Suriname is grappling with a severe financial crisis as it faces the daunting task of repaying over USD 400 million starting in 2026. With no immediate solutions in sight, the government has opted to restructure its debts, a move deemed necessary by experts like VES Chairman Steven Debipersad. The strategy aims to buy time until 2028, when oil revenues are expected to flow in. However, the pressing question remains: how will this time be utilized? While the Ministry of Finance & Planning is engaged in complex negotiations with the Bank of America, other government departments continue to operate as usual, indulging in lavish spending and ceremonial activities. This stark contrast has eroded public and international trust. The lack of clear communication has led to misconceptions, with many believing Suriname is ‘buying off’ its debts. In reality, the country is merely deferring payments, incurring higher interest rates (7.95%) and extending the repayment period to 2033. The real challenge lies in whether this borrowed time will be used wisely to implement rational investments and clear policies, or if it will be squandered on short-term measures and loss-making enterprises. The world is watching closely, as the potential oil revenues could either save or destroy Suriname, depending on how the funds are managed. Time is not a solution; it is an opportunity to finally get things right after 50 years of independence.
标签： Suriname
苏里南
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VES-voorzitter Debipersad: Nieuwe schuldendeal biedt ademruimte; duidelijkheid nodig
Steven Debipersad, Chairman of the Association of Economists in Suriname (VES), has described the government’s attempt to restructure its foreign debt as ‘a timely and positive step.’ However, he cautioned that the government’s communication regarding this operation has been insufficient and confusing. ‘The idea is sound, but the government must clarify the specifics of the agreement, how it fits into the budget, and its long-term implications,’ Debipersad stated in an interview with Starnieuws.
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Nieuwe lichting groepscommandanten klaar voor inzet binnen Nationaal Leger
On Monday, twenty-one military personnel successfully completed the Group Commanders Course 2025-01 at the Institute for Defense Training (IDO). The graduates, representing various branches of the National Army, underwent an intensive four-month program that combined theoretical knowledge with practical training. This initiative was designed to address the shortage of group commanders within the military, focusing on leadership, discipline, and effective troop management. Most of the graduates hold the rank of first-class corporal and, with this certification, are now poised for further advancement in their military careers. One of the participants, Civillian Spier, highlighted the transformative impact of the course on his professional development. ‘This program has elevated my skills far beyond what I thought I was capable of as a corporal. It has inspired new ambitions for my growth within the army,’ he remarked. Colonel Justus Hew A Kee, the IDO commander, commended the participants for their dedication and perseverance, emphasizing the strategic importance of their roles. ‘Group commanders serve as the vital link between leadership and troops. This course fulfills a critical need, ensuring that missions are executed effectively,’ he stated.
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Suriname schittert tijdens North ISH Open 2025 IPSC Level 3
Suriname played host to the North ISH Open 2025, the year’s most prestigious shooting sports competition, held over three days. This IPSC Level 3 event attracted over fifty marksmen from both domestic and international arenas, showcasing exceptional precision, speed, and sportsmanship. While international participation fell slightly short of expectations, the foreign competitors compensated with their high-caliber performances. The Surinamese delegation stood out, securing podium finishes across nearly all categories. Ronald Brown (USA) claimed victory in the Standard Class, followed by France’s Régis Lemaitre and Suriname’s Andy Liu. Lemaitre also triumphed in the Standard Senior Class, with Liu and Bai Hongan in second and third places, respectively. Brown continued his dominance in the Standard Super Senior Class, ahead of Jean Condet and Marcel Tjon Kon Joen. In the Lady Class, Suriname achieved a clean sweep, with Tamani Stuger taking the top spot, flanked by Margery van Dijk-Amatdas and Angelique Tjon Kon Joen. Andrew Wilson emerged victorious in the Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) Class, trailed by Shaquille Liauw Kie Fa and Will Liu. Suriname’s Justin Heidanus, Alex Stuger, and Nicholson Zheng dominated the Production Optics Class. The Production Class saw Bruce Djosetiko claim the title with ease, followed by Nigel Sloot and Marc Loor, completing another all-Surinamese podium. Five prestigious IPSC President’s Medals were awarded to Ronald Brown (twice), Justin Heidanus, Tamani Stuger, and Régis Lemaitre. Suriname’s remarkable achievements at the event reaffirm its growing prominence in the international IPSC community, signaling a bright future for the sport.
