Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Staatsolie valt onder nieuw ministerie van Olie, Gas en Milieu

    Staatsolie valt onder nieuw ministerie van Olie, Gas en Milieu

    The government has officially enacted a sweeping reorganization of its ministerial structure through a State Decree, marking a significant shift in administrative priorities. Central to this overhaul is the establishment of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, which consolidates policy, oversight, and regulation of the burgeoning oil sector. Notably, Staatsolie, the state-owned oil company, will now report directly to this new ministry instead of the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH).

    The Ministry of Natural Resources will refocus its mandate on water management, energy supply, and natural resources, excluding oil and gas. Entities such as NV Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS) and the Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij remain under NH, with David Abiamofo overseeing the latter.

    This restructuring is part of a broader administrative reform aimed at streamlining governance and eliminating overlapping responsibilities. Several departments have been renamed, merged, or reorganized to align policies more effectively with strategic pillars such as energy, economy, digital transformation, and social inclusion.

    The newly formed Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, led by Patrick Brunings, will also oversee the National Oil Spill Response Plan, local content regulations, and policies addressing environmental and climate obligations. This dual focus aims to balance economic growth with ecological sustainability.

    The changes are retroactively effective from July 16, 2025, as per State Decree S.B. 2025 no. 124.

  • Aftrek van voorbelasting: hoe zit het nu?

    Aftrek van voorbelasting: hoe zit het nu?

    The Value Added Tax (VAT) Law of 2022, which came into effect on January 1, 2023, has now become a familiar concept for entrepreneurs. However, as the Tax Administration begins its enforcement checks, it has become evident that certain aspects, particularly the deduction of input VAT, remain unclear. This article delves into the mechanics of input VAT deductions, exceptions, and why the 0% VAT rate, such as in supplies to contractors and subcontractors in the oil and gas sector, does not negate the right to deduct. Input VAT refers to the VAT paid by businesses on expenses like purchasing goods, hiring services, or office supplies. This VAT can be deducted from the tax on turnover, provided these expenses are used for taxable supplies. A fundamental principle of the VAT system is that the tax is ultimately borne by the end consumer, not the entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs act as intermediaries and can deduct the VAT paid on business expenses, provided there is a direct link to taxable supplies. Taxable supplies include goods or services subject to VAT rates like 10%, 5%, or 0%. Even supplies under the 0% rate are considered taxable, meaning input VAT on related costs remains deductible. For instance, supplies and services to contractors and subcontractors in the oil and gas sector, as per Annex 1 of the VAT Law, are subject to a 0% rate if they fall under the Petroleum Act 1990. This provision ensures that the right to deduct is preserved for suppliers or service providers. However, the 0% rate can lead to misunderstandings, with some assuming that no VAT charged means no right to deduct, which is incorrect. There are exceptions to input VAT deductions, such as expenses related to food, beverages, tobacco, gifts, staff benefits in kind, and personal cars (with some exceptions). These exclusions are legally mandated and apply to all VAT-registered businesses, including those subject to the 0% rate. In summary, input VAT is deductible if linked to taxable supplies, the 0% rate does not affect the right to deduct, and there are specific legal exceptions. Entrepreneurs must be prepared to substantiate how business expenses relate to taxable activities during Tax Administration checks.

  • Eerste officiële Martial Arts-trainers ontvangen diploma in Suriname

    Eerste officiële Martial Arts-trainers ontvangen diploma in Suriname

    In a landmark achievement for Suriname’s sports sector, nine individuals have become the first graduates of the country’s inaugural Martial Arts Instructor and Fitness Trainer-A program. This pioneering initiative was organized by the KIBO Sport & Health Education Foundation in collaboration with the Suriname Karate-do Association (SKA) and the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The program, which spanned eleven intensive months, combined theoretical knowledge with practical training, covering essential areas such as first aid, injury prevention, and teaching methodologies. It is the first formal training in Suriname to align martial arts instruction with internationally recognized standards, culminating in the award of the officially accredited Fitness Trainer-A diploma (NL Actief, Level 3). The graduation ceremony was attended by key figures, including Minister of Home Affairs Marinus Bee, Director of Sports Enrique Ralim, and SKA Chairman Kenneth Sijp, who lauded the initiative as a significant step toward professionalizing the sports industry. Former Dutch examiner Iwan Pengel, a special guest, presented the diploma to the top-performing graduate, Urvien Elliot. KIBO Foundation has announced plans to launch a second cohort soon, aiming to establish a sustainable and professional foundation for martial arts education in Suriname.

