Employees of the Economic Control Service (ECD) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) have initiated a work stoppage, led by the staff union headed by Glenn Samipersad. In a letter addressed to Director Suraksha Hirasingh, with a copy to Minister Andrew Basaron, the staff cited the immediate cause of the strike as the expiration of their identification credentials. They deemed it ‘unacceptable’ to perform their duties as enforcement officers without valid credentials while daily identifying violations and fining businesses. The letter also highlighted several structural issues within the service, including the delayed swearing-in of BAVP-trained officers, the absence of armed personnel following retirements and deaths of colleagues, a severe shortage of vehicles hindering inspections, inadequate security and poor working conditions, insufficient clothing and fuel allowances, and disrupted cooperation with the police since the departure of the chief police inspector at the ECD. Additionally, the staff advocated for a fixed arrangement where a percentage of collected fines would be allocated to the ECD for maintenance and operational costs. The letter stated that ‘the expired BAVP pass was the final straw,’ and the employees vowed to return to work only once the outlined issues are resolved.
标签： Suriname
苏里南
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President vraagt klimaatactie: Eerlijke financiering nodig om bossen te beschermen
In her first address as a TIME100 Climate Leader, Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons emphasized the urgent need for global climate action and sustainable forest management. Speaking at the TIME100 Climate Leaders Dinner in Rio de Janeiro, she acknowledged the honor but stressed that the focus should remain on raising awareness and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. President Simons is currently in Brazil for the Bélem Climate Summit, a precursor to the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30), which Brazil will host. Despite Suriname’s vast rainforests covering over 90% of its territory, the nation remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Coastal areas, home to 75% of the population, including the capital Paramaribo, are already experiencing rising sea levels, while indigenous and tribal communities in the interior face increasing threats. President Simons highlighted the need for significant financial resources to protect these communities and build resilience. She also called for equitable climate financing, noting that while a handful of countries, including Suriname, are carbon-negative, they bear the brunt of global climate impacts. ‘Suriname’s forests and those worldwide provide essential ecosystem services—clean air, water, biodiversity, and climate regulation—that sustain humanity,’ she stated. President Simons urged the international community to provide fair and timely funding to countries actively contributing to global ecosystem preservation. She reaffirmed Suriname’s commitment to its role in climate action and will further elaborate on the nation’s carbon-negative status during the Bélem Climate Summit, where global leaders will discuss climate strategies and financing.
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Staatsolie verstevigt internationale partnerschappen in offshoresector
Suriname has taken a significant step forward in its offshore oil and gas exploration efforts with the signing of Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) for Blocks 9 and 10. The contracts were formalized by Staatsolie, the state-owned oil company, in collaboration with international operators Petronas Suriname E&P B.V. (Block 9) and Chevron Suriname Exploration Limited (Block 10).
In Block 9, Petronas Suriname will serve as the operator, partnering with Chevron Suriname Exploration Ltd., QatarEnergy International E&P LLC, and Paradise Oil Company (POC). The ownership distribution in this block is as follows: Petronas Suriname holds 30%, Chevron 20%, QatarEnergy 20%, and POC 30%. For Block 10, Chevron assumes the role of operator, with Petronas Suriname, QatarEnergy, and POC as partners. The ownership breakdown here is Chevron 30%, Petronas Suriname 30%, QatarEnergy 30%, and POC 10%.
The PSCs grant the involved parties exclusive rights for exploration, development, and production in their respective blocks. The initial exploration phase, spanning three years, will focus on collecting and processing 3D seismic data to map subsurface structures and identify potential oil and gas reserves.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Patrick Brunings, Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment, emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable development. ‘We will continue to attract companies to invest in our basin and use the revenues to make Suriname greener and more sustainable—what we call Suriname 3.0,’ he stated.
The contracts, valid for thirty years, were signed by Annand Jagesar (General Director of Staatsolie), Danny Tan (Country Head of Petronas Suriname), Ali Al-Mana (Manager of Upstream International at QatarEnergy), Andrew Deighan (Americas Exploration Director at Chevron), and Rekha Bissumbhar (Director of POC). The event was attended by Minister Brunings and David Abiamofo, Minister of Natural Resources.
