Suriname made a remarkable impact at the 14th edition of Nicaragua Diseña, Latin America’s premier fashion and design platform. The Surinamese delegation, led by Ambassador Wendy Paulus-Aminta, founder of SrananProdo International, included two designers, international top model Sharda Moira Johnn, and Anushka Ramesar-Gopalrai, Chairwoman of the Women Economic Foundation Suriname (WEF). The event, held from October 24 to 26 at the Olof Palme Convention Center in Managua, attracted participants from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Vietnam, and China. Suriname was the only Caricom nation to participate for the second time, positioning itself as a bridge for future Caribbean involvement. Designers Heidi Asongie of Orichic Design and Julio Irokromo of Attitude Design received widespread acclaim for their collections inspired by Surinamese nature and culture, featuring elements like pangi’s, tembe art, and traditional indigenous clothing. Suriname was described as ‘the talk of the day’ by attendees. Ambassador Paulus expressed pride, stating, ‘Our designers not only brilliantly showcased our culture but also opened doors for new regional collaborations.’ Sharda Moira Johnn graced the runway and conducted a masterclass for over a hundred models, while Gopalrai engaged in discussions with Nicaraguan government agencies about collaboration in the creative and women’s entrepreneurship sectors. Paulus emphasized, ‘This participation proves that Suriname is ready to build its own international platform for creative expression and partnership.’
标签： Suriname
苏里南
-
Stichting 8 December: Gerechtigheid blijft de enige weg naar berusting
The Foundation December 8, 1982, has issued a statement emphasizing the pivotal role of the verdict on the December Murders in shaping the future of Suriname as a constitutional state. The organization has welcomed President Jennifer Simons’ recent acknowledgment of the finality of the December 8 verdict and expressed openness to her call to focus on the future. The foundation underscores that impunity in any form contradicts both the Surinamese Constitution and international treaties. Given the president’s stance in favor of ‘human rights for all’ and against ‘summary executions,’ the foundation assumes her vision aligns with a future as a democratic constitutional state. The December 8 verdict marked the end of a prolonged era of impunity for grave state crimes, including the brutal torture and summary execution of innocent civilians. Official lies and slander were debunked, and the victims’ roles as champions of freedom and democracy in Suriname were affirmed. Impunity for such crimes against humanity, regardless of form or pretext, is fundamentally at odds with constitutional principles and international human rights treaties. Respecting the December 8 verdict means honoring the victims and their struggle for justice and democracy, rather than the perpetrators. Political considerations should not justify public honors for torturers and murderers, as such unethical behavior disrespects the victims and compounds the moral suffering of their families. Upholding human rights for all, as recently announced by the president, requires at a minimum: rehabilitation for the victims, recognition of the injustices and suffering endured by them and their families, and a genuine commitment to redress these wrongs. ‘Justice remains the only path to peace,’ the foundation concluded.
-
Controverse en internationale bezorgdheid bij politie-invallen in Rio de Janeiro
A violent police operation targeting drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has resulted in the deaths of at least 119 people, nearly double the initially reported toll of 60. The victims included 115 members of the powerful criminal organization Comando Vermelho and four police officers, according to local authorities. However, the public prosecutor’s office suggested an even higher death toll of 132. The operation, involving approximately 2,500 officers, focused on the Penha Complex and Alemao Complex neighborhoods in the city’s north. It was supported by armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones, with intense gunfire exchanges reported between police and suspected gang members. Authorities stated that suspects barricaded themselves in buses and deployed explosive drones during the clashes. Victor Santos, Rio’s security chief, acknowledged that the high casualty count was “expected but not desired,” while Governor Claudio Castro labeled the situation as “narco-terrorism” and emphasized that the police were “the only real victims.” The operation has drawn widespread criticism, with residents describing it as a “massacre” and accusing police of extrajudicial executions. Mourning families gathered at sites where bodies were laid out, with one resident from Penha Complex stating, “The state came for a bloodbath, not a police operation. They came purely to kill, to take lives.” Activist Raul Santiago condemned the violence, citing evidence of executions with shots to the back of the head or back. Brazilian Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski revealed that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was “shocked” by the death toll and surprised that the operation occurred without federal government knowledge. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern, urging a swift and thorough investigation and emphasizing that police operations must comply with international human rights standards. Police raids in Brazil’s favelas are often deadly, with approximately 700 deaths recorded in Rio in 2024 alone. Human rights organizations have questioned the timing of such operations, which frequently precede major international events. Rio is set to host the C40 World Mayors Summit and the Earthshot Prize next week, followed by the UN Climate Summit COP30 in November. Santos denied any connection between the raid and these upcoming events.
