标签： Suriname

At a gathering held in tribute to the late Desi Bouterse on Monday evening, Clifton Limburg, former communications director of the Bouterse administration, called for unity within the National Democratic Party (NDP). Limburg emphasized the need to strengthen the party and preserve the legacy of its deceased leader, who played a pivotal role in shaping the NDP. He described the NDP as ‘the only party in Suriname where all people can feel at home.’

Limburg urged party members to honor Bouterse’s contributions to Suriname’s development since 1980, acknowledging both the highs and lows of his leadership. ‘We have known triumphs and challenges, but no one is perfect,’ he said. ‘We must remember him as a simple, focused, and forgiving individual.’ He expressed confidence that Bouterse’s significance would eventually be fully recognized, despite attempts by some to downplay his impact. ‘Time always provides the answers. I believe those who criticize him now will speak differently in the future,’ Limburg stated.

Highlighting the importance of unity, Limburg warned against internal divisions and external efforts to undermine the party’s cohesion. ‘Arm yourselves against intrigues and ensure we continue to support one another. We must keep all noses pointed in the same direction,’ he said, echoing Bouterse’s vision for the party. Limburg concluded by calling for the strengthening of the NDP’s structures and collective efforts to secure its leadership role in Suriname’s future, particularly in anticipation of the oil and gas sector’s growth by 2030.

The Foundation December 8, 1982 has issued a sharp rebuke against statements made during the recent NDP commemoration event marking the 80th birthday of Desi Bouterse. The organization labeled the remarks regarding the December 8 trial as ‘a gross violation of the rule of law’ and ‘a blatant insult to the families of the victims.’ The Foundation emphasized that the verdict against the convicted individuals was reached after a meticulous and independent legal process, upheld by the highest judicial authorities, and thus remains legally incontrovertible and binding. It criticized attempts to portray the trial as a political conspiracy, undermining the rule of law. The Foundation also condemned efforts to downplay the crimes of December 8, 1982, as a ‘political process’ or to elevate the convicted to the status of ‘comrades.’ It stressed that political leadership must never be used to justify serious human rights violations or trivialize the suffering of victims and their families. The Foundation rejected the notion of a pardon request as a means to achieve impunity, stating that clemency should not be manipulated for partisan political interests but reserved for humanitarian grounds, which are absent in this case. It urged the President of Suriname to resist political pressure from those seeking to exploit the highest office for party gains, warning that such actions would undermine the presidency’s authority both nationally and internationally. The Foundation reiterated that the rule of law is non-negotiable, and truth and justice for the victims are paramount.

On Monday, four non-resident ambassadors presented their credentials to President Jennifer Simons at the Presidential Palace in Suriname. The envoys, representing Algeria, Guatemala, Ireland, and Sweden, engaged in individual discussions with the president, focusing on enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation. President Simons emphasized the importance of broadening collaboration in areas such as trade, climate, energy, and socio-cultural exchange. The newly appointed ambassadors include Farouk Benmokhtar (Algerie), Karla Samayoa (Guatemala), Martin Gallagher (Ireland), and Maria Velasco (Sweden). Discussions with Guatemala centered on regional economic and cultural cooperation, while talks with Ireland and Sweden highlighted climate change, sustainable development, and technological innovation. Simons underscored shared values such as respect for international law and commitment to climate action. The Irish and Swedish ambassadors commended Suriname for its role as a carbon-negative nation and its dedication to international collaboration. Energy and the oil industry were key topics in discussions with Algeria, with Simons expressing openness to knowledge exchange and partnerships. ‘Suriname seeks friends and partners worldwide,’ stated the president. ‘We are a small nation with much to offer—our biodiversity, culture, and commitment to peace. Dialogue and cooperation remain the foundation of our foreign policy.’

Irvin Kanhai, the prominent lawyer who has long represented Desi Bouterse in the December 8 trial, has confirmed that he submitted a pardon request for four individuals convicted in the case. However, he has yet to receive any response from the government. Kanhai asserts that the convictions were unjust. The individuals in question are Ernst Gefferie, Stephanus Dendoe, Benny Brondenstein—all currently serving their sentences in Santo Boma—and Iwan Dijksteel, who remains at large. Each was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December 2023.

Kanhai made these remarks during a National Democratic Party (NDP) commemoration event honoring what would have been Desi Bouterse’s 80th birthday. ‘Some time ago, I submitted a pardon request for these four individuals, whom I believe were wrongfully convicted and are our comrades,’ Kanhai stated. ‘We have heard nothing so far, but we remain determined.’

In his speech, Kanhai also addressed the strained relationship between Suriname and the Netherlands, advocating for transparency regarding historical events from the 1980s. ‘We also want a good relationship with the Netherlands. But when two friends have a dispute, and one cannot say, ‘Sorry, I hurt you,’ that friendship can never be restored. We hope the Netherlands will take that step.’

Ramon Abrahams, NDP’s deputy chairman and a former comrade of Bouterse, echoed Kanhai’s sentiments, reiterating that the party has always viewed the December 8 trial as politically motivated. He emphasized that the 2025 elections were intended to ‘free our comrades’ and reaffirmed the NDP’s unwavering stance on the matter.

Kanhai concluded his address with a personal message to Bouterse’s widow, Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, and her family: ‘For me, I wish to close this chapter and, together with you, bring an end to the grieving process.’

During a commemorative gathering of the National Democratic Party (NDP) on Monday evening, marking what would have been the 80th birthday of the late Desi Bouterse, Ramon Abrahams, the party’s vice-chairman and a former comrade of Bouterse, reflected on his legacy and the ongoing controversy surrounding the December 8 murders. Abrahams reiterated the NDP’s long-standing stance that the December 8 trial was politically motivated. ‘We, the NDP, have always maintained that the December 8 trial was and remains a political process. Remember that,’ Abrahams declared, echoing previous statements by the deceased party leader. He emphasized the party’s commitment to winning the 2025 elections to secure pardons for those convicted in the case. ‘I have personally stated on stage and in the media that we must win the 2025 elections to free our comrades,’ he added. Abrahams also posed a poignant question to the audience: ‘What if he were still alive? Would he still be in the jungle? Personally, I believe he would be standing beside Inke on July 16,’ referring to Bouterse’s widow. The NDP vice-chairman expressed concern for the current situation of the convicts serving their sentences in Santo Boma prison. ‘What is happening to our comrades in Boma and Mr. Dijksteel? Attorney Kanhai has submitted a request for clemency. All I can say is that he is doing his best,’ Abrahams noted. The event was attended by party chairwoman and President Jennifer Simons, party members, supporters, and guests who gathered to honor the legacy of the late former president.