Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Shurly Lackin aan het roer van de nieuwe RvT STVS

    Shurly Lackin aan het roer van de nieuwe RvT STVS

    In a significant administrative restructuring, Suriname has inaugurated a new Supervisory Board (Raad van Toezicht) for its national public broadcaster, STVS (Surinaamse Televisie Stichting). The appointment ceremony, held at the Vice President’s Office on January 17th, marks a pivotal development in the governance of the state-mediated enterprise.

    Shurly Lackin, former seven-year member of STVS’s management team, assumes leadership as Chairperson of the five-member oversight body. The council comprises Glenn Truideman, Stanley Sidoel, Kenrich Cairo, and Michel Felisi, bringing diverse expertise to the organization’s regulatory framework.

    Vice President Gregory Rusland presided over the installation, emphasizing STVS’s critical role in public information dissemination and social responsibility. He clarified the broadcaster’s administrative placement under his office, including budgetary oversight. “During budget deliberations,” Rusland stated, “we will endeavor to create greater financial flexibility for STVS.”

    Chairperson Lackin identified financial strengthening as a primary mandate, while Council Member Truideman highlighted structural challenges within the workforce. Truideman noted that STVS employees currently operate under three distinct administrative entities—the Vice President’s Office, STVS itself, and the Ministry of Home Affairs—creating operational friction and bureaucratic complexities.

    In response, Vice President Rusland suggested project-based employment models as a potential solution, where contracts would explicitly terminate upon project completion, streamlining human resource management.

    STVS Director Raoul Abisoina expressed appreciation for the existing cooperative relationship with the Vice President’s Office and anticipated constructive collaboration with the newly installed supervisory body, signaling optimism for institutional improvements.

  • President plaatst landbouw centraal: Agrarische sector sleutel stabiliteit en brede welvaart

    President plaatst landbouw centraal: Agrarische sector sleutel stabiliteit en brede welvaart

    In a significant policy address at the New Year’s reception of the Association of Economists in Suriname (VES), President Jennifer Simons declared agriculture the cornerstone of her administration’s economic strategy. Speaking before a capacity audience, Simons positioned the agricultural sector as fundamental to achieving food security, price stability, employment generation, and sustainable economic development—particularly as Suriname prepares for anticipated oil revenues.

    The president articulated a paradigm shift in how agriculture should be perceived: not as a secondary industry but as a strategic pillar within the real economy. “True prosperity originates in the real economy,” Simons emphasized, identifying agriculture as the foundation for resilient and inclusive growth. Reduced dependence on food imports, she argued, would not only boost local production and create jobs but also alleviate pressure on the exchange rate.

    Simons underscored that agricultural expansion must not come at environmental expense. Suriname pursues “smart growth” that balances production with sustainable forest management and spatial planning. This approach entails more efficient utilization of existing farmland, rehabilitation of infrastructure, and strengthening agricultural institutions to achieve higher yields and improved quality per hectare. Innovation plays a crucial role, with agro-processing and integrated models like agroforestry serving as key priorities.

    The administration’s vision explicitly links agricultural development to education and vocational training. Simons stressed that secondary and higher agricultural education is indispensable for modernizing the sector, noting that sustainable growth requires well-trained farmers, technicians, and entrepreneurs. Beyond increased investment, the focus lies on smarter investment—developing knowledge, adopting modern production methods, and complying with international standards to maintain competitiveness.

    Notably, Simons positioned agriculture ahead of oil and gas in national priorities. Oil revenues should strengthen existing sectors rather than replace them, she cautioned, referencing international examples where neglect of traditional sectors led to vulnerability when commodity prices declined. “Oil offers opportunities but not certainty for a sustainable future,” the president stated, advocating for agricultural strengthening to ensure economic stability beyond the oil era.

    The success of this agricultural framework depends on policy coherence, regulatory clarity, and institutional reliability. Simons highlighted the need for predictable policies, robust infrastructure, access to financing, and market information to build confidence among farmers, investors, and consumers.

  • Integrale aanpak luchtvaart en toerisme bij verbetering product SLM

    Integrale aanpak luchtvaart en toerisme bij verbetering product SLM

    In a strategic shift toward integrated aviation and tourism development, Suriname’s Presidential Task Forces for Tourism and Aviation conducted an operational visit to Frankfurt’s Hahn Airport to finalize plans for the comprehensive renewal of Surinam Airways (SLM). The move signals a fundamental policy redirection that transcends technical aviation considerations to embrace tourism development, passenger experience, and market positioning.

