Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Recensie: Hariandi Todirijo – Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter

    Recensie: Hariandi Todirijo – Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter

    Hariandi Todirijo, a multifaceted artist known for his work as a poet, writer, and photographer, has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Donner/Self Reliance Writing Contest with his novella, ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter.’ Originally trained in technological sciences, Todirijo later found his calling in journalism, contributing to publications like ‘de Ware Tijd.’ His literary prowess was further recognized in 2022 when he was nominated for the Ibis Prize in both prose and poetry categories.

    The novella, spanning 104 pages, is distinguished by its use of Surinamese-Dutch, a variant of the Dutch language, interspersed with words from Sranan and Surinamese-Javanese. This linguistic choice not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the cultural diversity of Suriname. The story is set in Lelydorp, a town in Suriname, and is believed to take place in the latter half of the 20th century. References to Suralco’s mining activities and beverages like Spur Cola from Canada Dry provide a vivid historical backdrop.

    ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter’ is the first literary work to offer an insider’s perspective on Lelydorp. The protagonist, Liliek, a curious boy, becomes fascinated by tales of an ‘invisible sprayer’ haunting the public cemetery on Schotelweg. Despite his father’s knowledge of the area, Liliek embarks on a personal investigation, uncovering the deep-seated fears and reverence for spiritual forces within the community.

    Todirijo masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers engaged until the very end. The dialogues are authentic, reflecting the community’s speech patterns. The novella explores themes of tradition, faith, and curiosity, presenting a universal story rooted in Surinamese reality. Liliek’s character, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a sense of community, resonates with young readers.

    The book is set to be presented on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at B.S. Het Park at 7:00 PM. ‘Liliek en de onzichtbare spuiter’ is not just a literary achievement but also a cultural tribute to the spiritual and cultural richness of Lelydorp.

  • Esav vraagt president om directe ingreep in strafzaak Pikin Saron

    Esav vraagt president om directe ingreep in strafzaak Pikin Saron

    The Indigenous Platform Unity Solidarity Alliance and Progress (Esav) has submitted a petition to President Jennifer Simons, demanding the immediate release or pardon of five Indigenous men involved in the Pikin Saron legal case. Esav also called for a fully independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of Martinus Wolfjager and Ivanildo Dijksteel, urging accountability for those responsible. Additionally, the platform advocated for the establishment of a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. The petition highlights the escalating tensions over land rights in Pikin Saron, which reached a boiling point on May 2, 2023, when residents took drastic measures after repeated protests, negotiations, and petitions failed to yield results. This led to the hostage-taking of officials and the burning of vehicles and buildings. During the police intervention, two Indigenous men lost their lives. The five suspects initially received an eight-year prison sentence, with their appeal still pending. A separate case against seven police officers suspected of involvement in the deaths of Wolfjager and Dijksteel is also ongoing. Esav further demanded a thorough police investigation into the disappearance of a third Indigenous man during the incident, a review of the proposed 5-kilometer zone around Indigenous villages, formal recognition of demarcation maps for each Indigenous village through VIDS, full acknowledgment of self-determination rights and cultural heritage, and an immediate investigation into environmental pollution in Maripaston and tensions surrounding Grassalco in Pikin Saron and Bigi Poika. The petition was received at the President’s Cabinet by Chief of Staff Sergio Akiemboto, who emphasized that no land rights issue worldwide has been fully resolved within a single term. However, he suggested the necessity of a temporary law to immediately halt or strictly regulate land distribution in Indigenous and Maroon residential areas to prevent a recurrence of Pikin Saron. Esav also presented the same petition to National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin.

  • Abos eist ontslag procureur-generaal García Paragsingh

    Abos eist ontslag procureur-generaal García Paragsingh

    The General Interest Organization of Suriname (Abos) has formally submitted a petition to the National Assembly, demanding the immediate dismissal of Prosecutor General Garcia Paragsingh. The petition, personally received by Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin, accuses Paragsingh of ‘attributable negligence and dereliction of duty’ in the constitutional execution of her office. Martin Atencio, representing Abos, emphasized the need for a criminal investigation into the matter, citing Article 142, Section 2 of the Constitution as the legal basis for her removal. This marks the second time in two months that Abos has filed such a petition, this time with a renewed urgency. The organization has highlighted over fourteen alleged ‘misdeeds’ by Paragsingh, including political persecution, mishandling of high-profile cases, and the controversial liquidation of two unarmed, handcuffed men in Pikin Saron. Abos is also calling for a mandatory response from the Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding a previously submitted legal notice, the establishment of a People’s Tribunal, and a substantive dialogue on land rights and domain issues. Political leaders have been urged to ‘no longer look away’ and to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. Chairman Adhin acknowledged the societal uproar caused by these issues and assured that they are being addressed within both governmental and parliamentary frameworks. The petition has also been forwarded to the President’s Cabinet.

