Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Breed draagvlak voor investering in onderwijs en menselijk kapitaal

    Breed draagvlak voor investering in onderwijs en menselijk kapitaal

    When stakeholders gathered in Paramaribo this June for the opening of Suriname’s 2026 National Education Congress, a clear, unifying message took center stage: education must act as the foundational engine powering the South American nation’s economic expansion, social progress, and long-term sustainable development. Running from June 8 to 10 at the Royal Ballroom of Hotel Torarica, the three-day summit brings together senior policymakers, leading education researchers, international development partners, and civil society organizations to align on priorities for investing in Suriname’s human capital, building on years of national and global conversations about the future of learning and workforce development in the country. This year’s theme, “Education: A Path From Poverty to Growth and Progress,” frames the discussion around an urgent push to reorient national policy around equitable, accessible learning for all.

    Speaking to delegates on the opening day, Minister of Education, Science and Culture Dirk Currie pushed back on the common framing of education spending as a discretionary cost, arguing instead that every dollar invested in learning is an investment in Suriname’s long-term national future. “A well-educated population is the very bedrock of economic growth, sustainable development, and the delivery of our national development strategy,” Currie said, per Suriname’s Communication Service. “We cannot leave anyone behind. Education must be accessible to every person, and every person must get a fair chance to succeed.” Currie emphasized that a resilient, effective education system starts with well-trained, motivated educators, redefining the role of modern teachers as not just instructors, but mentors, coaches, role models, and sources of inspiration for young learners. He also called for a sweeping update to Suriname’s national curriculum to center 21st-century priorities including civic education, leadership development, entrepreneurship, inclusive learning, multilingual education, and targeted early support for at-risk students.

    Minister of Youth Development and Sport Lalinie Gopal echoed Currie’s call for equal opportunity, urging a broad national dialogue on human capital development and highlighting the critical need for safe, supportive learning environments where children can learn, grow, and nurture their unique talents. Gopal also drew attention to a growing public health crisis impacting Suriname’s youth: alarming rates of poor mental health, with new research showing 36% of young people in the country have experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. “These numbers must be a wake-up call for all of us,” Gopal told delegates. In response, the government is expanding investments in life skills training, psychosocial support services, and the national GRO Program (Growth, Direction, and Development), an initiative that leverages sport as a core tool for holistic youth development.

    Adriana La Valley, country representative for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), echoed the summit’s core message, calling education the cornerstone of both economic development and social cohesion in Suriname. “Education should not be treated as a siloed sector – it is the backbone of the national economy and a strong, united society,” La Valley said. She praised the high level of cross-sector engagement at the congress, noting that most of the challenges Suriname faces in education are shared by countries across the globe, from securing sustainable long-term education funding to improving learning quality and fostering collaborative accountability between governments, the private sector, and civil society. Like Currie and Gopal, La Valley emphasized the commitment to leaving no child behind, calling for better-trained educators equipped to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, so every learner has the chance to reach their full potential.

    By the close of the congress’s opening day, a broad consensus had emerged among all participating groups: sustainable national development starts with investing in people. Across government, the international development community, and civil society, education is widely recognized as the single most powerful tool to reduce poverty, drive inclusive economic growth, and secure a prosperous future for Suriname and its people.

  • VS plaatst Chinese techreuzen Alibaba, BYD en Baidu op zwarte lijst

    VS plaatst Chinese techreuzen Alibaba, BYD en Baidu op zwarte lijst

    Less than a month after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for a high-profile summit in Beijing aimed at de-escalating ongoing trade and technology disputes, Washington has taken a provocative new step that threatens to upend the fragile detente between the two global powers. On June 9, the U.S. officially added three of China’s most prominent commercial and technology giants—e-commerce leader Alibaba, search engine and AI pioneer Baidu, and electric vehicle manufacturer BYD—to its annual updated blacklist labeled as “Chinese military companies.”

    The expansion brings the total number of Chinese firms on the list to 188, a major jump from the 134 entries recorded in 2025. The Pentagon, which maintains the registry, defines blacklisted Chinese military companies as entities either owned or controlled by the People’s Liberation Army of China, or those that contribute to Beijing’s civil-military fusion strategy—a policy that integrates civilian and defense-oriented technological research and development. To qualify for inclusion, firms must also maintain some level of business operations within U.S. jurisdiction.

