not merely an ideal but an indispensable necessity. The choices we make, the leaders we elect, and the way we interact with each other and our environment shape not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. Surinamers, we are collectively responsible for the direction our country takes. This responsibility extends beyond the political arena to our daily interactions with our elders, the care we give to our natural environment, and the nurturing of our youth. These are all pieces of a larger mosaic in which each of us plays a role. Avoiding this responsibility means undermining the very foundation of our society. Leadership is a shared duty. We choose our leaders, but they act on our behalf. Therefore, we cannot merely point fingers at politicians; we must also look inward. Are we the examples we expect from our leaders? Do we listen to each other, even when opinions differ? Do we make space for the voices of the vulnerable? Do we cherish the earth that sustains us and protect the heritage that has shaped us? This responsibility is especially palpable as our country reflects on 50 years of independence. Fifty years of building together, of struggle and progress, but also of lessons and challenges. This anniversary is a moment of reflection: what have we endured together, what have we achieved together, and what legacy are we leaving for those who follow us? It is a reminder that our future is not guaranteed but is the result of our collective efforts. This is particularly relevant as a new economic future dawns with the promise of an oil boom. While this development could bring prosperity and growth, its success depends on our collective care and responsibility. It requires sustainable thinking, fair distribution, and the preservation of our natural resources. Only by acting together, with consideration for both people and the environment, can we ensure that this new source of wealth becomes a blessing for everyone, now and in the future. Shared responsibility also means not turning a blind eye to the problems that affect us but tackling them together. Whether it’s social inequality, climate change, or raising children in an increasingly complex world, these challenges can only be overcome if we find common ground in our shared duty. Every individual, every community, every institution has a role to play. And it starts close to home. How do we treat our elders? With respect and care, or do we too often leave them to their fate? What do we do with the nature around us? Do we see it as an inexhaustible resource, or do we realize that our future depends on how we treat it? And most importantly, what values are we passing on to our children, who will carry our society forward? Shared responsibility is the glue that binds us. It is the understanding that we are stronger together, that our future is not the sum of separate individuals but of a collective that supports and challenges each other. It is a call to actively contribute to a society where everyone matters, where we learn from the past to create a just future. Without this shared responsibility, a nation loses its cohesion and, with it, its future. Therefore, let us not wait for others to act but start today—with small steps, with conscious choices. Together, we are the architects of tomorrow.

The Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has declined a request from Suriname’s Energy Companies (EBS) to lift the seizure of a large batch of brownheart timber. The decision was communicated in a letter from SBB Director Ruben Ravenberg to EBS General Director Leo Brunswijk, which was obtained by Starnieuws. The investigation into the allegedly illegally obtained timber is ongoing, and SBB has emphasized its legal obligation to inform the Attorney General of suspected violations. The first interim report was submitted to the Attorney General and the government last Wednesday. SBB continues its work, meticulously inspecting each piece of timber. As of October 6, 508 seizures had been made after inspecting 1,444 pieces of timber, bringing the total number of seizures to nearly 1,000. In the letter, Ravenberg referenced EBS’s October 3 request, which cited ‘public interest’ as the reason for lifting the seizure. However, SBB rejected the request, stating that all citizens, including state-owned enterprises like EBS, must adhere to the law and cooperate in combating illegal activities that cause irreparable damage to forests. SBB also highlighted that previous cases of illegally harvested brownheart timber at EBS’s landing site have already been transferred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, SBB inspectors were denied access to the EBS site on Bethesdaweg multiple times. When it was discovered that more allegedly illegal brownheart timber was brought to the site on September 29, SBB sought assistance from the Environmental Crime Unit. SBB is working to conclude the investigation swiftly, after which the full dossier will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Only then can EBS submit its request to the Attorney General. SBB reiterated its willingness to advise EBS on future purchases and verify information regarding brownheart timber offerings in advance.

On October 12, 1685, the Beraha VeSalom (BVS) Synagogue, a monumental structure in Jodensavanne, Suriname, was officially inaugurated. This synagogue, whose name translates to ‘Blessing and Peace,’ stood as the heart of the Jewish village and left a lasting impression on visitors due to its grandeur and architectural significance. It was the first synagogue of architectural importance in the Western Hemisphere. Over the centuries, BVS has been extensively documented in writings, paintings, and prints, often depicted from a distance. Approximately 240 years ago, its centennial was celebrated with great pomp in the presence of Governor Wichers, members of the Council of Police and Justice, and numerous dignitaries from Paramaribo. Beyond its religious function, BVS served as a courthouse for minor legal cases, an archive, and a meeting space for the church board. It also acted as a fortress against attacks by maroons, with armed Jewish men preparing for potential assaults during significant religious observances like Yom Kippur. Historical records reveal that on September 30, 1790, Jodensavanne was thrown into turmoil due to a rumored maroon attack, prompting the local militia to guard the synagogue. The construction and maintenance of this once-imposing building were carried out by enslaved individuals, whose contributions are now being honored by the Jodensavanne Foundation as part of the 340th-anniversary commemoration. The foundation has planned several activities to mark this milestone, including the publication of articles, exhibitions, and volunteer programs, all aimed at celebrating the legacy of the Beraha VeSalom Synagogue.

In a heartfelt tribute to their alma mater, the parents of Aashna Kanhai recently visited Openbare School Maretraite, a school that has been a cornerstone of their family’s educational journey for generations. The visit, marked by the symbolic handing over of an envelope to the school’s principal, Juffrouw Makdoembaks, was a gesture of gratitude and support for an institution that has shaped the lives of their children and grandchildren. The school, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, has long been a beacon of discipline, community, and holistic education.