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Jamaica in hoogste staat van paraatheid, doden al in Haïti
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, barreling toward Jamaica with sustained winds exceeding 260 km/h. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued dire warnings of life-threatening storm surges reaching up to 4 meters, torrential rainfall of up to 1 meter, and prolonged exposure to destructive winds and waves due to the storm’s slow trajectory. This unprecedented weather event is being described as one of the most severe to ever threaten the island. Evacuations have been ordered across Jamaica’s southern coast, particularly in low-lying areas such as Port Royal, Clarendon, and Saint Elizabeth. Over 800 emergency shelters have been activated to accommodate displaced residents. Authorities are urging the public to heed evacuation orders and remain in safe zones. The storm’s effects are already being felt in Jamaica, with powerful winds and surging floodwaters causing widespread disruption. Meanwhile, in neighboring Haiti, Hurricane Melissa has claimed at least three lives due to landslides, collapsing walls, and severe flooding exacerbated by heavy rainfall. The country’s already fragile infrastructure has worsened the crisis, leaving communities vulnerable to further devastation.
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Bouva: Staatsbezoek koning moet leiden tot tastbare economische resultaten
Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, has unveiled a comprehensive diplomatic agenda for the upcoming months, focusing on the 50th anniversary of Srefidensi (Independence) and the state visit of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. The visit, scheduled for December 1–3, aims to deepen bilateral relations and enhance economic diplomacy. Key events include high-level meetings with Suriname’s President, the National Assembly, and the Court of Justice, alongside a business program and discussions on the shared history of slavery and colonialism. Minister Bouva emphasized the importance of achieving concrete agreements, with details to be finalized in collaboration with Dutch counterparts.
In preparation for the 50th Srefidensi celebrations, Suriname has confirmed the attendance of eleven high-level delegations, including representatives from the Netherlands, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, Venezuela, Cuba, China, Ghana, the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and French Guiana. The country is also seeking broad participation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with Jamaica, the current chair, being approached. Suriname will cover accommodation, security, and transportation costs for the delegations, with a detailed budget expected in early November once the final number of attendees is confirmed.
Minister Bouva highlighted Suriname’s commitment to expanding its diplomatic presence globally, with 22 missions currently operational and a new generation of diplomats in training. The country continues to advocate for peace, human rights, and dialogue, adhering to the principle of being “friends with everyone, enemies of no one.” Bouva stressed that international visibility should translate into tangible trade and investment opportunities.
The minister also outlined a packed international schedule for November and December, including participation in the Brazil Climate Summit (November 5–8), COP-30, the CELAC-EU Summit (November 9–10 in Colombia), and the Summit of the Americas (December 3–5 in the Dominican Republic).
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Nieuwe sport- en educatiehub voor jongeren in Reeberg geopend
The district of Reeberg in Wanica, Suriname, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art sports complex, marking a significant milestone for local youth development. Officially opened during the Sports and Education Fair, the facility on Roodbontstraat is a project spearheaded by the Y-Academy Foundation, led by Chairman Gino Naarden. The complex aims to provide a safe and accessible space for young people to engage in sports, play, and foster both physical and mental growth. The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS) has endorsed the initiative, with Acting Sports Director Enrique Ralim praising the foundation’s efforts and pledging active collaboration. ‘Such initiatives are invaluable for youth development. The ministry will be actively involved in Y-Academy’s next event,’ Ralim stated. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting organizations dedicated to youth and sports development, noting that investments in sports translate into investments in the nation’s future—promoting health, mental resilience, and societal stability. Y-Academy’s innovative approach combines sports and education to empower local communities through talent development. Naarden officially handed over the complex to Reeberg residents, urging them to maximize its potential. ‘Healthy youth are the foundation of a strong Suriname. It starts here, in our neighborhoods,’ he stressed. Local children, including Jamie, Meredientje, and Shesharya, expressed their excitement, describing the new sports field as a dream come true—a dedicated space to play, learn, and grow together.