    This latest round of additions marks a notable expansion of the blacklist’s scope, as all three firms are leading players in mainstream civilian industries that have little public association with China’s defense sector. They are not the first major Chinese technology brands to face this designation; industry giant Tencent was added to the list in a previous update.

    Chinese officials have swiftly pushed back against the move. The Chinese Embassy in Washington issued a strong condemnation, labeling the new designations as discriminatory. A spokesperson accused the U.S. of overstretching the definition of national security risks to target legitimate Chinese businesses, emphasizing that all Chinese companies operating globally comply with the laws and regulations of their host countries. The statement called on the U.S. to abandon discriminatory practices and create a fair, unbiased operating environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country. As of the report’s publication, none of the three added companies have issued an official response to their inclusion on the blacklist.

    Under existing U.S. regulations, firms placed on the list are barred from eligibility for contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, a restriction that could significantly limit their commercial opportunities within the U.S. market. However, some national security experts question the practical effectiveness of this broad approach to blacklisting.

    Dennis Wilder, a veteran national security analyst with previous experience at the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. National Security Council, argues that the broad brush designation is unlikely to deliver meaningful results. He points out that many U.S. firms already have deep, intertwined commercial partnerships with the three Chinese companies, and these businesses are unlikely to sever ties voluntarily without the imposition of harsh, mandatory sanctions. According to Wilder, such broad restrictive measures will only have limited impact unless the U.S. fully decouples its economy from China or convinces other major global economies to join the sanctions regime.

    Analysts widely note that the timing of the blacklist expansion, coming just weeks after the leaders of the two countries met to cool tensions, puts the fragile post-summit balance of bilateral relations under new strain, with potential ripple effects across trade, technology, and diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing.

  • EBS zet juridische strijd tegen vakbondsleider Hellings voort met hoger beroep

    EBS zet juridische strijd tegen vakbondsleider Hellings voort met hoger beroep

    A long-running high-profile labor dispute between Suriname’s state-owned utility N.V. Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) and the head of its employee union has entered a new legal phase, after the company officially filed an appeal of a lower court ruling that blocked its attempt to terminate the union leader’s employment contract.

    Court documents from the Cantonal Court of Civil Affairs show EBS filed its formal notice of appeal through legal representative Rick Tjon-A-Joe on May 18, confirming the public energy provider rejects the April 30, 2026 ruling issued by the cantonal judge. The appeal has already been registered with the High Court of Justice under case number 2026H00187, and formal notification of the appeal was officially served to Marciano Hellings — president of the EBS employees’ union OWOS — by a court bailiff this Monday.

    The conflict stretches back to mid-2025, when EBS executive leadership summarily fired Hellings immediately after he made public criticisms of company management in social media posts. The dismissal was quickly challenged by labor regulators: both the Suriname Labor Inspection and the national Dismissal Commission ruled the grounds cited by EBS for termination were insufficient, noting that Hellings was acting in his official capacity as a union leader and is entitled to broad protections for freedom of expression. When the Dismissal Commission refused to approve termination of Hellings’ contract, EBS turned to the cantonal court to request that the employment agreement be dissolved anyway.

    In its April 2026 ruling, the cantonal judge rejected EBS’s request outright. The court found that EBS itself shared responsibility for escalating the conflict with the union leader, and that the company had failed to prove that continuing the employment relationship was impossible.

    Per EBS’s existing policy for the duration of the appeal process, Hellings remains excused from reporting for work, but his full salary and health benefits will remain in place, according to statements from the company. Hellings has said he expected EBS to file an appeal, and expressed confidence that the High Court of Justice will uphold the lower court’s ruling in his favor.

    This dispute has stood as one of the most closely watched labor conflicts at a state-owned entity in Suriname in recent years, and the appeal means the legal fight will continue. A final binding ruling now rests with the High Court of Justice.

