Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Suriname uit grote bezorgdheid over escalatie na luchtaanvallen op Venezuela

    Suriname uit grote bezorgdheid over escalatie na luchtaanvallen op Venezuela

    The Surinamese government has expressed profound concern regarding the deteriorating security situation in the region following overnight airstrikes targeting Venezuela. President Jennifer Simons participated in an emergency summit of CARICOM heads of state before convening urgent national consultations with political and security authorities to assess implications for Suriname and neighboring nations.

    In an official statement, the government confirmed it had ‘taken note with great concern of the escalation of the security situation in our region resulting from nocturnal aerial attacks on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.’ The emergency CARICOM summit brought together regional leaders to coordinate responses to the developing crisis.

    President Simons subsequently convened an emergency meeting with Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk, ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Defense, Justice and Police, the Chairman of the National Assembly, parliamentary faction leaders, and all national security authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established contact with Surinamese diplomatic representation in Venezuela, confirming all personnel remain safe.

    The government has committed to ensuring the security of Surinamese citizens potentially affected by the escalating situation and is working to facilitate the safe return of any nationals stranded in the region. Within CARICOM frameworks, ongoing discussions will address the broader regional implications, with particular solidarity expressed for Caribbean islands experiencing immediate economic disruption from the crisis.

    Suriname has issued an appeal to international organizations including the Organization of American States, the United Nations, and the global community to actively promote regional peace and uphold international legal order. The government emphasized that vulnerable nations can only thrive within a functioning international legal framework committed to by all countries.

    Meanwhile, authorities are implementing necessary measures in anticipation of potential refugee movements and have called for public calm during this period of regional instability.

  • President Simons voert veiligheidsoverleg over ontwikkelingen in Venezuela

    President Simons voert veiligheidsoverleg over ontwikkelingen in Venezuela

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons convened high-level consultations with government ministers, security agencies, and political leaders on January 3rd to address the escalating situation in neighboring Venezuela. The emergency meetings focused on regional security implications and reaffirmed Suriname’s commitment to international legal standards.

    The comprehensive briefing brought together ministers of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation, Justice and Police, and Defense at the Presidential Cabinet. Following the ministerial session, President Simons engaged in separate discussions with leadership from various security services, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and parliamentary faction leaders to assess the evolving developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

    Suriname officially endorsed and expressed full support for the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) declaration regarding the Venezuelan crisis. The South American nation emphasized that the international legal order must be consistently respected and upheld by all parties involved.

    President Simons stressed the critical importance of maintaining calm, stability, and security throughout the region to preserve the foundations of peace and cooperation among neighboring states. As a nation committed to dialogue and collaborative solutions, Suriname called on all involved parties to pursue peaceful resolutions while upholding the principles of international law and regional solidarity. The government’s statement highlighted that regional stability remains paramount for continued development and cooperation among Caribbean and South American nations.

  • VS wil Venezuela samen besturen en olie-industrie hervormen

    VS wil Venezuela samen besturen en olie-industrie hervormen

    In a historic development that marks an unprecedented escalation of U.S. involvement in Latin America, President Donald Trump announced from his Mar-a-Lago estate that the United States will govern Venezuela directly until a “secure transition” of power can be established. The declaration follows a meticulously planned military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

    Speaking at a press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side, Trump characterized Maduro as a leader who has “perpetually engaged in violence, terror, and subversion against the United States,” threatening both American citizens and regional stability. The president revealed that overwhelming evidence of Maduro’s crimes had been obtained by U.S. judicial authorities, describing the situation as “both horrifying and breathtaking.”

    The military operation, codenamed “Absolute Resolve,” was executed on January 2 at 22:46 local time after months of preparation. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine disclosed that over 150 aircraft provided air cover while intervention forces stormed Maduro’s residence in Caracas. Venezuelan air defenses were neutralized, and despite one helicopter being struck, it remained operational. Maduro and his wife surrendered without further incident and were taken into custody by the U.S. Department of Justice.

    Trump has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead a governance team that will oversee Venezuela’s administration. The president expressed skepticism about opposition leader María Corina Machado’s capacity to lead, questioning her popular support among Venezuelans.

