标签： Suriname

The cultural and linguistic landscape of Suriname has lost one of its most dedicated advocates with the passing of Ramon Motilall Marhé, affectionately known as Moti, who died on December 5, 2025, in The Hague at age 82. Marhé, whose honorary titles ‘Baba en Mai’ symbolized his commitment to cultural identity and heritage, emerged as the foremost champion for the Sarnámi language—much like linguist Hein Eersel was for Sranan—despite spending much of his life in the Netherlands.

Born in Suriname, Marhé began his career as a headteacher with qualifications in English and multiple Hindi diplomas before relocating to the Netherlands in 1969. There, he pursued studies in Dutch language and literature at Leiden University, with Hindi as a secondary subject. His academic journey took him to India in 1976 and 1978, where he conducted research to better understand the linguistic and cultural evolution of Surinamese Hindustanis. This work positioned him as a pioneering force in advocating for Sarnámi as a vehicle for social change.

Marhé’s advocacy extended beyond academia into public policy. He argued that the term ‘Surinamese’ should not be exclusive to one language or culture, insisting that all Surinamese languages be recognized as national languages with corresponding policy measures. He also advocated for the inclusion of these languages in geographic naming and government communications.

In 1985, he published ‘Sarnámi Byākaran,’ an elementary grammar of Sarnámi, marking his first major contribution to the language’s formal recognition. His dedication never waned, even as health challenges emerged in his later years. Despite a muscle disease that robbed him of the ability to write, Marhé continued to voice his ideas through collaborators, publishing articles on linguistic equality until shortly before his death.

His final public appearances included receiving an award at the Milan Festival in The Hague in summer 2023, celebrating 150 years of Hindustani immigration. Until the end, Marhé remained a critical voice urging the Surinamese government to implement the long-delayed Language Law based on recommendations from the Hein Eersel committee—a cause that now becomes part of his enduring legacy.

Suriname’s police force has reported a significant 25% reduction in overall criminal activity, including suicide cases, according to Acting Police Commissioner Melvin Pinas. Despite this positive trend, Commissioner Pinas cautioned against premature celebration, emphasizing that the Suriname Police Force (KPS) will intensify security operations during the upcoming holiday season.

During a press conference at police headquarters on Duisburglaan, Pinas and his staff addressed the current security situation, quarterly performance results, and new technological measures being implemented to enhance public safety. The commissioner issued a stern warning to criminal elements, stating that offenders should anticipate a substantially strengthened law enforcement response.

“Criminals will not have an easy time. I advise them to seek alternative employment!” Pinas declared, highlighting the police force’s detailed understanding of repeat offenders’ operational patterns. He noted that perpetrators frequently escape to hinterland areas or cross into French territory after committing crimes, remaining dormant before returning to urban centers.

Rishi Akkal, Director of Policy Preparation and Management, elaborated on technological enhancements revolutionizing police work. The Safe City camera network now employs advanced recognition capabilities for facial identification, vehicle tracking, and license plate recognition. The police force will soon deploy surveillance drones to enhance pursuit capabilities against criminal elements.

Human Resources Manager Maureen Palmtak joined officials in outlining the comprehensive security strategy, which combines traditional policing methods with cutting-edge technology to create a more robust public safety infrastructure during the festive period and beyond.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) has successfully concluded an intensive four-day “Citrus Cultivation Technique” training program in Saramacca, designed to enhance expertise among agricultural extension workers and citrus growers. This comprehensive capacity-building initiative combined theoretical instruction, practical field application, and participant presentations to strengthen competencies throughout the citrus value chain.

During the initial two days, participants received detailed theoretical training covering crop management techniques, fertilization methods, and identification and control of diseases and pests. The third day featured hands-on field implementation where attendees applied their newly acquired knowledge in real-world conditions. The program concluded with participant presentations and a formal certificate ceremony recognizing the graduates’ accomplishments.

This training forms part of the broader “Strengthening of Citrus Production” project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and coordinated by LVV’s Directorate of Agricultural Research, Marketing and Processing. The project aims to sustainably increase citrus production while promoting professional development within the sector. Previous interventions under this initiative have included establishing compost facilities and providing specialized training to citrus nurseries.