  • VES betwist begrotingstekort van 5,1%: Werkelijk tekort is 7,7% van BBP

    VES betwist begrotingstekort van 5,1%: Werkelijk tekort is 7,7% van BBP

    Paramaribo, Suriname – The Association of Economists of Suriname (VES) has raised sharp questions over the methodological approach the current administration has used to calculate its projected 2026 national budget deficit, arguing that the actual gap between public spending and revenue is far larger than the government has reported. According to VES Secretary Swami Girdhari, the real deficit will reach 7.7% of gross domestic product (GDP), not the 5.1% officially claimed by the Surinamese government.

    The Council of Ministers gave its approval to the 2026 Amended Budget Memorandum on May 21, which outlines total projected public spending of 77.4 billion Surinamese dollars (SRD) against total projected revenue of 64.6 billion SRD. Under the government’s calculation framework, this results in a deficit of 12.8 billion SRD, which equals 5.1% of the 252.2 billion SRD official projected GDP for 2026.

    Girdhari, in an interview with local outlet Starnieuws, noted that the biggest red flag is the sharp upward revision to the 2026 GDP estimate. As recently as September 2025, official projections put national GDP at roughly 180 billion SRD. The new 252.2 billion SRD estimate represents a 40% increase in just nine months. Even after accounting for projected annual inflation of roughly 10%, the implied real GDP growth comes out to nearly 30% – a figure Girdhari says lacks clear justification. “The question is whether this level of growth is realistic,” Girdhari said. “The Ministry of Finance and Planning needs to provide the public with a full breakdown of the underlying calculations that led to this estimate.”

    A core point of VES criticism centers on the government’s classification of borrowed funds as regular revenue. Per the amended budget, the government expects 42.5 billion SRD in direct and indirect tax revenue and 15 billion SRD in non-tax revenue, totaling 57.5 billion SRD in baseline receipts. The administration then adds 7 billion SRD in new loans to hit the 64.6 billion SRD total revenue figure.

    This accounting approach is fundamentally incorrect, Girdhari argues. “Loans are not revenue – they are financing instruments that increase the state’s future debt obligations, and should never be counted as regular operating income,” he explained. When the 7 billion SRD in new loans is excluded from revenue in line with standard international budget accounting rules, the actual financing gap grows to nearly 20 billion SRD, pushing the deficit up to the 7.7% of GDP the VES estimates. The association emphasizes that international fiscal standards require a clear separation between regular revenue streams (including taxes, non-tax receipts, and grants) and financing sources such as loans and reserve withdrawals, noting that this distinction is required to produce a transparent, accurate picture of the government’s true fiscal position.

    VES also warns that financing the deficit and meeting existing debt obligations remains a major unaddressed risk for 2026. The current budget framework leaves the government heavily dependent on new borrowing to cover a large share of planned spending, and 9.4 billion SRD in existing debt repayments are scheduled for next year. The association is calling for the publication of an up-to-date debt sustainability analysis to give the public a complete view of the country’s overall fiscal standing, saying the government has not yet explained how it will meet its existing debt repayment obligations.

    Beyond 2026, VES has raised concerns over the government’s medium-term fiscal projections included in the budget’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, which covers the 2026 to 2030 period. The government projects steady growth in both revenue and spending over the five-year window, with budget surpluses emerging between 2027 and 2029, growing to 9.6 billion SRD by 2029. However, the framework projects a return to deficit in 2030, with a shortfall of 9.9 billion SRD.

    Girdhari calls this swing from a nearly 10 billion SRD surplus to a nearly 10 billion SRD deficit in just one year – a 20 billion SRD shift – extremely unusual. He notes that the shift is driven almost entirely by soaring debt repayment requirements: scheduled debt repayments rise from 9.3 billion SRD in 2029 to 32.3 billion SRD in 2030. This jump is tied to the November 2025 debt restructuring agreement, which requires Suriname to repay roughly $1 billion in 2030. “In practice, this shifts a massive financial burden onto the administration that takes office in 2030,” Girdhari said.

    Finally, the association is warning against excessive optimism around anticipated future oil revenue, which appears to underpin much of the current budget framework. VES says the government risks implicitly counting unearned future oil income in its current spending plans, despite the fact that these revenues have not yet been realized. Girdhari pointed to global precedent showing that countries that increase public spending before commodity revenues actually materialize often face severe fiscal crises when output or prices fall short of projections.