    In a significant policy statement, Trump indicated that ground troops would be deployed if necessary and promised that U.S. oil companies would invest billions to restore Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure. Profits from these ventures would be partially returned to Venezuela while providing compensation to the United States.

    International reactions have been mixed, with allies including Italy and Israel expressing support while other nations warn of escalation and emphasize the importance of dialogue and international law. Regional neighbors are monitoring developments closely due to potential impacts on refugee flows and stability. Brazil temporarily closed its border with Venezuela but has since reopened it.

    The legal legitimacy of the operation remains contentious, as Trump did not consult Congress beforehand, raising questions about the action’s compliance with international legal standards.

  • Bondgenoten VS juichen arrestatie Maduro toe

    Bondgenoten VS juichen arrestatie Maduro toe

    A dramatic US military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has triggered polarized international responses, raising complex questions about sovereignty, interventionism, and regional stability. The operation represents Washington’s most direct military engagement in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.

    Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has been living underground since Maduro’s controversial July 2024 reelection, hailed the development as “the hour of freedom.” Through social media channels, she urgently called for immediate transfer of power to opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, whom the opposition considers the legitimate winner of the presidential elections.

    European allies offered measured support. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, defended the operation as a legitimate defensive action targeting organized crime and drug trafficking networks. However, she notably emphasized that foreign military interventions should not become the standard method for ending dictatorships, reflecting the delicate balance between supporting regime change and respecting international law.

    Israel expressed unequivocal support, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praising the United States as “leader of the free world” and expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people who he said suffered under Maduro’s “illegal tyranny.” Israel anticipates restored democratic processes and friendly bilateral relations.

    The operation occurred amid mounting pressure on Maduro’s government, which faces allegations of corruption, political repression, and involvement in international drug trafficking. Venezuela has experienced years of severe economic crisis, massive refugee outflows, and intense political polarization.

    Neighboring countries Brazil and Colombia are closely monitoring developments due to potential impacts on regional stability and refugee movements. The Venezuela-Brazil border was temporarily closed during the initial escalation but has since reopened, with Brazilian authorities maintaining heightened surveillance. The region already hosts significant numbers of Venezuelan refugees, creating substantial humanitarian pressures.

    Legal and procedural questions emerge as the operation was conducted without prior congressional approval in the United States, raising concerns about its legal basis and legitimacy. Reports indicate the operation was originally planned for the Christmas period but was delayed due to other military priorities.

    The international community remains divided between supporting nations that view the action as necessary for democracy and those warning against escalation while emphasizing diplomatic solutions and respect for international law. The ultimate impact on Venezuela’s political future and broader regional stability remains uncertain.

  • VS vangt Maduro: herinneringen aan Noriega en Saddam

    VS vangt Maduro: herinneringen aan Noriega en Saddam

    In a stunning geopolitical development, President Donald Trump has announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores amid what he described as “large-scale” offensive operations against Venezuela. The unprecedented move has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles and drawn immediate comparisons to previous US-led captures of foreign leaders.

    The Venezuelan government, through Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, has expressed grave concerns about Maduro’s whereabouts. In an audio message broadcast on state television, Rodríguez demanded concrete evidence that both Maduro and Flores remain alive, indicating complete uncertainty within Caracas about their president’s status.

    This dramatic escalation follows sustained military operations by US forces in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific targeting vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Washington has long accused Maduro’s administration of involvement in narcotics smuggling, providing the stated justification for these recent actions.

    The capture evokes historical precedents including the 1989 US invasion of Panama that ousted Manuel Noriega. Like Maduro, Noriega faced US drug trafficking charges before being captured, tried in American courts, and imprisoned. The Panama operation represented the largest US combat mission since Vietnam at the time, justified variously as protecting American citizens, combating dictatorship, and stopping drug trafficking.

    Similarly, the 2003 capture of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein by US forces following the invasion based on disputed weapons of mass destruction intelligence presents another parallel. Both Noriega and Hussein had previously been US allies before falling out of favor with Washington.

    Adding contemporary complexity, the recent case of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández demonstrates the unpredictable nature of US foreign policy. Despite being convicted on drug and corruption charges and sentenced to 45 years in US prison, Hernández received a presidential pardon from Trump in December 2025, only to subsequently face an international arrest warrant from Honduran authorities.