-
Verdachte brandstichting Drietabikistraat krijgt 15 maanden celstraf
In a recent court ruling, O.R., a man who had been granted permission to stay in an abandoned property, was sentenced to 15 months of unconditional imprisonment for arson. The incident occurred on Drietabikistraat, where O.R. ignited coconut husks in the living room to repel mosquitoes. He then left on his bicycle to visit a store, claiming he later assisted a man unloading goods from a pickup truck. By the time he returned an hour later, the house was already engulfed in flames. A neighbor reported that O.R. attempted to extinguish the fire with a bucket of water, but the fire department had already been alerted. The fire spread to an adjacent property, causing significant damage, while a third home suffered water damage. The owner of the neighboring house, who was commuting to work, learned of the incident via a phone call. The prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘You do not do this to someone who helps and shelters you,’ and initially demanded a two-year sentence. O.R.’s defense attorney, Harold Belfor, argued that the act was not intentional but rather a result of careless behavior. However, the judge dismissed this argument, asserting that O.R. should have been aware of the fire risk when lighting the coconut husks and leaving the premises unattended for an extended period. Ultimately, the court imposed a 15-month sentence, nine months less than the prosecution’s request.
-
Trump en Xi sluiten handelsakkoord en verminderen spanningen in felle VS-China rivaliteit
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to a one-year truce in their protracted trade war. The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Busan, South Korea. This marks the first face-to-face discussion between the two leaders since 2019 and provides a much-needed reprieve for businesses affected by months of escalating trade tensions.
The truce includes several key provisions: China has agreed to delay its planned export restrictions on rare earth metals, while the US will refrain from imposing a threatened 100% tariff on Chinese goods. Additionally, President Trump announced a reduction in tariffs on fentanyl-related products from 20% to 10%, following President Xi’s commitment to curb the supply of the synthetic opioid. Trump hailed the agreement as ‘great’ during his Asia tour, emphasizing that ‘there is no obstacle for rare earth metals anymore.’ China also pledged to purchase ‘massive amounts’ of American soybeans.
Despite these developments, many trade barriers remain in place, and underlying disputes between the two nations remain unresolved. Analysts describe the agreement as a ‘pause and a small rollback’ rather than a resolution, with both sides temporarily halting their trade hostilities while adhering to the terms of the truce. Dennis Wilder, a former CIA and White House China expert, noted that the deal represents a temporary ceasefire rather than a long-term solution.
Market reactions were cautious, with major Asian stock indices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Sydney closing lower, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 remained unchanged. Investors expressed uncertainty about the durability and comprehensiveness of the agreement. However, the suspension of rare earth metal export restrictions was viewed positively by market experts, as these materials are critical for producing smartphones, electric vehicles, and military aircraft.
Trade experts have characterized the agreement as a ‘partial freeze’ or ‘small rollback’ in the trade war. The deal includes an annual review mechanism, allowing both countries to reassess their trade relationship and purchasing power each year. Cameron Johnson of Tidalwave Solutions in Shanghai described the agreement as ‘likely the best outcome both parties could achieve under the current circumstances,’ but warned that uncertainties surrounding implementation and annual evaluations could continue to influence the trade conflict in the future.
-
Broeierige dag met buien in de middag
Suriname is set to experience a sweltering and predominantly oppressive day today, with high humidity and minimal wind intensifying the heat. The morning will remain dry across most districts, with sunny intervals particularly along the coastal stretch from Paramaribo to Nickerie. The perceived temperature is expected to rise rapidly, reaching between 34 to 35 degrees Celsius. As the afternoon progresses, the likelihood of localized rain showers and thunderstorms will gradually increase, especially in inland regions such as Brokopondo, Sipaliwini, and Marowijne. These showers may be brief but intense, potentially accompanied by gusty winds and thunder. Along the coast, the weather will remain mostly cloudy with a chance of isolated showers later in the afternoon, particularly in the Commewijne and Para areas. The evening will continue to be warm and muggy, with temperatures only slightly dropping to a minimum of around 24 degrees Celsius, despite any passing showers.