    To address these risks, VES is calling for strict fiscal discipline, full public transparency around all budget calculations, a robust savings and investment strategy for future resource revenues, and strong institutional safeguards to reduce the impact of politically driven budget cycles that prioritize short-term spending over long-term fiscal stability.

  • Kabinet President krijgt begroting van ruim SRD 1,2 miljard

    Kabinet President krijgt begroting van ruim SRD 1,2 miljard

    Newly released 2026 budget documents for the South American nation of Suriname outline a total operating allocation of more than 1.2 billion Surinamese dollars (SRD) for the Office of the President, with nearly 70% of the total budget earmarked for employee wages and salaries.

    According to the budget breakdown published June 9, the total operating expenditure for the Presidential Cabinet and its affiliated directorates and agencies is projected at 1.199 billion SRD for the 2026 fiscal year, with ongoing current expenditures set at 1.163 billion SRD. The single largest line item is payroll costs, accounting for 829.2 million SRD – an increase of more than 127.5 million SRD compared to the 2017 baseline of 701.7 million SRD.

    Budget documentation attributes this wage increase to standard periodic pay adjustments, promotional scale upgrades, new appointments, the hiring of additional staff and external consultants, stipends for committee members, and various statutory allowances for civil servants. The allocation also includes medical benefits for executive staff, equivalent senior roles, and retired personnel.

    As of the end of March 2025, a total of 2,237 employees are registered on the payroll across the Presidential Cabinet, its subordinate directorates, and associated agencies. Budget projections anticipate that 56 employees will retire during the 2026 fiscal year, while 23 long-serving public servants will be honored for their decades of service to the government.

    Beyond payroll, 254 million SRD is allocated for goods and services, 48.1 million SRD for social security contributions, 17 million SRD for social benefits, and 15 million SRD for grants and contributions. Capital expenditures for 2026 are projected at 36.5 million SRD, up from the previous projection of 23.5 million SRD. Of this capital allocation, 20 million SRD is reserved for office equipment purchases, with budget documents noting that upgrades are required to replace outdated inventory across multiple directorates and agencies, and to accommodate planned expansions to the Cabinet’s organizational structure. The remaining 16.5 million SRD is earmarked for the acquisition of new transportation vehicles.

    The core priority outlined in the budget is to preserve the regular daily functioning of the Presidential Cabinet and all its subordinate bodies. Allocated funds are designated to support the implementation of the president’s administrative, governance, and policy objectives, and to enable the efficient fulfillment of presidential obligations. Consistent with recent budget cycles, personnel costs remain the single largest expenditure category for the office, holding a nearly 70% share of the Cabinet’s total operating budget for 2026.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Welke sub-Sahara Afrikaanse landen maken de beste kans?

    Derde helft WK 2026: Welke sub-Sahara Afrikaanse landen maken de beste kans?

    For decades, North African nations have dominated African success at both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup. But when Morocco made history in 2022 as the first African country ever to reach a World Cup semifinal, a new question began to dominate football discourse across the continent: could a sub-Saharan African nation finally break through to the latter stages of football’s biggest tournament at the 2026 World Cup, kicking off June 11?

    To date, Morocco’s 2022 run remains the best performance by any African side at a World Cup. Before that, only three other African nations had ever reached the quarterfinal stage of the tournament – and while three of those four quarterfinalists (Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana) are from sub-Saharan Africa, North African countries still hold the edge in major regional and global tournament success. Egypt leads all AFCON champions with seven titles, and Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria rank among the top five African nations for total World Cup qualifications. Ahead of the 2026 tournament, we break down the chances of top sub-Saharan contenders to outperform their North African rivals and make history this summer.

    ### Senegal
    With four prior World Cup appearances (2002, 2018, 2022, 2026) and a quarterfinal finish as their best result, Senegal currently ranks 14th in the FIFA global rankings, and analysts are predicting another quarterfinal exit for the Teranga Lions this year. But the side enters the 2026 tournament with a fiery chip on their shoulder: the team was stripped of their 2025 AFCON title after abandoning the January final over an on-pitch dispute, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling the match forfeit and awarding the title to Morocco. Stars Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mane have openly stated the team is hungry to take revenge for that controversial outcome with a deep run in 2026.