    The capture of a sitting head of state represents an extraordinary escalation in US-Venezuela relations and raises profound questions about international law, sovereignty, and the future of regime change operations in the 21st century.

  • Wij vermoeden dat het geld wegvloeit, maar hoe gebeurt dat eigenlijk?

    Wij vermoeden dat het geld wegvloeit, maar hoe gebeurt dat eigenlijk?

    Suriname stands at a pivotal economic juncture as major hydrocarbon developments threaten to expose significant structural vulnerabilities in the nation’s tax framework. With TotalEnergies advancing the GranMorgu oil project in Block 58 and PETRONAS developing gas resources in Block 52, the country must urgently address fundamental gaps in its international taxation and transfer pricing regulations to prevent substantial revenue leakage.

    These multibillion-dollar projects represent transformative economic opportunities yet simultaneously create systemic fiscal risks. Without contemporary legislation and explicit transfer pricing rules, a considerable portion of generated value could bypass Suriname’s economy entirely, moving beyond reach of both government revenues and citizens.

    The core challenge lies in Suriname’s current inability to verify whether taxed profits genuinely reflect the economic reality of local operations. Multinational corporations like TotalEnergies and PETRONAS operate within extensive, highly integrated global networks—not through isolated Surinamese entities. These complex structures encompass group companies providing financing, technical services, intellectual property management, contract administration, and commodity marketing.

    Several mechanisms directly impact taxable profits in Suriname:

    Intragroup services represent a primary concern, with technical, commercial, and support functions often centralized within corporate groups. Surinamese entities routinely utilize engineering, drilling support, project management, procurement, financial, logistical, and managerial services. Determining whether these services provide independent economic benefit requires transparent documentation and cost allocation practices currently lacking.

    Licensing and royalty arrangements present additional challenges. Both TotalEnergies and PETRONAS maintain extensive portfolios of specialized intellectual property including geological models, seismic software, drilling technology, project management systems, and safety protocols. When this intellectual property is held outside Suriname, local entities may be required to pay license fees—even at relatively low percentages, these payments can substantially reduce taxable profits.

    Intragroup financing arrangements significantly influence fiscal outcomes. Projects requiring billions in investments employ complex capital structures featuring high debt financing, interest charges, and guarantee fees that can suppress Surinamese profits for years, particularly during early development phases if not properly aligned with commercial benchmarks.

    Procurement structures further affect profit allocation, with major contracts often routed through group-related hubs outside Suriname that embed margins into cost allocations. Additionally, permanent establishment considerations require attention during intensive preliminary phases when significant activities already occur within the country.

    These mechanisms collectively produce higher reported costs within Suriname, resulting in lower profits and diminished tax bases. This reality demands specialized expertise and analytical frameworks that look beyond reported figures—capabilities Suriname currently lacks.

    The existing situation extends beyond hydrocarbon development. Multinational operations in capital-intensive sectors like gold mining (including Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines and Newmont operations) already demonstrate similar tax base erosion risks. The expanding oil and gas sector will amplify these effects by attracting broader value chains.

    Addressing these challenges requires urgent policy action. Suriname must establish comprehensive transfer pricing regulations, implement targeted documentation requirements, and critically reassess existing tax treaties. Crucially, the nation should avoid mechanically adopting OECD frameworks designed for developed economies, instead crafting fiscal policies aligned with its unique economic reality and development objectives.

    This modernization effort concerns not only the tax authority but all stakeholders—government regulators and particularly Staatsolie must incorporate these fiscal considerations into contract formation and project structures immediately to secure Suriname’s economic interests for decades to come.

  • Guyana activeert veiligheidsplan na VS aanval op Venezuela

    Guyana activeert veiligheidsplan na VS aanval op Venezuela

    Guyana has escalated its national security preparedness in response to heightened military tensions between the United States and Venezuela, President Irfaan Ali announced on Saturday. The activation follows intensive American airstrikes targeting multiple Venezuelan military bases, raising concerns about regional spillover effects.