Blocks 9 and 10 are located in shallow waters approximately 50 kilometers off the coast of Saramacca. Block 9 covers an area of 2,674 km², while Block 10 spans 2,972 km², with water depths reaching up to 50 meters.
Minister Abiamofo praised the negotiation team and highlighted the government’s support for the initiative. ‘The success of Blocks 9 and 10 will not only drive economic development but also create opportunities for capacity building, employment, and community development,’ he remarked.
This milestone underscores Staatsolie’s strategy to responsibly develop Suriname’s offshore oil and gas potential in partnership with renowned international entities. The agreements mark a pivotal step in positioning Suriname as a key player in the global exploration and production sector.
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Suriname viert tien jaar Women in Maritime Caribbean: Focus op gelijke kansen
From November 3 to 5, 2025, Suriname proudly hosted the regional workshop and general assembly of the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC). Organized by the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS), the event brought together representatives from across the Caribbean to strengthen collaboration and advance the role of women in the maritime industry. The opening ceremony, held at Hotel Torarica, also celebrated WiMAC’s 10th anniversary under the theme ‘LeadHERship: WiMAC 10 Years Strong! Looking Ahead, Sailing Forward,’ emphasizing leadership and equal opportunities for women in the maritime world. Minister Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communication, and Tourism (TCT) commended the contributions of women in the sector and highlighted the government’s commitment to gender equality, particularly in technical and maritime professions. He noted the increasing number of female students in maritime training programs as evidence of Suriname’s progress in women’s empowerment. Currently, MAS employs 32 women in various roles, and the WiMAC Suriname Chapter has 34 female maritime professionals. Chairperson Marita Kramp emphasized the organization’s focus on creating opportunities for women to grow, receive training, and work in a safe and supportive environment. She also stressed Suriname’s obligation to implement gender equality policies as a signatory to international treaties. The three-day workshop addressed challenges and opportunities in the regional maritime sector, underscoring MAS’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for women in Suriname’s maritime industry.
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Oorlog in Sudan volledig uit de hand gelopen, waarschuwt VN
The civil war in Sudan has reached a critical point, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declaring that the situation is “completely spiraling out of control.” The intensifying conflict between rival military factions has led to thousands of civilian casualties and forced millions to flee their homes. The ongoing violence has severely hindered humanitarian efforts, making it nearly impossible for aid organizations to reach besieged areas. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for international intervention during a UN summit in Qatar, warning that without immediate action, Sudan risks descending into total state collapse. The war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stems from a power struggle over control of the country. Despite mediation attempts by the African Union and neighboring nations, no lasting ceasefire has been achieved. Key facts include over 9 million displaced persons, tens of thousands of deaths, and widespread human rights violations, including attacks on hospitals and refugee camps. The UN has called for immediate international action, sanctions against responsible leaders, and increased financial support for humanitarian aid to prevent Sudan from following the tragic paths of Syria and Yemen.
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Anti-Corruptiecommissie wordt tijdelijk ondergebracht bij Constitutioneel Hof
In a significant move to address financial constraints, Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath has proposed that the Anti-Corruption Commission temporarily relocate to the same building housing the Constitutional Court (Chof). The commission is currently required to vacate its premises on Henck Arronstraat due to the ministry’s inability to meet rental obligations. The Chof is situated at the intersection of Watermolen and Lim A Postraat. Monorath emphasized that this relocation is a necessary interim measure, saving the ministry approximately $4,000 per month in rental costs. He clarified that the move is not intended to displace the Chof, referencing President Jennifer Simons’ recent mention of the court in her annual address. The appointment and installation of the Chof’s chairperson and members remain pending. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice and Police has initiated renovations of several buildings, including its headquarters and the former Public Prosecutor’s Office. Monorath reiterated that the decision is purely financial and aims to provide both the Chof and the Anti-Corruption Commission with their own dedicated facilities in the future.