    Senegal first shocked the world on their World Cup debut in 2002, storming to the quarterfinals. More than two decades later, expectations for the side are higher than for any other African nation competing this year. Senegal’s biggest strength is its squad depth, led by a roster of world-class talent including forward Sadio Mané, midfielder Pape Gueye, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and captain Kalidou Koulibaly – all of whom were born in France. Their head coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, who also grew up in France, has left no question about his team’s ambition: “If I ever lose even a moment of belief that we can win the World Cup with Senegal, I will step down immediately.” Senegal will open their Group I campaign against defending champion France on June 16 in New York, with Iraq and Norway rounding out the group.

    ### Ghana
    Ghana is making its fifth World Cup appearance (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026) after missing only one tournament since its 2006 debut. The Black Stars reached the quarterfinals in 2010, becoming just the third African nation to hit that milestone, and currently hold the 74th spot in the FIFA rankings, with analysts forecasting a quarterfinal exit this cycle.

    Ghana’s road to qualification was rocky, marked by a late managerial change after a string of poor results. Veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz – who has previously managed national sides South Africa and Egypt, and held top jobs at European giants Real Madrid and Manchester United – stepped in to lead the side, marking his fifth consecutive World Cup at the helm of a national team. Ghana has been drawn into Group L, widely labeled a “group of death” alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Despite the tough draw, the side’s attacking firepower, led by Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo, has given fans hope they can advance out of the group. Unfortunately for Ghana, star midfielder Mohammed Kudus will miss the entire tournament due to injury.

    ### Ivory Coast
    Ivory Coast is returning to the World Cup after a 12-year absence, having last competed in 2014. The side fell into a rebuilding period after the retirements of legendary stars Yaya Touré and Didier Drogba, but that rebuild has already yielded two AFCON titles since their last World Cup appearance. The Elephants have made four total World Cup appearances, with their best result being an early group stage exit, and currently rank 34th in FIFA rankings, with analysts projecting a quarterfinal exit in 2026.

    Ivory Coast’s young, dynamic attack, featuring emerging talents Yan Diomande, Brighton’s Simon Adingra and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, is expected to carry the side this year. The team proved its ability to turn adversity into success two years ago, when they hosted AFCON and looked set for an early group stage exit before a mid-tournament coaching change sparked a miracle run to the title. Now, head coach Emerse Fae says the side has its sights set on another historic run: “Why not aim for the final?”

    ### Cape Verde
    Cape Verde is making its World Cup debut in 2026, and with a population of just under 600,000, it will go down as one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for the tournament. The side only made its AFCON debut in 2013, and reached the quarterfinals of the regional tournament in 2023. Cape Verde currently ranks 69th in FIFA rankings, and analysts predict an early exit in the group stage, where they will face Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and European champion Spain in what is widely viewed as one of the toughest groups of the 2026 tournament. Despite the odds, the side has grown in confidence in recent years, says head coach Bubista, who was named 2025 African Coach of the Year: “We now truly believe in our potential, and that has given us the courage to take on any opponent.”

    ### South Africa
    South Africa is making its fourth World Cup appearance (1998, 2002, 2010, 2026), with a quarterfinal finish never yet on its resume. The side has struggled through a decades-long slump after qualifying for its first tournament in 1998, so its 2026 return after 16 years away from the World Cup has been a long-awaited moment for South African football. South Africa currently ranks 60th in FIFA rankings, with analysts projecting an exit in the round of 16. The squad draws deep experience from its core of players from top domestic clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, and head coach Hugo Broos says the recent African Champions League title success for Sundowns has given the entire side a major confidence boost. South Africa has been drawn into a second “group of death” alongside Czech Republic, South Korea and co-host Mexico, who they will face in their opening match.