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Joerawan blij met vonnis SBB-zaak; Ravenberg kondigt hoger beroep aan
The ongoing legal dispute within the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has taken a new turn following a recent court ruling. The cantonal judge ordered Ruben Ravenberg, the general director of SBB, to publicly apologize to board member Krishnadath (Kees) Joerawan for defamatory remarks. Judge Deborah Haakmat-Sniphout granted Ravenberg two days to remove the offending statements and issue a public apology. Despite the court’s decision, Ravenberg, in consultation with his attorneys Maureen Nibte and Murwin Dubois, has announced plans to appeal the ruling. The court’s judgment remains enforceable pending the appeal. Joerawan expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that ‘the wheels of justice grind slowly but surely.’ He emphasized that the accusations against him were unfounded and expressed hope that Ravenberg would respect the court’s decision rather than prolong the legal battle. Ravenberg, however, remains steadfast in his claims, asserting that he possesses evidence of Joerawan’s prior illegal activities and evasion of prosecution. He stated, ‘SBB has all the documents sent by the Attorney General,’ and vowed to continue the fight. The appeal does not automatically suspend the apology order, and Ravenberg has committed to following legal procedures while maintaining the case’s principled nature. He cautioned Joerawan against premature celebration, signaling that the legal battle is far from over.
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Venezuela veroordeelt ‘militaire provocatie’ door CIA en Trinidad; waarschuwing voor escalatie
The arrival of the USS Gravely in Port of Spain on Sunday for a joint military exercise with Trinidad has sparked intense criticism from the Venezuelan government, which labeled the move as a ‘military provocation’ orchestrated by the CIA in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago. Caracas alleges that these activities aim to destabilize Venezuela, particularly near the disputed Essequibo region, and represent an act of ‘imperial interference.’ This accusation has raised international concerns, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressing alarm over escalating military tensions in the Caribbean. Mottley emphasized the need to avoid geopolitical power struggles in the region and called for immediate diplomatic coordination within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Surinamese President Jennifer Simons echoed these sentiments during a recent press conference, reiterating that South America and the Caribbean must remain a war-free zone. Simons highlighted Suriname’s commitment to peaceful dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and adherence to international law, warning that military escalation is never a viable solution. The heightened tensions surrounding Venezuela, coupled with the long-standing territorial dispute with Guyana and the growing geopolitical presence of major powers in the region, have prompted Caribbean leaders to advocate for urgent diplomatic discussions. They are urging a unified Caricom approach focused on peace, security, and regional stability.
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Column: Harmonie en verbondenheid in een wereld vol tegenspoed
In the heart of Beijing, Indra Toelsie experiences a whirlwind of emotions as she encounters people from all corners of the globe. Their stories offer profound insights into their lives, struggles, and aspirations. Among them, Sumudu from Sri Lanka stands out, forging a bond so strong it feels transcendent, as if their connection spans lifetimes. Now back in his homeland, Sumudu’s uncertain future in a country plagued by terrorism and instability evokes deep emotions in Indra. His poignant words, ‘Where there is a meeting, there is a separation,’ resonate painfully, yet they have vowed to reunite, whether in their homelands or through programs like the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program. Amidst this heaviness, Indra finds hope in the children of diplomats playing together, oblivious to borders and conflicts. Their innocence symbolizes the possibility of unity beyond differences. Indra reflects on her homeland, Suriname, urging its multicultural society to embrace harmony and collective progress. Her experiences in Beijing reaffirm her belief in the power of human connection and compassion, reminding her that harmony is not a utopia but a choice rooted in shared humanity.