    According to Faizel Baarn, Presidential Advisor for Aviation and Maritime Affairs, this initiative marks a clear departure from past approaches that prioritized operational and technical aspects. The renewed strategy positions airlift to Suriname within a broader tourism framework, anticipating growing demand for a reliable, attractive, and distinctive aviation product.

    Central to the transformation is SLM’s adoption of a four-class cabin configuration—featuring First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy—for its future aircraft. This structure aims to enhance comfort and choice for diverse traveler segments while appealing particularly to tourists and premium passengers willing to invest in superior service quality. The concept introduces the “Suriname experience” aboard flights departing from Europe.

    Beyond passenger comforts, the evaluated aircraft offers substantial cargo capabilities, combining passenger transport with a 30-ton freight capacity—including refrigerated facilities for perishable goods. This dual functionality is expected to strengthen Suriname’s logistics infrastructure and support economic diversification and export growth.

    The Hahn Airport visit follows prior negotiations with Schiphol Slot Management and other aviation partners, focusing on improving SLM’s punctuality—a critical factor in retaining and expanding slots at Amsterdam Schiphol. Concurrent efforts are underway to enhance overall service quality, essential for reclaiming market share in a competitive landscape dominated by carriers like KLM.

    Strategic planning targets two key periods for potential slot expansion: July to mid-September, coinciding with peak tourism and Heritage Month, and late November to mid-January, a traditional high season for tourism and diaspora travel. These intervals are prioritized to position Suriname more prominently and consistently in key travel markets.

    The task forces emphasize a holistic approach interlinking aviation, tourism, and product quality. Through forward planning and deliberate choices, Suriname aims to sustainably enhance its air connectivity and develop a more appealing travel proposition for future passengers.

  • China en Canada hervatten samenwerking met nieuw handelsakkoord

    China en Canada hervatten samenwerking met nieuw handelsakkoord

    In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Friday, signaling a profound reset in bilateral relations following years of diplomatic strain. This landmark meeting—marking the first official visit by a Canadian leader to China in eight years—culminated in substantial trade concessions and a mutual commitment to enhanced cooperation.

    President Xi characterized the renewed engagement as opening ‘a new chapter’ in Sino-Canadian relations, referencing ongoing dialogue since October 2023 to restore and expand collaborative efforts. Prime Minister Carney emphasized that strengthened bilateral cooperation could contribute to more robust global governance structures, which he noted face unprecedented pressures. ‘Together we can build upon the best of our past and forge a relationship suited to new global realities,’ Carney stated during the historic meeting.

    The centerpiece of this diplomatic reengagement is a comprehensive trade agreement that dramatically reduces tariffs on key commodities. Canada will permit up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to enter its market at a preferential tariff rate of 6.1%—a substantial reduction from the 100% import levy imposed by the previous administration in 2024. This arrangement operates under Most Favored Nation status, though specific duration parameters remain unspecified.

    Conversely, China committed to slashing tariffs on Canadian canola seeds from the current combined rate of 84% to approximately 15%, effective March 1. The agreement additionally eliminates temporary duties on canola meal, lobster, crab, and peas, potentially unlocking nearly $3 billion in new agricultural export opportunities for Canadian farmers.

    Prime Minister Carney articulated Canada’s ambition to become a competitive player in the EV market through knowledge transfer from innovative partners like China. The leaders discussed expanded collaboration in clean energy sectors, including investments in energy storage systems and production infrastructure. Carney further outlined plans to modernize Canada’s energy grids and increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Asian markets.

    This diplomatic thaw follows years of reciprocal trade restrictions that saw Canada mirror U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs, steel, and aluminum, while China responded with heavy import duties on Canadian agricultural products. The new arrangements effectively restore pre-conflict tariff structures while incorporating enhanced benefits for both nations.

    Analysts observe that this reconciliation occurs against the backdrop of escalating China-U.S. tensions and Trump’s ‘America First’ policies that adversely affected both Canada and China. While Ottawa maintains its alignment with Washington, this move toward pragmatic economic autonomy may signal to Beijing that economic decoupling from China isn’t inevitable among U.S. allies.

    Carney notably described China as a ‘more predictable and reliable partner’ than the United States in the current complex global landscape. The leaders also found substantial common ground on geopolitical matters including Greenland, indicating broader strategic alignment beyond immediate economic interests.

    This bilateral rapprochement represents a significant development in the evolving global order where U.S.-China rivalry predominates. The agreements create substantial opportunities for economic growth and strengthened bilateral ties as both nations navigate their respective interests within spheres of great power influence.