  • Museumnacht groeit verder; bezoekers krijgen zelf de hoofdrol

    Museumnacht groeit verder; bezoekers krijgen zelf de hoofdrol

    The eighth edition of Suriname’s Museum Night is set to take place on Saturday, October 25, followed by Museum Day on Sunday, October 26. This year’s event promises an extraordinary cultural experience, expanding its reach across five districts with more locations than ever before. Among the highlights, visitors will have the unique opportunity to participate in a mock trial at the Court of Justice, taking on roles such as judge, defendant, lawyer, or bailiff. At the synagogue on Keizerstraat, attendees can witness a Jewish ritual bath and enjoy performances of orchestral bigi poku, Jewish pom, and wine. Organizer Astria Faneite, speaking at a press conference held at the Surinaamsch Rumhuis, noted the growing popularity of the event. “In 2014, we had three participants and around 300 visitors per location. Now, we’re seeing about 800 visitors, with over 1,000 at the synagogue,” she shared. Since 2014, Suriname has been part of this globally celebrated event, with this year’s theme being ‘Bigi Yari… and Beyond.’ Museum Night will run from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM at various venues, including Clevia Park, the Surinaamsch Rumhuis, the Court of Justice, the synagogue, the Koto Museum, Readytex Art Gallery, Villa Zapakara, and the National Archives. The following day, Museum Day will feature special bus tours to museum locations in Para, Coronie, Commewijne, and Marowijne, with registration required and transportation provided by the organizers. While most museums will offer free admission, some locations will require prior registration.

  • Zoekactie naar vermiste vissers opgeschort; drenkelingen als ‘vermist’ aangemerkt

    Zoekactie naar vermiste vissers opgeschort; drenkelingen als ‘vermist’ aangemerkt

    The Suriname Coast Guard has announced the suspension of the search operation for four fishermen who went missing after their vessel sank near Lareco on the evening of October 18, 2025. The decision follows two days of intensive search efforts involving aerial and maritime operations, supported by the National Army’s Marine Corps, Omni Helicopters (in collaboration with Chevron and ExxonMobil), and the Guyana Coast Guard. Despite these efforts, no survivors or bodies have been located. The incident was reported to the Coast Guard on October 20, approximately 34 hours after the vessel likely sank. Delayed reporting and inaccurate location data complicated the search, with authorities estimating that the missing individuals may have drifted up to 168 kilometers westward, potentially into Guyanese waters. The Coast Guard has officially changed the status of the fishermen to ‘missing’ and remains prepared to recover and identify any bodies that may surface in the future.

  • KLM-vlucht wijkt uit naar Cayenne; ‘zieke’ luchtverkeersleiders weer in de toren

    KLM-vlucht wijkt uit naar Cayenne; ‘zieke’ luchtverkeersleiders weer in de toren

    On October 22, air traffic control operations at Zanderij Airport were temporarily halted after multiple controllers simultaneously reported being ill. This unexpected situation left the control tower unmanned, forcing a KLM aircraft to divert to Cayenne, French Guiana, after circling the area multiple times. Additionally, a regional SLM flight experienced significant delays. According to reports from Starnieuws, the government held urgent discussions with the air traffic controllers’ union, SATCA, which has been pushing for the implementation of a previously submitted package of demands. Both parties have agreed on a plan to address these issues. In a swift response, replacement controllers were transported to Zanderij via helicopter, though this occurred only after the KLM flight had already diverted. The situation has since returned to normal, with the ‘sick’ controllers resuming their duties in the tower.

  • Gajadien pleit bij IPU voor rechtvaardige klimaathulp

    Gajadien pleit bij IPU voor rechtvaardige klimaathulp

    At the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Asis Gajadien, a prominent member of Suriname’s National Assembly and leader of the VHP party, urged the international community to bolster support for nations actively contributing to global climate protection. Gajadien highlighted Suriname’s unique position as one of the few countries worldwide with a net-negative carbon footprint, yet it faces severe humanitarian challenges due to climate change, including floods, coastal erosion, and the displacement of inland communities.

    ‘For Suriname, climate change is not a debate; it is a harsh reality. People are losing their homes and livelihoods. Humanitarian action must include climate financing,’ Gajadien asserted. He called for greater accessibility to climate funds like the Green Climate Fund for smaller nations, emphasizing the need for grants over loans. ‘No country should be forced into debt to protect the planet,’ he added.