  • Balletschool Marlene viert 50 jaar met jubileumvoorstelling ‘The Journey Within’

    Balletschool Marlene viert 50 jaar met jubileumvoorstelling ‘The Journey Within’

    This year marks the golden jubilee of the renowned Balletschool Marlene, celebrated with the production ‘The Journey Within.’ The performance encapsulates the inner journey of both students and teachers under the guidance of founder Marlene Lie A Ling, who has been teaching ballet for an impressive 54 years. The production is described as a tribute to the transfer of wisdom, discipline, and a love for art and country. Since its inception, Balletschool Marlene has seamlessly blended modern dance with Surinamese folklore, intentionally incorporating traditions from various cultures to foster national consciousness. Iconic pieces such as ‘Mi gron bakadyari’ and ‘Van Passie tot Pasen’ have left a lasting impact on audiences. During the jubilee days, a special exhibition in the Thalia theater foyer will showcase photos, stories, and memories from current and former students and teachers, encouraging visitors to take extra time to explore. Whitney Lie A Ling, a teacher at the school, emphasizes that the core of the institution has always been about transfer—not just of technique but of values like discipline and perseverance. This sentiment is shared by students across generations. Shira Singh, a 13-year-old dancer who has been with the school since she was four, expresses her passion for ballet and her participation in six dance pieces, including those set to music from ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Moana.’ Kay Mendonca-Tjin A Tam, now part of the Marlene’s Ballet Compagnie, describes the jubilee as ‘sacred,’ crediting the school with shaping her identity. Young teacher Ariella Abas-Eriks, inspired by a performance at Thalia at the age of seven, has turned her passion into her profession, returning after a dance education in the Netherlands to create choreographies for the jubilee. Rehearsals are currently underway in simple black practice costumes, with the colorful, carefully preserved outfits kept secret until the premiere. Performances will take place on October 31 and November 1 and 2 at the Thalia theater.

  • Amerikaanse troepenmacht groeit in Caribische regio en bij Venezuela

    Amerikaanse troepenmacht groeit in Caribische regio en bij Venezuela

    The United States military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean Sea and the waters off the coast of Venezuela since this summer, as part of the Trump administration’s intensified campaign against narcoterrorism. This strategic buildup includes a substantial deployment of naval vessels, advanced aircraft, and ground troops, marking one of the largest military mobilizations in the region in recent years.

  • VS breidt drugsaanvallen uit naar Stille Oceaan

    VS breidt drugsaanvallen uit naar Stille Oceaan

    The United States military has escalated its anti-drug operations by conducting its eighth strike on a suspected drug transport vessel, this time in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening, resulted in the deaths of two individuals, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday. This marks a significant expansion of the Trump administration’s campaign against drug trafficking in South America.

    Previously, the seven earlier strikes were concentrated in the Caribbean. However, the latest operation signifies a strategic shift toward the waters off South America, a critical route for cocaine smuggling from major producers like Colombia and Peru. Ecuador, with its extensive ports and trade flows, serves as a key transit hub.

    Hegseth drew parallels between the fight against drug cartels and the U.S. war on terrorism post-9/11, stating, ‘Just as Al Qaeda waged war on our homeland, these cartels are waging war on our borders and our people.’ He emphasized that no mercy would be shown, declaring, ‘There will be no refuge or forgiveness—only justice.’

    President Donald Trump has justified these military actions by framing the U.S. as being in an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels, labeling these criminal groups as unlawful combatants. He relies on the same legal framework used in the war on terror under President George W. Bush. Trump hinted at future land-based strikes, vowing, ‘We will hit them very hard when they come over land,’ and indicated he might inform Congress of further steps.