  • Regering komt burgers tegemoet bij vervallen bereidverklaringen

    Regering komt burgers tegemoet bij vervallen bereidverklaringen

    The Surinamese government has announced significant administrative reforms to address citizen grievances regarding expired land declaration documents. Minister Stanley Soeropawiro of the Ministry of Land and Forest Management (GBB) revealed the implementation of a temporary recovery period for citizens who faced expiration of their ‘bereidverklaring’ (declaration of readiness) due to bureaucratic delays beyond their control.

    Investigation revealed that numerous citizens had fulfilled their obligations correctly and timely, yet encountered expiration of their land documents due to processing delays within administrative channels, including surveyor backlogs and mapping documentation issues. These bureaucratic hurdles forced applicants to restart the entire application process while incurring additional costs.

    While maintaining the statutory six-month validity period for land declarations, the ministry now introduces a one-month recovery window. During this period, legally expired declarations can be administratively processed under strict conditions, exclusively for administrative completion rather than substantive modifications.

    The remedial measure applies exclusively when three conditions are met: the delay must be demonstrably administrative and not caused by the citizen; the term exceedance must remain limited; and the file content must remain substantively unchanged.

    Minister Soeropawiro emphasized that justice and relief for affected citizens form the cornerstone of this policy. ‘When citizens fulfill their obligations correctly but experience delays within the administrative chain, it is unreasonable to hold them accountable. This measure demonstrates our commitment to supporting citizens,’ the minister stated.

    The policy takes immediate effect and remains valid until June 30, 2026, providing temporary relief while the government works on longer-term administrative reforms.

  • President waarschuwt: olie-inkomsten vragen strikte discipline en transparant beheer

    President waarschuwt: olie-inkomsten vragen strikte discipline en transparant beheer

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has issued a stern warning against premature expenditure of anticipated oil and gas revenues, emphasizing that future energy earnings must not lead to fiscal complacency or irresponsible policymaking. Speaking at the New Year’s reception of the Association of Economists in Suriname on Thursday evening, the head of state positioned the oil revenue discussion within a broader macroeconomic context, noting that the country remains in a phase of fragile stability requiring continued focus on inflation control, purchasing power protection, and confidence restoration.

    President Simons highlighted that international experience demonstrates nations rarely fail due to resource scarcity but frequently collapse through weak governance, inadequate accountability, and premature spending of future income streams. With structural oil revenues not expected until 2028, she cautioned against the dangers of anticipatory expenditure, stressing that hydrocarbon earnings actually increase governmental responsibility to maintain discipline, transparency, and sound management.

    Central to the administration’s strategy is the establishment of a savings and stabilization fund, with legislation required to be finalized and operational by mid-2026. This fund will feature clear deposit and withdrawal rules, independent governance structures, and mandatory public reporting to government, parliament, and civil society. According to Simons, the mechanism must serve multiple functions: cushioning economic shocks, preventing overheating, and enabling long-term investments that enhance Suriname’s productive capacity.

    The address also addressed the recent settlement of Value Recovery Instrument (VRI) obligations, which the government executed to prevent future oil revenues from being disproportionately taxed. Simons clarified this decision only remains justified if accompanied by sustained fiscal discipline and maximum transparency, with the breathing space obtained through refinancing dedicated to structural reforms rather than additional expenditure.

    Crucially, the president emphasized that oil and gas revenues should not replace economic diversification efforts but rather facilitate reduced dependency on limited economic pillars. The government explicitly links hydrocarbon policy to investments in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, industry, education, and healthcare. Local content policies will be legally embedded with clear participation targets and transparency requirements for contracts and decision-making.

    Notably, Simons connected resource management directly to integrity and moral leadership, referencing recent concerns regarding state-owned enterprises and emphasizing that rules must apply universally without exceptions. She characterized economic choices as fundamentally moral decisions that determine family prosperity and intergenerational opportunity.

    Looking toward 2028, the president designated 2026 as a critical preparatory year, with current choices determining whether oil revenues become a blessing for broad prosperity or a source of renewed vulnerability. The administration’s approach prioritizes saving where possible, investing where necessary, and assuming responsibility for future generations’ welfare.

  • Nieuw monument te Bakkie voor Amerikaanse slachtoffers 83 jaar geleden

    Nieuw monument te Bakkie voor Amerikaanse slachtoffers 83 jaar geleden

    Suriname’s pivotal role in World War II came into focus Thursday as U.S. Ambassador Robert Faucher and Education Minister Dirk Currie unveiled a renovated memorial commemorating a mysterious 1943 plane crash that claimed 35 lives. The ceremony at Bakkie Museum marked both historical remembrance and Faucher’s final diplomatic act before concluding his service in Suriname.

