标签： Suriname

A tragic incident occurred in the Avanavero area on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old construction worker, C.W. The fatal accident took place during welding and construction activities when a heavy metal wall, measuring approximately four by seven meters, unexpectedly detached and toppled onto him. C.W. was working alongside two colleagues on the project at the time of the incident. Despite immediate efforts to rescue him using a loader, he was found in critical condition and rushed to the RGD clinic. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Due to a language barrier, medical staff were unable to gather sufficient information, prompting the Apoera police to take over the investigation. C.W.’s identity was confirmed through his Chinese passport. As no doctor was available in Apoera, the body was transferred to the Mungra Medical Center in Nickerie after consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where the death was officially confirmed. Authorities have stated there is no evidence of foul play, and the body has been released to the victim’s family.

On Sunday, Suriname’s Independence Square became the stage for a grand reenactment of the nation’s political history, marking 50 years of independence. Unlike traditional celebrations, this event centered around the youth, with over 7,500 students from 45 schools participating in a living reconstruction of two pivotal historical moments: the former and current Surinamese flags. The event, part of the Srefidensi Gymnaestrade, was a highlight of the jubilee program commemorating half a century of independence. The students had spent days rehearsing at the André Kamperveen Stadium, mastering choreography and learning the story behind the first human flag formed in 1975 during the proclamation of the republic. The reenactment aimed to immerse the youth in the emotions of that historic night between November 24 and 25, 1975. On the square, the students, dressed in ponchos and headscarves in the colors of the Surinamese flag, sang the national anthem. Through a meticulously choreographed performance, they first formed the former national flag, white with five stars symbolizing the diverse ethnic groups. Each star was followed by a dance segment and musical performance representing the cultural communities. The climax came with the transition to the current flag, where the students swiftly rearranged themselves into a new color scheme, culminating in a giant “50” in white and gold, a visual tribute to five decades of independence. President Jennifer Simons, watching from the presidential palace balcony, emphasized the historical significance of youth participation, urging them to continue contributing to Suriname’s development. Defense Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran praised the youth and the National Army for their roles in the event, highlighting the unifying power of national pride. The event served as both a festive spectacle and a living history lesson, symbolically bringing together three generations—1975, current leaders, and the youth—on one square, celebrating the past while inspiring hope for Suriname’s future.

The holiday season kicked off early this weekend for customers of Fernandes Bakkerij, as the bakery’s Christmas Bread Roadshow brought festive joy and exciting giveaways to Rock Oil Zuid. Visitors had the chance to win a variety of prizes, including air fryers, toasters, hand mixers, and even an electric scooter, alongside extra Christmas bread. Shermane Westerborg, the roadshow coordinator, explained that this year’s approach is different. “Instead of cutting meter-long Christmas breads, we’re focusing on giving away as many gifts as possible,” she said. The roadshow, which began in October, will continue until December 12, touring regions such as Paramaribo, Wanica, Commewijne, Para, and Marowijne. Each location features an electric scooter as the grand prize, with three already claimed. The tour will resume in Brokopondo on Tuesday, followed by visits to Wanica, Nickerie, and Paramaribo North, culminating at the Fernandes Bakkerij on Kernkampweg. Westerborg emphasized that the traditional Christmas bread tasting remains a key feature. “We’re still cutting Christmas breads at various locations for people to sample, just not the meter-long ones, so we can focus more on our customers and the prizes,” she noted. Participants can enter the prize draw by submitting a voucher for two Christmas breads. At the ‘grabbelton’—a sealed space where swirling winds float cards—each participant can grab one card to determine their prize. The electric scooter remained unclaimed on Saturday, with all unclaimed prizes rolling over to the roadshow’s final day.

In a world that is constantly evolving, where expectations and trends shift at a rapid pace, it is easier than ever to lose sight of oneself. The pressure to conform and align with what is ‘in’ can be overwhelming. However, one guiding principle remains steadfast: stay true to yourself and your professionalism. This means adhering to your values, beliefs, and professional standards, even when the path is challenging. Clarisa, who reached out to me through a mutual friend, reminded me of this when she said, ‘Stay true to yourself and your professionalism.’ This simple yet profound statement underscores the importance of authenticity and integrity in both personal and professional life. Remaining true to oneself involves listening to your inner voice and choosing what aligns with your core values. Similarly, professionalism is about maintaining integrity, passion, and quality in your work. When these two principles converge, they create something extraordinary—work that is not just a means to an end but an extension of who you are. Losing oneself often leads to a loss of professional essence. Authenticity and professionalism reinforce each other, as seen in the individuals we admire in their fields. They stand out not just for their skills but for their commitment to ethics and consistent professional conduct. Clarisa’s words, ‘I am here for my country,’ also highlighted the importance of hope and collective progress, especially as we approach the celebration of 50 years of independence. Staying true to oneself and professionalism can sometimes mean going against the tide, but it is precisely this courage that sets individuals apart and drives meaningful change. By weaving these principles into the fabric of our multicultural society, we can build a chain of strength and unity that propels our nation forward. Integrity and authenticity should be the norm, not just for individuals but as the foundation for our collective growth.

In a recent discussion on education reform and teacher salaries, concerns were raised about the inflationary effects of salary increases and the broader implications for the education system. Marcelino N. der Kus, in an article published on Sterrennieuws, argued that while salary adjustments might provide temporary relief, they would not address the systemic issues plaguing the education sector. Instead, he emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms starting from the training of the next generation of teachers, as highlighted in Ivan Fernald’s latest book. The conversation also touched on the inefficacy of past educational conferences, which have often resulted in confusion, wasted time, and unused reports. To truly transform the education system, bold actions are required, such as reintroducing school fees, starting with higher education and gradually extending to lower levels. This measure, though politically unpopular, could ensure sustainable funding. Additionally, students enrolling in teacher training programs should receive substantial monthly allowances to focus solely on their studies, with the condition of repayment upon graduation. The discussion also highlighted the necessity of rigorous entrance exams for aspiring teachers, including proficiency in Dutch and English, and the ability to articulate current issues clearly. Experienced retired teachers and overseas specialists could play a crucial role in mentoring new educators. However, these reforms would require significant financial investment, new infrastructure, and a long-term commitment of 15 to 20 years. The government must explore new revenue streams, such as property taxes, and reduce subsidies to loss-making state enterprises to fund these initiatives. The conversation concluded with a call for decisive action rather than mere rhetoric, as the future of the education system hangs in the balance.