    The military campaign has sparked political and legal debates. Lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties have raised concerns over the lack of congressional authorization and the limited transparency surrounding the execution of these strikes. Democrats have pointed to potential violations of both U.S. and international law.

    Senator Rand Paul (Republican) criticized the executive branch, warning that Congress must not allow the president to become ‘judge, jury, and executioner’ in this matter. Meanwhile, the Republican-dominated Senate recently rejected a Democratic proposal that would have required the president to seek congressional approval for further military actions.

    In the House of Representatives, Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, called for a hearing on the strikes, criticizing the White House and the Department of Defense for their lack of transparency regarding the use of lethal military force.

    Additionally, the U.S. military has significantly increased its presence in the Caribbean Sea and off the coast of Venezuela since the summer, fueling speculation that the Trump administration may be pressuring Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of involvement in narco-terrorism.

    The recent strike was captured in a video showing a small boat, allegedly loaded with cocaine packages, exploding and burning on the water. Since the campaign began last month, at least 34 deaths have been reported. The administration has so far avoided prosecuting the occupants of the targeted vessels, with two survivors repatriated to Ecuador and Colombia. Ecuadorian authorities later released one due to insufficient evidence of criminal activity.

    While fentanyl, a potent synthetic drug responsible for many overdose deaths in the U.S., is primarily smuggled via land routes from Mexico, the current campaign focuses on cocaine transported by sea.

  • Regering kiest Marciano Djanam als nieuwe voorzitter SZF-bestuur

    Regering kiest Marciano Djanam als nieuwe voorzitter SZF-bestuur

    The Surinamese government has appointed Marciano Djanam as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the State Health Fund (SZF), following a rigorous selection process involving over eighty candidates. This strategic decision underscores the government’s commitment to fostering professionalism, transparency, and results-driven leadership within the nation’s healthcare system. Djanam brings extensive expertise in health, safety, security, environment, and quality (HSSEQ), having led teams in both the public and private sectors. His career is marked by the implementation of international quality standards and the development of strategic policies aimed at process improvement, risk management, and sustainable governance. Known for his people-centric, analytical, and forward-thinking leadership style, Djanam holds a Master of Science in International Health and Safety Management and an MBA, complemented by advanced training in leadership, auditing, risk management, and sustainable business practices. His appointment aims to bolster the SZF—Suriname’s largest health insurer—in its mission to provide affordable and accessible healthcare. Key priorities include enhancing service quality, improving the efficiency of healthcare policy implementation, and fostering closer collaboration with healthcare providers, all while upholding human dignity as a core principle.

  • Column: Natio Uma volledig getransformeerd

    Column: Natio Uma volledig getransformeerd

    The Suriname women’s football team, known as Natio Uma, is gearing up for their World Cup qualifying matches, marking a significant step in their journey to potentially compete on the global stage for the first time. Historically, neither the men’s nor women’s teams from Suriname have qualified for the World Cup, but recent transformations within the women’s squad offer renewed hope. The Surinamese Football Association has invested heavily in professional coaching and recruited players who compete at elite clubs, elevating the team’s overall quality and positioning them as serious contenders for a spot in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. However, challenges remain due to Suriname’s low FIFA ranking and the Concacaf qualification system, which pairs the highest-ranked teams against the lowest-ranked ones, creating tough matchups. Suriname is placed in Group D alongside Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Belize, and Anguilla. While the team’s strengthened lineup suggests potential to top the group, the coach’s ability to unify the squad will be critical. Their first match is scheduled for November 28, 2025, against Anguilla. Despite early introductions of new players to the public, concerns linger over the absence of key team members, including the goalkeeper, and the lack of a warm-up match for the players to connect with fans. Additionally, the team’s preparation has been complicated by training in Europe rather than the tropical conditions they will face in the region. The management is urged to ensure the team arrives early to acclimatize. While the squad includes many debutants, some players have prior experience representing Natio Uma, albeit without success. This time, the team is expected to benefit from a fully professional setup and lessons learned from past mistakes, with hopes that organizational improvements will allow the players to focus solely on their sporting goals. The ultimate aim is to make women’s football in Suriname a compelling spectacle for fans, though expectations must remain tempered for a team still in its developmental phase.

  • 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.