    On January 15, 1943, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster military aircraft plunged into the Warappakreek near Reynsdorp, known locally as Bakkie, in what remains Suriname’s deadliest aviation accident. All passengers perished, including high-ranking government officials, military personnel, and FBI agents. Witnesses reported seeing a ‘fireball’ descend, though the crash’s cause remains undetermined eight decades later.

    Ambassador Faucher revealed the flight was part of a secret three-plane mission destined for the historic Casablanca Conference, where President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill would strategize the Allied victory. Each aircraft departed Washington at thirty-minute intervals, following a Caribbean and South American coastal route to Africa while evading enemy warships and submarines.

    ‘Suriname held vital strategic importance,’ Faucher emphasized, noting that 80% of U.S. aluminum for war materials originated from Surinamese bauxite. The nation’s airspace also served as a critical corridor to global conflict zones.

    The ill-fated aircraft carried significant resources including gold, currency, and confidential documents. While Roosevelt ultimately traveled via modified arrangements, two planes reached Morocco successfully. The third crashed under circumstances that spawned theories ranging from onboard explosions to enemy attacks, as documented in Dave Edhart’s investigation ‘Mayday In The West’.

    The ceremony included a moment of silence for victims, among them Eric Knight, author of ‘Lassie Come Home’. Although artifacts including the propeller and personal effects reside in Bakkie Museum, most wreckage remains buried in marshland. The memorial now stands renewed, bearing names of those whose silent mission contributed to Allied success.

  • Overpeinzingen bij 77 jaar VHP

    Overpeinzingen bij 77 jaar VHP

    As Suriname’s Progressive Reform Party (VHP) commemorates its 77th anniversary on January 16, 2026, the political organization stands at a critical juncture requiring substantial internal transformation and strategic repositioning. According to prominent VHP member Henry Ori, the party confronts significant challenges despite its historical legacy of producing distinguished statesmen and exceptional parliamentary representatives.

    The recent 2020-2025 governmental term saw VHP assuming executive responsibility with a party president who initiated substantial policy measures. However, the party currently faces targeted negative campaigns aimed at undermining its public standing. Ori emphasizes that VHP inherited substantial governance challenges from previous administrations and prevented Suriname from descending into bankruptcy and economic decline, though he acknowledges that party leadership made certain miscalculations during their tenure.

    With over 40,000 registered members and extensive supporter networks, VHP represents a substantial political force rather than belonging to a select few individuals. The opposition period now provides opportunity for thorough evaluation, with the party possessing an assessment report and critical analysis from VHP Netherlands that should inform future direction.

    The emergence of political populism coincides with diminishing public trust in traditional politics, creating an environment where VHP must reestablish credibility through concrete actions. This necessitates addressing fundamental societal issues including inequality, poverty disparities, unequal access to knowledge resources, employment challenges, housing shortages, and land distribution problems.

    Ori advocates for developing self-cleansing mechanisms within the party structure, coupled with personnel renewal and ideological reinvigoration. VHP politics must demonstrate explicable policy choices connected to core party ideals while addressing Suriname’s pressing needs regarding wealth distribution, climate challenges, energy requirements, revenue generation, and investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare systems.

    Despite securing 17 parliamentary seats in recent elections—demonstrating significant voter support for its philosophy—the party must transition from distrust to trust and from self-interest to collective benefit. This anniversary serves as both celebration and call to action for organizational renewal and democratic revitalization throughout Surinamese politics.

  • President Simons: economische stabiliteit voorwaarde voor rechtvaardige welvaartsverdeling

    President Simons: economische stabiliteit voorwaarde voor rechtvaardige welvaartsverdeling

    In a pivotal address to the Suriname Economists Association (VES), President Jennifer Simons unveiled the foundational framework for the nation’s economic and governance strategy extending to 2030. Speaking at the New Year’s reception, the president articulated a vision moving beyond macroeconomic stability as an end goal, positioning it instead as the essential foundation for sustainable growth and equitable wealth distribution.

    Simons characterized Suriname’s current juncture as a decisive crossroads, emphasizing that with the IMF program concluded and the 2025 political transition completed, the nation must now assume full responsibility for coherent fiscal, monetary, and structural policies. “We commenced our term amidst scarcity, a fragile economic recovery, and limited public trust,” Simons noted. “This reality demands not grand rhetoric but clear direction, disciplined execution, and institutional strength.”