Soesila Udit-Ramautar, Head of Fruit Tree Research and IDB Citrus Project Team Leader, emphasized the strategic importance of ongoing investment in citrus cultivation: “Citrus represents the most widely planted fruit variety in Suriname and remains exceptionally suitable for courtyard cultivation practices.”

Participants responded enthusiastically to the training program. Citrus grower Rolia Sewbarath-Misser noted: “The knowledge gained has significantly expanded my understanding, enabling me to implement improvements throughout my plantation operations.”

To provide continued support, LVV has developed and distributed digital informational brochures and instructional videos covering pruning techniques, transplantation methods, and pest management strategies. The ministry emphasizes that continuous knowledge enhancement and technical information sharing remain critical priorities for advancing Suriname’s agricultural sector development.

Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has officially inaugurated the specialized task force ‘From Poverty to Welfare Through Productive Labor’ on December 10th. This high-level working group has been mandated to develop practical, targeted programs designed to help citizens acquire vocational skills and sustainably escape poverty cycles.

The initiative comes at a critical time when numerous families across Suriname continue to face significant financial and social vulnerabilities. Chairperson Donaghy Malone emphasized that the task force’s mission directly aligns with the government’s broader social policy framework, which prioritizes sustainable poverty reduction, protection of vulnerable populations, and enhanced development opportunities for those living below the poverty line, school dropouts, and youth in challenging circumstances.

The comprehensive approach addresses both individual development pathways and community-wide improvement strategies. The task force comprises representatives from multiple key ministries including Education, Science and Culture; Youth Development and Sports; Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation; alongside the Foundation for Labor Mobilization & Development and the Foundation for Productive Work Units—all organizations with demonstrated expertise in workforce mobilization and vocational training.

According to the Suriname Communication Service, the task force will initially conduct thorough field assessments to identify target populations. Malone noted the particular challenge in reaching these groups: ‘You won’t simply find the target population on streets or in schools. We must actively seek them out, precisely because they often don’t automatically access available services.’ The working group, potentially accompanied by President Simons herself, will conduct neighborhood visits to directly assess community needs.

The program structure includes intensive training periods ranging from four to six months, with possible extensions up to one year. Significant emphasis will be placed on post-training support, including job placement guidance, entrepreneurship assistance, and pathways for participants to return to formal education systems. The task force will provide periodic progress reports to President Simons to enable timely policy adjustments throughout the implementation process.

In a landmark decision during its 20th intergovernmental committee meeting in New Delhi (December 8-13, 2025), UNESCO has officially inscribed Deepavali (Diwali) on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was formally communicated by Indian Ambassador Subhash Gupta in Paramaribo, marking a significant global recognition for the festival of lights.

Ambassador Gupta emphasized that UNESCO’s designation confirms Deepavali as a living tradition that continues to uplift hearts and minds worldwide. He characterized the festival not merely as an Indian celebration but as an integral component of Surinamese culture, representing enduring historical bonds and shared heritage between Suriname and India. Both nations, he noted, deeply connect with the festival’s universal themes: hope over despair, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness.

Radjen Baldew, Chairman of the Hindu Media Organization (OHM), expressed elation at this international acknowledgment, describing it as an honor recognizing Deepavali as tangible cultural heritage not only for Sanátan Dharmis (Hindus) but for the entire global community. He extended congratulations to all who uphold the religious and spiritual values embodied by the festival.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced the significance through his social media platform, stating: “For us, Deepavali is intrinsically linked to our culture and values. It represents the very soul of our civilization, embodying enlightenment and justice.” He predicted this UNESCO recognition would further amplify the festival’s global popularity.

Ambassador Gupta highlighted Suriname’s particular connection to Deepavali, noting the Indian embassy’s consistent participation in local celebrations through prayers, cultural performances, and community gatherings. He referenced the lighting of the world’s largest diya (lamp) using ghee at Independence Square as a symbol of this engagement. Gupta further praised Suriname’s official recognition of Deepavali as a national holiday, demonstrating the country’s commitment to inclusivity and appreciation for its Indian-descended population.

Globally, Indian diplomatic missions are celebrating this achievement with various events. In Suriname, the embassy is collaborating with the Swami Vivekananda Indian Cultural Center for an evening celebration at the Arya Diwaker Hall, open to all attendees from 6:30 PM. Ambassador Gupta concluded with a hopeful message: “May the light of Deepavali shine brightly and guide us toward growth and peace.”