    ### DR Congo
    The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire, made history as the first sub-Saharan African nation to compete at a World Cup back in 1974, but left that tournament with three lopsided defeats. Now, 52 years later, the side is back at the World Cup for just its second appearance, entering the 2026 tournament as the reigning AFCON champion. DR Congo currently ranks 46th in FIFA rankings, with analysts forecasting a quarterfinal exit this year. Most of the squad’s players were born and raised in Europe, including Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and the side heads to the tournament with high hopes. For head coach Sebastien Desabre, just qualifying is already a generational milestone: “We are extremely proud that a generation now gets to experience the World Cup.”

    As the 2026 tournament approaches, all eyes will be on these sub-Saharan sides to see if one can finally surpass the historic benchmark set by North African teams and become the first African nation to reach a World Cup final.

  • GBB moet SRD 128 miljoen betalen aan vonnissen, slechts SRD 32 miljoen op begroting

    GBB moet SRD 128 miljoen betalen aan vonnissen, slechts SRD 32 miljoen op begroting

    Suriname’s Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) is confronting a significant budget gap as it prepares to meet financial obligations stemming from binding court judgments for the 2026 fiscal year. According to budget documents released by the ministry, the department estimates it will require a total of SRD 128 million to satisfy all outstanding monetary obligations attached to court rulings against the state. However, constrained by tight national budget limits, only SRD 32 million has been allocated to the dedicated line item for court judgment payments, leaving a massive SRD 96 million deficit between identified needs and available funding.

    GBB officials have confirmed that there are roughly 25 active court rulings that impose enforceable financial responsibilities on the Surinamese state. Of these outstanding cases, the most urgent claims collectively add up to approximately SRD 55 million alone – an amount that already far outpaces the full SRD 32 million allocation granted for all 2026 obligations.

    In its budget documentation, the ministry noted that it has established a separate, dedicated budget line specifically for these court-ordered payments, as part of its formal commitment to fulfilling all judicial rulings in a timely manner. All payments stemming from judicial decisions against the state are supposed to be drawn from this dedicated allocation.

    The SRD 32 million allocation approved for 2026 actually represents a modest increase from the original budget proposal submitted in September 2024, which only earmarked SRD 23 million for court judgments. Even with the adjustment in the amended budget note, the total available funding still falls 75 percent short of the ministry’s projected full-year need.

    Notably, the published budget documents do not include detailed breakdowns of the specific cases covered by the outstanding judgments, nor do they identify which claims have been classified as urgent, or provide timelines for when the obligations were first incurred. What the budget documentation does make clear is that the ministry has fully accounted for the substantial financial impact of these rulings, and has openly acknowledged that current appropriations are insufficient to settle all outstanding obligations in full during 2026.

    This funding shortfall raises pressing questions about the ministry’s ability to comply with all judicial orders within the required timelines in the coming year. Based on information included in the budget documents, GBB plans to prioritize settling the most urgent claims first, leaving many lower-priority financial obligations without full funding for the foreseeable future.

  • Eerste editie van Boeken, Bier en Meer succesvol van start

    Eerste editie van Boeken, Bier en Meer succesvol van start

    On a recent Saturday evening, the inaugural edition of the pop-up cultural event *Boeken, Bier en Meer* (translated as Books, Beer and More) launched in Souposo, marking the start of a new monthly gathering that blends literary discussion, live music, and casual community connection. The first event centered on the popular ongoing *Jazz Years* exhibition hosted by the Amsterdam City Archives, with researcher Mark Ponte leading a deep dive into the exhibition and its accompanying official book.

    Ponte’s talk shed new light on a little-recognized chapter of Dutch cultural history: the foundational contributions of Surinamese artists to Amsterdam’s mid-20th century jazz scene. He explained that the 1930s saw not only global jazz legends including Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker and Coleman Hawkins drawing crowds to Amsterdam, but also a wave of Surinamese musicians rising to prominence in the local circuit.

    Among the pioneering artists Ponte highlighted was Lex van Spall (1903–1982), bandleader of the influential group the Chocolate Kiddies, who recorded several tracks alongside prominent African American jazz musicians Freddy Johnson and Rosie Poindexter. Ponte also noted that American saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, who resided in Amsterdam for several years, served as a key mentor to the growing cohort of Surinamese jazz artists joining the local scene. Many of these musicians adopted American stage names to boost their perceived credibility in the mainstream industry; the most successful among them included trumpeter Teddy Cotton (1912–1977) and renowned performer Kid Dynamite (1911–1964).