    The administration declared 2026 as both a new budgetary cycle and the launch of a comprehensive Multi-Year Development Plan (MOP) targeting 2030 objectives. This strategic framework will integrate policy priorities, investment decisions, and implementation agreements within a macro-fiscal structure featuring scenario analyses for growth trajectories, inflation control, exchange rate management, and future petroleum revenues.

    Central to the government’s approach is the “one government, one course” principle, organized around five national priorities: enhancing revenue generation capabilities, strengthening education and healthcare systems, improving public security, revitalizing the housing sector, and ensuring policy coherence and execution. The economic direction rests on three fundamental pillars: macroeconomic stability, economic diversification, and investments in human capital and institutions.

    President Simons issued stern warnings regarding inflation risks and budgetary deviations, highlighting Suriname’s import dependency which rapidly transmits exchange rate pressures to consumer prices, thereby eroding purchasing power and undermining business and household confidence. Fiscal policy must consistently support monetary measures, with no room for broad wage adjustments that could fuel inflationary spirals. Protection mechanisms, she stressed, should specifically target low-income households and vulnerable populations.

    The address extensively addressed foreign exchange challenges, emphasizing that currency earnings must actively circulate within the domestic economy rather than accumulate stagnant reserves. Economic leakages including gold smuggling, underreporting, and informal exports exacerbate exchange rate pressures and constrain budgetary flexibility. The government is collaborating with the Central Bank to establish a stable and transparent foreign exchange market, supported by analytical work from a dedicated currency commission.

    Regarding public finances, while government revenues reached approximately SRD 45.6 billion in 2025, expenditures grew more significantly due to election costs, salary adjustments, and subsidies. For 2026 onward, the administration aims to implement expenditure controls without obstructing productive investments. Education and healthcare budgets will receive explicit protection, while inefficient programs face phase-out and state-owned enterprises will undergo enhanced oversight.

    Looking toward anticipated oil revenues, Simons cautioned that additional resources cannot justify unfettered spending. The savings and stabilization fund requires strengthened legal and operational frameworks with transparent rules for deposits, withdrawals, and public accountability. International experience demonstrates that nations typically fail not from resource scarcity but from weak management and transparency deficits, she observed.

    Concluding her address, President Simons invited VES and professional associations to actively contribute to policy formulation and public knowledge sharing. Effective policy demands not only technical excellence but also societal understanding and support, she remarked, adding that “economic choices are fundamentally moral choices—they determine whether families can prosper and whether youth can envision futures.”

  • Nieuwe raden van toezicht bij SRS en STVS

    Nieuwe raden van toezicht bij SRS en STVS

    Suriname has undertaken significant reforms in its public broadcasting sector with the installation of new supervisory boards for both Radio Suriname Foundation (SRS) and Suriname Television Foundation (STVS). Vice President Gregory Rusland presided over the installations, emphasizing the critical role these oversight bodies will play in strengthening the nation’s media landscape.

    During the installation ceremonies, Vice President Rusland confirmed that his office maintains direct administrative and financial responsibility for both broadcast entities. He committed to advocating for enhanced budgetary allocations for STVS during upcoming budget deliberations, recognizing the financial challenges facing the state broadcaster.

    The newly constituted SRS board, chaired by Kenneth Moerlie, faces the formidable challenge of restoring the broadcaster’s former prominence. Rusland urged the council to develop innovative strategies to improve competitive positioning while fulfilling public service mandates. SRS Director Earnie Eenig highlighted the board’s crucial role in upcoming challenges, particularly regarding coverage of the forthcoming World Cup football tournament. “It would be peculiar for Suriname to participate in the World Cup while we fail to broadcast it,” Eenig remarked.

    The complete SRS supervisory board comprises Moerlie alongside Roberto Banel, Raoul Swedo, Harvey Liefde, Estacio Nasa, Audrey Tjung Angie, and Newton Ali.

    At STVS, the new board chaired by Shirley Lackin will prioritize financial stabilization of the state television network. Board member Glenn Truideman raised concerns about personnel management complexities arising from varying administrative authorities, which occasionally create operational friction.

    Vice President Rusland proposed implementing project-based working arrangements to provide clearer contract duration frameworks. The STVS board includes Lackin, Truideman, Stanley Sidoel, Kenrich Cairo, and Michel Felisi. STVS Director Raoul Abisoina expressed appreciation for the government’s cooperative relationship and anticipated productive collaboration with the new oversight body.