标签： Suriname

A devastating fire engulfed a small wooden house in the vicinity of Balingsula, located in the Brokopondo district, on Sunday. The Brokopondo police were alerted to the incident and promptly arrived at the scene for investigation. Upon arrival, they discovered that the single-story wooden residence, along with all its contents, had been completely consumed by flames. Fortunately, the occupants were not present at the time of the fire, as confirmed by the police Public Relations team. The house, which was connected to the local electricity grid, was not insured against fire damage. The Brownsweg fire department, upon reaching the site, could only perform post-fire containment operations. No personal injuries were reported in the incident. The Forensic Investigation Department has since visited the property to determine the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.

A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Sunday evening in the village of Kajapatie, where three-year-old Morjello Vaniel tragically drowned. The Atjoni police station received a report of the incident around 10:05 PM. Initial investigations revealed that the young boy had been bathing in a river near the village earlier that evening, around 6:00 PM, under the supervision of his aunt. At some point, Morjello went missing from sight. Despite immediate search efforts, only his underwear was initially found. The search resumed on Monday morning, leading to the recovery of the toddler’s lifeless body. Following consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the remains were handed over to the grieving family.

On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, October 13, the Surinamese Red Cross (SRK) has issued a compelling call for a robust global legal framework to better protect individuals during disasters. This appeal aligns with the United Nations’ resolution to develop the first international treaty aimed at safeguarding people in disaster scenarios, which is slated for completion by 2027. According to the SRK, this treaty represents a historic opportunity to enhance international cooperation, accelerate the efficiency of humanitarian aid, and encourage nations to invest more in disaster prevention. Melvin Tjon Sie Fat, Chairman of the SRK, emphasized, ‘When disaster strikes, every second counts. People have the right to protection, dignity, and swift assistance. This treaty can save lives by organizing aid more effectively and removing obstacles.’ The urgency for such a treaty is underscored by the fact that in 2024 alone, over 146 million people globally were affected by disasters—an 11% increase compared to the five-year average—with economic damages amounting to $310 billion. Suriname, too, is increasingly feeling the impact of disasters, with floods, storms, and climate change effects threatening communities, particularly vulnerable groups. The proposed UN treaty emphasizes the importance of preparation and prevention, advocating for investments in risk reduction measures such as sustainable infrastructure, early warning systems, and strong local networks. The SRK has been collaborating with national and international partners to bolster the resilience of Surinamese communities through disaster preparedness training, strengthening local volunteer networks, and raising awareness about climate risks. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) supports over 95 governments worldwide in improving disaster legislation, with national associations like the SRK playing a pivotal role. ‘Our volunteers are on the front lines when aid is most needed. A solid legal framework ensures they can act swiftly, are better protected, and can deliver aid more effectively,’ Tjon Sie Fat added. The SRK is urging the Surinamese government to actively support the UN process and work with other nations to create a strong and equitable treaty. ‘Disasters don’t wait—and neither should our actions. This treaty is a chance to translate international solidarity into concrete protection of human lives,’ Tjon Sie Fat concluded. Additionally, the SRK is calling on schools, youth organizations, and community institutions to actively involve young people in disaster preparedness, ensuring that everyone, young and old, can contribute to a more resilient Suriname.

A groundbreaking collaboration between the National Museum Commission of Suriname (NMS) and the Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE) has culminated in the launch of an extensive museum training program. The initiative, which commenced on Monday, October 13, and will run until October 31, is being held at the National Archives of Suriname. This training follows the announcement made to Surinamese stakeholders in January and the signing of a final agreement with the RCE on April 10, 2025, in the Netherlands.

Roseline Daan, Chairperson of the NMS, expressed her enthusiasm for this significant milestone, emphasizing the months of preparation that led to this point. Alongside NMS Vice-Chairperson Rita Tjien Fooh and Secretary Tanya Sitaram, Daan engaged in discussions with Dutch educators, who are now paired with Surinamese experts, referred to as ‘buddies,’ to co-facilitate the training sessions.

The program is structured into three modules, covering critical areas such as collection management and registration, conflicting value systems, organization of the museum sector, sustainability, and preventive conservation. Daan highlighted the importance of preventive conservation, noting that the training aims to enhance knowledge and skills in museum heritage, education, and presentation. This, she believes, will lay a stronger foundation for the development of Suriname’s museum sector, particularly in light of the NMS’s plans to establish a National Museum. The initiative includes the rehabilitation of Building 1790 under the PURP program and the restoration of the Zeelandiaweg building, known as ‘Devil,’ which will serve as a depot for the new museum.

‘We are building capacity now so that when the museum is ready, the expertise will already be in place to get started,’ Daan explained. She also stressed the importance of deepening the careers of museum professionals and fostering a broader understanding of operational and strategic tasks within Suriname’s cultural institutions.

The training aims to achieve several key outcomes, including broadening knowledge and skills in collection management and conservation, developing interactive and educational visitor programs, improving practical skills in exhibition design and execution, and strengthening leadership and teamwork abilities for successful collaboration within museum institutions.

The Dutch trainers include Emmy Steenhoek, Vivian van Saaze, Bente Bergmans, Marc Stappers, and Nadia Wilting, while the Surinamese trainers are Audrey Hofwijks, Irene Meulenberg, and Rinaldo Klas. Participants in the training represent a wide range of institutions, including the National Herbarium of Suriname, the National Zoological Collection of Suriname, the Koto Museum, the Commewijne Story Museum, Villa Zapakara, the Bakkie Museum, the Diitabiki Museum Fositen Gudu, the National Army Museum, VHJI, the Suriname Museum Foundation, VIDS, the Suriname Nature Conservation Foundation, and staff from the Directorate of Culture.