-
VN roept opnieuw op tot beëindiging van Amerikaanse embargo op Cuba
The United Nations General Assembly has once again overwhelmingly called for an end to the US economic embargo against Cuba, marking the 33rd consecutive year of such a resolution. The vote, held on October 29, 2025, saw 165 countries in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions. Despite lobbying efforts by the United States, the resolution passed with significant international support, highlighting the global consensus against the embargo.
-
Column: Mogelijke scenario’s
Suriname has taken the lead in Group A of the World Cup qualifiers, edging ahead of Panama based on a superior goal-scoring record. Both teams currently hold six points, but Suriname’s four goals scored and three conceded give them the edge over Panama’s three goals scored and two conceded. Guatemala follows closely in third place with five points, while El Salvador sits at the bottom with three points. With two matches remaining, the group remains wide open, as even the last-placed team could still secure a spot in the next round. Guatemala, playing its remaining matches at home, has a strong chance to climb to the top if they win both games, potentially reaching 11 points. However, home advantage doesn’t guarantee victory, as El Salvador previously defeated Guatemala on their own turf. Guatemala has been ramping up its psychological tactics with intimidating promotional content, but the outcome will ultimately be decided on the field. For Suriname, the path to securing the top spot is clear: they must maximize their goal-scoring opportunities while minimizing defensive lapses. Even marginal victories might not suffice if Panama outperforms them in goal difference. The most favorable scenario for Suriname would involve a draw between Guatemala and Panama, ensuring they maintain their lead. However, the competition remains fierce, and any misstep could abruptly end their World Cup aspirations. The upcoming matches will be decisive, with goal-scoring efficiency playing a critical role in determining the group’s final standings.
-
Rob Jetten (D66) grootste winnaar verkiezingen Nederland
In a landmark outcome for Dutch politics, the Democrats 66 (D66) party, led by 38-year-old Rob Jetten, has emerged as the largest party in the Netherlands following Wednesday’s parliamentary elections. According to initial exit polls, D66 is projected to secure 27 seats, surpassing Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) with 25 seats and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) with 23 seats. This result signals a decisive shift toward political stability and collaboration, marking a departure from years of fragmentation and populist influence. Jetten, who could become the youngest and first openly gay prime minister in Dutch history, addressed supporters in The Hague, stating, ‘Millions of Dutch citizens have turned a page today. We are saying goodbye to the politics of negativity and hatred and embracing hope, reason, and respect.’ The election outcome reflects a broader trend toward the political center, with radical-right parties like the PVV losing ground. Meanwhile, the VVD and the socially conservative New Social Contract (NSC) are positioned around the center, while the GreenLeft-Labour alliance underperformed with approximately 20 seats. Shortly after the exit polls were announced, Frans Timmermans, leader of the GreenLeft-Labour alliance, resigned, acknowledging the need for ‘new energy and leadership.’ With no party nearing the 76-seat majority required to govern, coalition negotiations are expected to be lengthy and complex. Analysts predict Jetten will aim to form a broad center coalition, potentially involving the VVD, NSC, and one or two smaller parties, while ruling out collaboration with the PVV. Key campaign issues included purchasing power, migration, housing, climate, and trust in government. D66’s victory is widely interpreted as a call for stability, professionalism, and cooperation. Updated exit polls and preliminary vote counts are anticipated later today.
-
Moertabat blijft bij zijn standpunt: Ik ben klaar met de VHP
Sidik Moertabat, a prominent member of the VHP (Progressive Reform Party) leadership, has reaffirmed his decision to resign from the party’s executive board. In a recent interview with Starnieuws, Moertabat emphasized that his departure is final and that he will formally communicate his resignation to the party’s leadership. He has already drafted a letter to VHP Chairman Chan Santokhi, signaling his complete break from the party. This move comes despite claims by VHP spokesperson Dew Sharman, who denied Moertabat’s resignation in a radio interview, stating that he remains a member of the executive board. Moertabat, however, clarified that he did not authorize Sharman to speak on his behalf and stands by his decision. His resignation was initially announced in a group chat among VHP executives, which was later leaked, prompting media inquiries. Moertabat cited deep dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership, particularly the lack of communication and inclusivity in decision-making processes. He expressed frustration over being sidelined during key events, such as the preparation for the May parliamentary elections and the candidate selection process. Moertabat, who joined the VHP in 2012 after leaving the KTPI, served as a member of the National Assembly from 2020 to 2025. His departure underscores growing internal tensions within the VHP following its recent electoral defeat.