    Ponte’s presentation was complemented by a musical accompaniment from DJ Earl da Pearl, whose curated jazz selections enriched the discussion and set a warm, immersive tone for the entire evening. After the talk, attendees took part in an open question-and-answer session that invited guests to share their own knowledge, personal stories, and perspectives on the topic. A casual networking session followed, where visitors mingled over complimentary snacks and drinks, and had the opportunity to purchase the exhibition book – which sold out completely before the event ended.

    Reflecting on the debut, event project manager Shereen Carrot described the evening as an intimate, welcoming celebration that successfully wove together visual presentation, live music, and casual conversation. While Carrot noted that small adjustments, including technical refinements, better scheduling for event segments, and a revised opening introduction, will be implemented for future gatherings, she characterized the first edition as an overall rewarding success.

    *Boeken, Bier en Meer* is a monthly pop-up initiative organized by the Stichting Skrifi foundation, designed to bring literary conversation to accessible, informal settings. Each month, the event centers on a discussion of a selected book, alongside in-depth interviews with authors and literary experts that explore key trends and shifts in contemporary literature. Attendees can enjoy beer or wine in a relaxed, social setting, making cultural engagement feel approachable rather than intimidating.

    Beyond deepening readers’ understanding of literary topics, the event also functions as a community hub for anyone with a passion for storytelling and books. It creates space for attendees to connect with one another, discover new titles, and engage with fresh perspectives from across the literary world. The first edition has been widely described as a resounding success, seamlessly blending literature, jazz music, a cozy café atmosphere, and food and drink into a natural, enjoyable experience for all attendees. Organizers have already begun preparations for the second edition, scheduled to take place in July.

  • Simons: Onderwijs sleutel tot armoedebestrijding en duurzame ontwikkeling

    Simons: Onderwijs sleutel tot armoedebestrijding en duurzame ontwikkeling

    PARAMARIBO, Suriname – June 8, 2026 – Suriname President Jennifer Simons has framed large-scale investment in accessible, quality education as the cornerstone of the nation’s long-term development, laying out a bold five-year strategic agenda for the education sector during her opening address at the inaugural National Education Congress.

    Hosted at the Royal Ballroom of Paramaribo’s Hotel Torarica, this year’s congress carries the central theme “Out of Poverty: Toward Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Progress”, a framing that aligns with the Simons administration’s core policy priorities. In her keynote address, Simons emphasized that strategic investment in education remains the most impactful long-term tool to cut systemic poverty, drive inclusive economic expansion, and unlock expanded opportunity for future generations of Surinamese people.

    To expand access to educational resources across the country, Simons announced a new policy initiative: the state-owned public television channel GOV TV will now allocate its 8.3 sub-channel exclusively to educational programming. “When we say that development starts early, and that no one can be left behind, those cannot just be words – they must be reflected in the choices our government makes,” Simons told attendees. “Education is the irreplaceable foundation of a prosperous, equitable society. If we want to secure Suriname’s future, reduce poverty, and build sustainable growth, we must start with strong, accessible education for all.”

    The congress itself is focused on reshaping curricula and educational outcomes to help children grow into resilient, self-sufficient citizens capable of building long-term well-being for themselves and their families, Simons explained. Beyond preparing young people to enter the workforce, a robust education system should also empower them to contribute actively to civic life and national development, she added. Achieving this transformative goal will require collective action across every segment of Surinamese society, from national and local government bodies to educational institutions, families, and community organizations.

    Looking ahead to 2029, Simons outlined five core priorities to guide the sector’s transformation over the coming five years. These priorities include addressing the most pressing systemic bottlenecks currently facing Suriname’s education system; developing a broadly shared national education vision aligned with the country’s development goals; establishing a clear legal framework for a universal national education law; strengthening professional support, compensation, and training for educators to elevate their standing in the system; and securing long-term sustainable funding to support ongoing reforms.