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Nieuwe website moet toegang tot kapitaal voor ondernemers vergroten
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) in Suriname has officially unveiled its new digital platform, financieringswijzer.sr. Designed to assist entrepreneurs and startups, the platform aims to streamline the process of identifying funding opportunities from banks, funds, and investment programs. The launch event took place in the ballroom of the Lallarookh Building, marking a significant step toward enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country. The platform serves as a centralized portal, enabling users to systematically explore available financial instruments tailored to their specific needs. According to EZOTI, this initiative addresses a critical barrier: the lack of accessible information on securing funding. Karishma Mathoera, Director of Entrepreneurship, emphasized the platform’s role in fostering sustainable economic growth, stating, ‘This platform makes a tangible contribution to strengthening Suriname’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.’ Entrepreneurs like Wensley Perea, CEO of AMEA Cashew & Pineapple Industry, shared their experiences in navigating funding challenges within the agricultural value chain. Ifeyinwha Bonheur, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the importance of collaboration among government, banks, and investors to improve access to capital for local businesses. Minister Andrew Baasaron, who officiated the launch, reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable employment. He noted that financieringswijzer.sr enhances transparency and equal opportunities for entrepreneurs across all districts.
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Regering hervat onderhandelingen met Chinalco over bauxiet West-Suriname
The Surinamese government has announced plans to renegotiate its agreement with Chinese bauxite company Chinalco, aiming to secure a more favorable deal for the nation. Acting President Gregory Rusland revealed this development during a meeting with a Chinalco delegation on November 4, 2025. A special negotiation committee will be established to revise the terms of the original agreement signed with the previous administration in November 2024. The deal, which involved a $426 million investment for a bauxite mine and related infrastructure in Apoera, West Suriname, had stalled due to strong opposition from local communities. Rusland, who had previously opposed the deal as a parliamentarian, emphasized the need for a revised agreement that ensures bauxite processing within Suriname, thereby maximizing national benefits. Chinalco’s director, Bo Qu, expressed commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership. The renewed negotiations aim to address local concerns and clarify the conditions under which the project can proceed.
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MinOWC treft maatregelen voor snelle plaatsing basisschoolleerlingen
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MinOWC) has introduced additional measures to expedite the placement of primary school students. In an effort to ensure every child has access to education, students are being relocated to alternative schools or venues, even if these are outside their residential areas. To facilitate these transitions, new school bus routes are being established. According to the ministry, these are temporary and practical solutions aimed at completing the placement process. While vocational education placements have already been finalized, the General Education (AVO) sector, covering grades 1 through 8, is still in the process of assigning the remaining students. Parents or guardians of students who have not yet received placement notifications are encouraged to contact the AVO Secretariat directly at +597 852-1048. The ministry is calling for public understanding and cooperation, emphasizing that these interim measures are designed to enable all students to attend regular schooling as quickly as possible. These steps are being taken in anticipation of long-term solutions, such as the construction of new schools in areas experiencing continuous growth in student numbers.
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Somohardjo: Minister GBB belooft boothouders intrekking grond Leonsberg
In a swift response to widespread public discontent, Minister Stanley Soeropawiro announced the withdrawal of the contentious decision to allocate the Leonsberg docking facility during an emergency meeting convened by Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in the National Assembly. The meeting, attended by the boat owners’ association led by Ann Sadi, an NDP parliamentarian, was prompted by the outcry over the timing of the decision, made just ten days before the elections. Somohardjo hailed the minister’s promise as ‘a first victory for the people,’ stating, ‘What happened here was not policy; it was brutality. The voice of the people has been heard, and the boat owners have regained their source of income.’ He emphasized that the GBB committee would closely monitor the issue until the withdrawal is officially completed, vowing, ‘We will not shelve this matter; we will pursue it. Our duty as a committee is to protect the people.’ Somohardjo also noted the unanimous support of his committee colleagues—Parmessar, Sharman, Jarbadhan, Jones, Bouterse Waldring, and Bink—in ensuring a just resolution, including potential criminal investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. ‘As a committee, we stand united: justice above injustice,’ he declared. He further praised President Simons and Minister Soeropawiro for their prompt action ‘to right what had gone wrong’ and announced that the GBB committee would soon propose additional legislation to prevent similar incidents in the future.