标签： Suriname

In a significant development for Suriname’s governance structure, National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin has confirmed ongoing consultations with the Judiciary regarding financial provisions within the judicial system. The dialogue marks a cooperative effort between two crucial branches of government to address compensation structures for judicial officials.

Chairman Adhin disclosed to Starnieuws that he conducted formal discussions in his official capacity with the Court of Justice, particularly engaging with Court President Iwan Rasoelbaks. This diplomatic exchange has subsequently been followed by written correspondence from the judiciary, solidifying the commitment to mutual understanding.

The constitutional framework allows every Assembly member to initiate proposals within this context, though Adhin emphasized his role as presiding officer to conduct more focused negotiations with the judicial branch. These smaller-scale discussions aim to meticulously examine proposals, insights, and factual information before reaching any determinations.

Adhin reassured the public that the matter is being treated with appropriate seriousness between state powers, operating under the fundamental principle that financial provisions for the judiciary must be governed by statutory regulations. This approach ensures constitutional compliance while maintaining the dignity of judicial institutions.

The Assembly leadership has deliberately separated two parallel processes to avoid procedural conflicts: the ongoing modernization of judicial infrastructure through parliamentary bills, and the separate consideration of financial provisions including judicial remuneration and emoluments. This sequential treatment allows each initiative to receive dedicated preparation and attention.

Furthermore, Adhin highlighted that the 2026 national budget remains on the parliamentary agenda, confirming that authorities are maintaining a rigorous yet orderly schedule for these complementary governance initiatives.

Operations at Suriname’s Milk Central have returned to normal following successful mediation efforts by Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Minister Mike Noersalim. The resolution comes after partial work stoppages occurred yesterday when staff expressed dissatisfaction with the sudden departure of Director Monché Atompai.

Minister Noersalim personally engaged with management and employees to address the concerns, emphasizing that the situation did not constitute an industrial conflict. “This is not about an industrial dispute. Not working jeopardizes the company’s stability,” Noersalim stated in comments to Starnieuws. He warned that continued work stoppages would create significant financial losses for the state-owned enterprise.

The ministerial intervention included the presence of Ebu Jones, Chairman of the National Assembly’s permanent committee on LVV matters, demonstrating the government’s commitment to resolving the matter. Operational leadership has been temporarily assumed by Deputy Director Larissa Barden during this transition period.

The personnel unrest stemmed from President Jennifer Simons’ recent decision to terminate the contracts of both Director Atompai and Deputy Director Ritshik Adelaar. These dismissals are reportedly connected to developments regarding contracts signed with the State Health Insurance Fund (SZF).

Minister Noersalim confirmed that stability has been restored, noting: “Everything is calm now. People are working normally.” The resolution prevents further disruption to Suriname’s dairy supply chain while the government addresses underlying administrative concerns.

In a significant foreign policy reversal, Bolivia has officially reopened its doors to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ending a 17-year hiatus in bilateral narcotics cooperation. The administration of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025, has not only moved to restore diplomatic relations with the United States but has also initiated operational collaboration with the DEA to combat drug trafficking.

Bolivian Interior Minister Marco Oviedo confirmed this week that DEA agents are already active within the country, marking a dramatic departure from the policies of former leftist president Evo Morales. “The DEA is in Bolivia,” Oviedo stated to local media. “Alongside this cooperation, we are also working with European intelligence and police organizations.”

The initial focus of these joint efforts will be on enhancing border surveillance and dismantling powerful drug cartels. Oviedo emphasized that this represents just the beginning of Bolivia’s expanded international campaign, noting plans to involve anti-narcotics agencies from neighboring countries as well.

This policy shift nullifies a 2008 decree by Morales, who expelled DEA agents while accusing the United States of using drug enforcement as a tool to pressure Latin American nations into aligning with its political and economic agendas. Morales, who led the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, enjoyed strong support from rural coca-growing regions where the crop represents a vital economic lifeline.

The political landscape shifted dramatically in October 2025 when two right-leaning candidates advanced to a runoff election—center-right candidate Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party and former conservative president Jorge Quiroga. Both made repairing relations with the U.S. a cornerstone of their campaigns, viewing it as essential to resolving Bolivia’s severe economic crisis.

Paz, ultimately victorious with 54.9% of the vote, moved swiftly after his November inauguration to normalize diplomatic ties. The U.S. State Department has characterized Paz’s presidency as a “transformative opportunity” for the region, with both countries agreeing to exchange ambassadors for the first time in nearly 18 years.

However, significant uncertainties remain regarding the extent of DEA operations in Bolivia. Leftist leaders like Morales retain substantial support, particularly in highland and rural areas. Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo indicated that negotiations are ongoing to define the specific terms and operational boundaries of DEA activities, with a comprehensive agreement expected within coming months.

This development occurs against the backdrop of intensified U.S. anti-drug campaigns in Latin America under the Trump administration, which has designated multiple major cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” and employed economic sanctions and military threats to pressure governments in the region. Critics argue these policies have blurred lines between law enforcement and military actions, raising concerns about human rights violations and extrajudicial executions.

An independent investigation has uncovered serious irregularities in Grassalco’s Guyana operations, revealing that the Surinamese state-owned company holds no legal ownership of its purported subsidiary GuySure. The findings expose a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement and questionable corporate governance within the state enterprise.

The investigation, commissioned by Grassalco’s supervisory board, determined that despite being publicly promoted as the company’s first international expansion in May 2025—with former President Chan Santokhi personally attending the Georgetown opening ceremony—GuySure was actually established in 2021 as an independent entity under private ownership. Official registration documents from Guyana show the shareholders as Faye Hunte, Moria Kastiel, Abby-Gale Chona Jeanella Mers, Wanisha Priya Bharie, and Grassalco director Wesley Rozenhout, each holding 20% of the company’s 50 shares.

Financial records examined during the investigation reveal alarming expenditure patterns: GuySure spent approximately US$9 million against only US$2 million in revenue, with costs attributed to logistics, transportation, port services, and land rental in Guyana. Crucially, investigators found no documentation proving share transfer to Grassalco, formal business plans, investment decisions, or return-on-investment analyses justifying the venture.

The report further highlights systemic issues within Grassalco itself, noting that the company failed to produce audited financial statements from 2020 to 2025. These findings have created political sensitivity within the coalition government, particularly affecting the ABOP party which controls the Ministry of Natural Resources. Rozenhout, who was suspended on January 12 to ensure investigation integrity, faces separate charges regarding the disappearance of nearly 4 kilograms of gold from the company.

In response to the crisis, Natascha Kalo (nominated by ABOP) has been appointed as delegated commissioner with enhanced powers to exercise tightened supervision over the state company. The National Assembly is concurrently addressing related interpellation proposals concerning other state entities, underscoring broader governance concerns within Suriname’s public sector.