    Against a backdrop of rapid global economic and technological change, Simons noted that 21st century education must equip young Surinamese people to think creatively, develop innovative solutions to complex challenges, and maximize their unique individual talents. That shift in outcomes requires a corresponding shift in educator training, ensuring teachers have the tools and support they need to thrive in a modernized education system, she added.

    Simons emphasized that the deliberations and outcomes of the National Education Congress will serve as the guiding roadmap for the government’s future education policy. Once stakeholders reach consensus on a clear policy direction, the administration will launch a sweeping national intervention to implement reform. “This intervention will not only address the urgent challenges we face today,” Simons said. “It will lay the foundation for the education system we want to build over the next 10 to 15 years, for the generations that will shape our nation’s future.”

  • Grankreek eist duidelijkheid over onderzoek naar zandafgravingen

    Grankreek eist duidelijkheid over onderzoek naar zandafgravingen

    Residents of the small indigenous village of Grankreek, located in Suriname’s Saramacca district, have issued a formal ultimatum to the country’s Ministry of Land and Forest Management (GBB), demanding written clarification on the results of a promised investigation into unauthorized sand excavation activities within and around the community’s traditional territorial lands within 14 days. Village head Angelique Palmtak confirmed that if no substantive official response is received by the deadline, the Grankreek community is prepared to escalate the matter through national legal channels and even pursue international advocacy to defend its territorial and environmental rights.

    The ultimatum, delivered in an official letter dated June 8 and addressed to GBB Minister Stanley Soeropawiro and Bronto Somohardjo, chair of the GBB parliamentary commission, comes after months of growing uncertainty and unmet promises from national authorities. The conflict stretches back to a March 5, 2026, official visit by Soeropawiro and Somohardjo to Grankreek, where village leaders and residents first raised a cascade of urgent concerns about ongoing unregulated sand mining operations near the community. Among the grievances presented were the siting of a large sand extraction pit dangerously close to residential areas, repeated violations of existing permit conditions, unaddressed public health and ecosystem risks, the complete lack of prior consultation with the indigenous community, and the absence of a mandatory environmental impact assessment before operations began.

    During that March visit, village representatives state that GBB officials publicly committed to completing a full investigation into the allegations within two weeks, with a full written report to be shared directly with the Grankreek community. Three months later, the village has yet to receive any formal written documentation or official policy decision related to the probe. An informal oral update was provided via Saramacca District Commissioner Aniel Ramautar and National Assembly member Jayant Lalbiharie of the NDP party on May 2, during which community representatives were told the GBB investigation had concluded and the full case file had been forwarded to Suriname President Jennifer Simons for review. No written confirmation of this update, or any formal official position on the investigation’s findings, has ever been shared with Grankreek’s governing body.

    Palmtak emphasized that the Grankreek community cannot continue to navigate this crisis based on unconfirmed rumors and informal secondhand updates. “Our community deserves clear answers, full transparency, and basic respect for our rights as indigenous residents of this land,” Palmtak stated in an interview following the letter’s delivery. “Our residents live with the daily impacts of these sand excavations on their living environment and personal safety right now.” Without formal communication from the ministry, village leaders cannot properly protect the community’s legal rights or keep residents fully informed of developments, she added.

    In addition to the letter sent to GBB, the Grankreek village council has sent a separate formal communication to Minister David Abiamofo of the Ministry of Natural Resources (NH), expressing deep concern over the ministry’s complete silence on prior correspondence about the same sand extraction issue. Village leaders argue that the ministry’s ongoing lack of response is administratively unacceptable, given the severity of the reported environmental damage, the tangible safety threats to the community, and the fact that the excavation permits in question were issued directly by the NH, with direct, life-altering impacts on the indigenous community.

    “The constant silence from authorities sends a clear message that our community’s concerns are being ignored,” Palmtak said. “This not only erodes public trust in the national government, but it also amplifies uncertainty and increases the risk of further escalation of this conflict.” The Grankreek village council reaffirmed that transparency, timely communication, and full respect for the territorial and human rights of indigenous communities are non-negotiable foundations of responsible governance and sustainable, equitable decision-making in Suriname.