标签： Suriname

In a move that has sent shockwaves across Suriname, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) quietly issued a decree just days before the May 2025 elections, transferring ownership of the Leonsberg Pier and its surrounding land to a private individual, Sandiep Seemangal. This decision, seemingly routine on paper, has profound implications for the community, as the pier has long served as a vital public facility connecting Paramaribo and Commewijne, and a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Braamspoint and the mangroves. The privatization has left over 70 boat operators, fishermen, and tour guides in legal limbo, effectively barring them from using the pier they’ve relied on for decades. The Leonsberg Pier is more than just a docking point; it symbolizes free access to the river and the interconnectedness of Suriname’s communities. The timing of the transfer, finalized just days before the elections, has raised suspicions of last-minute political favoritism. Minister Stanley Soeropawiro and Assembly Member Bronto Somohardjo have both called for the land to be returned to the state, but reversing the decision will require a court order—a daunting task given the GBB’s backlog of nearly 900 lawsuits over disputed land claims. This incident is not isolated but reflects a broader erosion of integrity in governance, where public assets are increasingly privatized for political gain. The Leonsberg Pier case underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to protect public resources and restore trust in Suriname’s institutions. As the nation grapples with this crisis, the question remains: if even the river is no longer free, where does justice lie?

In response to recent reports on Starnieuws regarding the allocation of land near the Leonsberg docking pier, Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in the National Assembly, has summoned Ann Sadi, President of the Boat Owners Association, and her members for an urgent meeting. The discussion is scheduled to take place later today. Somohardjo expressed his frustration, stating, ‘The irregularities are becoming unbearable. The events of the past period defy all decency.’ He highlighted that ownership parcels have been leased, parking spaces of football clubs, public roads, and even nature reserves have been appropriated. ‘It is utterly scandalous and nauseating,’ he added. The parliamentarian emphasized that the recent allocation of the Leonsberg pier symbolizes deeper issues within the land allocation policy. ‘I meet people daily who come seeking their rights, crying and desperate. Enough is enough. The people demand action, not words,’ Somohardjo asserted. He expressed full support for President Jennifer Simons and Minister Stanley Soeropawiro in their efforts to return public facilities to the people. ‘Soft measures only worsen the problem. It’s time to correct what has gone wrong, protect the people, and confront the perpetrators,’ he stressed. Somohardjo mentioned that the Permanent Committee will consider legal steps to prevent public lands, bridges, and piers from falling into private hands without legal basis.

In a recent interview with CBS, U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals regarding the possibility of a military intervention in Venezuela, while simultaneously dismissing talk of ‘war’ and issuing veiled threats against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump warned that Maduro’s days as president are numbered, a statement made amidst the buildup of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean. The U.S. has conducted multiple strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the region, actions that United Nations officials and legal experts argue violate both U.S. and international laws.

When questioned about the potential for war with Venezuela, Trump responded, ‘I doubt it. I don’t think so.’ However, when asked if Maduro’s presidency was nearing its end, he stated, ‘I would say yes. I think so.’ American media outlets have reported that Washington is considering attacks on Venezuelan military installations as part of its war on ‘narco-terrorism.’ While Trump appeared to deny plans for such strikes, he did not entirely rule them out, stating, ‘I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that,’ and ‘I’m not going to tell you what I’m going to do with Venezuela.’

Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of drug trafficking, has accused Washington of using the drug offensive as a pretext to impose ‘regime change’ in Caracas to seize Venezuela’s oil reserves. Over the past weeks, the U.S. military has carried out more than a dozen attacks on ships in the Caribbean and the Pacific, resulting in at least 65 deaths. These actions have drawn criticism from governments across the region.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and human rights organizations have condemned the attacks, which began in early September, as ‘extrajudicial executions,’ even if they targeted known drug smugglers. Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the attacked vessels were involved in drug smuggling or posed a threat to the U.S.

In a significant development, Minister Stanley Soeropawiro of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) has confirmed to Starnieuws that the Leonsberg pier, a vital transportation hub used daily by hundreds of passengers, was indeed sold as private property during the previous administration. ‘It is true: this pier was formally issued as a private parcel in the last governance period. That is a fact,’ stated Soeropawiro. ‘However, this is also one of the clearest examples of how misguided policies can directly harm public interest.’

The sale has dealt a severe blow to dozens of boat operators who rely on the pier for their livelihoods. Without access to the docking facility, these operators, who have long facilitated passenger transport between Leonsberg and Nieuw-Amsterdam—often maintaining the pier themselves—are now left stranded. The minister acknowledged their concerns, assuring that his ministry is actively working on a solution while further investigating the matter.

Soeropawiro emphasized that the sale of the pier is ‘one of many missteps we have encountered at the ministry.’ He highlighted the current government’s commitment, under President Jennifer Simons, to restore public facilities to the people. ‘The public deserves fair governance. Public land is not private property,’ he asserted. ‘Those who approved such transactions will be held accountable. This government will restore order—step by step, case by case.’

The minister vowed that the government will not allow public infrastructure to fall into private hands. ‘This marks the beginning of rectifying what was wrong,’ he concluded.

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have intensified following a significant increase in military presence in the Caribbean region. The deployment of warships, fighter jets, and thousands of troops to the Gulf of Venezuela and adjacent maritime areas has raised concerns. While Washington claims these movements are part of an international operation against drug trafficking, analysts perceive them as a political show of force targeting the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The Venezuelan government has condemned the actions as ‘border provocations’ and placed its armed forces on high alert. President Maduro warned over the weekend that the US is ‘playing dangerously with regional peace.’ Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump denied any plans for military strikes on Venezuelan territory, describing the activities as ‘preventive security patrols’ and ‘support for regional partners.’

Domestically, Venezuela is divided over the foreign pressure. Some opposition groups view the US presence as an opportunity to further isolate Maduro’s authoritarian rule, while others fear potential intervention could lead to national chaos.

Internationally, Russia has sharply criticized the US military buildup, labeling it ‘excessive power projection’ and pledging diplomatic support for Caracas. China and Iran have also strengthened their defense cooperation with Venezuela.

The escalating tensions have regional implications. Diplomats in the Caribbean are concerned about the security of trade and transport routes, as well as the potential increase in migration flows if the situation worsens.

Military observers note that Venezuela’s armed forces have been significantly weakened by years of economic crisis, corruption, and sanctions. In contrast, the US possesses overwhelming resources and infrastructure in the region, including reopened naval bases in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

For now, neither side appears to seek direct confrontation, but diplomatic and military tensions persist.