    Gajadien also underscored the critical role of parliaments in ensuring transparent use of resources for disaster prevention, climate adaptation, and safeguarding vulnerable communities. ‘Solidarity is not charity—it is justice,’ he concluded. ‘Suriname is ready to work with other nations to transform compassion into concrete action.’

    The Surinamese parliamentary delegation, led by Rabin Parmessar (NDP party leader), is participating in the IPU assembly and related meetings in Geneva from October 19 to 23. The delegation includes Geneviève Jordan (ABOP) and is supported by Agatha Ramdass, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly. Clerk Ruth de Windt is also attending the conference of clerks.

  • Franse ambassadeur bespreekt versterking samenwerking met president Simons

    Franse ambassadeur bespreekt versterking samenwerking met president Simons

    The French Ambassador to Suriname, Nicolas de Lacoste, paid a courtesy visit to President Jennifer Simons at the Presidential Cabinet on Tuesday. The meeting focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and celebrating the French Days (Journées Françaises), a week-long event currently taking place in Paramaribo. Ambassador De Lacoste described the discussions as “very productive,” emphasizing the strategic importance of various themes for both nations. “We explored ways to further strengthen our ties. This week is particularly special as we celebrate French Days in Paramaribo,” he remarked. The French Days coincide with two significant milestones: Suriname’s 50th anniversary of independence and the 25th anniversary of the regional office of the Agence Française de Développement. A special exhibition at the National Archives highlights the historical and contemporary collaboration between Suriname and France. Throughout the week, a series of public activities are being held, including a cycling tour, culinary events, film screenings, a conference on the Amazon Park of French Guiana, a French market, and French language lessons at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “These activities celebrate the friendship between our peoples,” said De Lacoste, expressing hope for strong public participation.

  • PALU: Nederlandse koning kan voorlopig beter wegblijven

    PALU: Nederlandse koning kan voorlopig beter wegblijven

    In a bold open letter to President Jennifer Simons, the Progressive Workers’ and Farmers’ Union (PALU) of Suriname has expressed its support for a strong and flourishing relationship with the Netherlands, a sentiment shared by many Surinamese citizens. However, the party emphasizes that such a relationship must be mutual and reciprocal. PALU raises critical questions about the numerous hostile actions taken by the Netherlands against Suriname over the past 50 years, which have significantly hindered the nation’s development. The letter questions whether these actions will persist in the renewed relationship.

    PALU highlights that since Suriname’s independence in 1975, the Netherlands has consistently obstructed the country’s efforts to chart its own course on the global stage. This interference, the party argues, has had a profoundly negative impact on Suriname’s progress. The letter warns that welcoming the Dutch king without addressing these issues would absolve the Netherlands of responsibility and place the blame solely on Suriname. PALU asserts that the former colonizer would then position itself as the savior, a dynamic that has historically been detrimental to former colonies.

    The party further argues that Suriname’s independence may have been a facade, designed to maintain the country’s dependency on the Netherlands under a new guise. PALU cites several examples of Dutch actions that have impeded Suriname’s development, including the control of development funds post-independence and the Netherlands’ aggressive response to the 1980 military coup. The letter also references a planned invasion in 1982 and a brutal civil war from 1986 to 1992, actions that PALU claims were orchestrated to undermine Suriname’s sovereignty.

    PALU concludes that while it supports future cooperation with the Netherlands, the Dutch king’s visit raises significant concerns. The party insists that the Surinamese people deserve clarity on the Netherlands’ role in their country’s struggles and how this relationship will change moving forward. Until such clarity is provided, PALU firmly believes the king should refrain from visiting Suriname.

  • Caricom roept op tot directe verlenging VS HOPE/HELP-wetgeving voor Haïti

    Caricom roept op tot directe verlenging VS HOPE/HELP-wetgeving voor Haïti

    Leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have issued an urgent appeal to the United States to immediately renew the Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) and Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Acts. These programs grant Haiti duty-free access to the U.S. market for textile and apparel exports, which Caricom leaders describe as vital for employment, investment, and stability in the nation. In an official statement, the leaders emphasized that the discontinuation of these preferential trade agreements would severely hinder Haiti’s economic recovery, particularly as the country grapples with escalating social and humanitarian challenges. ‘This is not the time to further weaken Haiti but to demonstrate international solidarity,’ the heads of state declared. The Caricom Conference of Government Leaders reiterated its support for HOPE/HELP, highlighting their dual role in bolstering Haiti’s economy and strengthening trade relations with the United States. The organization has called on the U.S. government and Congress to expedite the renewal of the legislation to ensure the continuation of these programs.