    President Ali confirmed the implementation of comprehensive security measures to safeguard Guyanese citizens, though specific operational details remain classified. This decisive action aligns with earlier presidential warnings regarding potential regional consequences from escalated Venezuela-US hostilities.

    Defense Chief Brigadier General Omar Khan maintains continuous communication with regional security partners, with the nation’s full security architecture remaining on heightened alert since early morning. The government has committed to providing public updates as new intelligence becomes available.

    Regional diplomatic efforts have intensified through the Caribbean Community (Caricom), whose Conference of Heads of Government convened an emergency session on January 3rd following reports of military operations in Venezuela. Caricom officials expressed serious concern about potential impacts on neighboring states and pledged ongoing monitoring of the volatile situation.

    Internal regional divisions have emerged among Caribbean leaders regarding international approaches to the conflict, prompting urgent consultations within Caricom’s governance framework.

    Regarding Guyana’s substantial offshore oil production—approximately one million barrels daily—President Ali confirmed coordination with ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge. While emphasizing close collaboration with energy operators, the administration withheld specifics about enhanced security protocols for critical offshore infrastructure.

  • Internationale verontwaardiging over Amerikaanse aanval in Venezuela

    Internationale verontwaardiging over Amerikaanse aanval in Venezuela

    In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela during the early hours of Saturday morning. According to former President Donald Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social platform, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured and expelled from the country. Trump stated the operation was conducted in coordination with American law enforcement agencies.

    The assault triggered multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft over Caracas, causing panic among residents who reported hearing blast sounds and witnessing aerial movements. Maduro’s government condemned the action as “extremely serious military aggression” and urgently called upon the international community to denounce what they characterize as an unlawful intervention.

    Current power dynamics within Venezuela remain uncertain, with no independent verification regarding Maduro’s whereabouts or status. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has publicly demanded “proof of life” regarding President Maduro’s condition.

    International reactions have been swift and polarized. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed deep concern, emphasizing the necessity for peace and respect for international law. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the operation, labeling it “criminal aggression” and “state terrorism” targeting both Venezuela and Latin America at large. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials issued a formal statement condemning the attack as a blatant violation of Venezuela’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    This military action follows months of increasing pressure from Washington on Maduro’s regime, which has struggled with profound economic crisis, political instability, and comprehensive international sanctions. The U.S. has long characterized Maduro as an oppressive dictator and supported opposition forces demanding his removal.

    The situation continues to develop amid calls from Maduro’s administration for public demonstrations, potentially escalating civil unrest. The international community monitors closely, with many nations urging restraint and peaceful dialogue to prevent further regional destabilization.

  • VS voert grootschalige aanval uit op Venezuela

    VS voert grootschalige aanval uit op Venezuela

    In a stunning pre-dawn operation on Saturday, the United States executed what former President Donald Trump described as a “large-scale attack” in Venezuela, reportedly resulting in the capture and extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Trump announced the unprecedented military action through his Truth Social platform mere hours after explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital.

    Residents of Caracas reported multiple detonations echoing through city streets as low-flying aircraft circled overhead. The Venezuelan regime immediately condemned the operation as an “imperialist assault” targeting both civilian and military installations, calling for mass public demonstrations against foreign intervention.

    The current power structure in Venezuela remains unclear, with uncertainty surrounding Maduro’s exact whereabouts. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez utilized state media channels to demand “proof of life” for the president, highlighting the ambiguous status of the nation’s leadership.

    Trump indicated that additional operational details would be revealed during a Saturday morning press conference, noting the mission was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies. This development represents a dramatic escalation in the long-standing tensions between Washington and Caracas.

    The United States has maintained consistent pressure on Maduro’s administration through economic sanctions and support for opposition movements, citing concerns over political repression and systemic corruption. Venezuela’s government has consistently emphasized national sovereignty and resisted foreign influence, particularly from Western nations.

    International observers await responses from global powers including Russia and China, both of which have maintained significant economic and diplomatic ties with Venezuela. Neighboring Latin American nations also face potential ramifications from this sudden military intervention in a region historically sensitive to U.S. involvement.

    The operation occurs against the backdrop of Venezuela’s prolonged economic crisis and political instability, raising questions about potential power transitions and future governance structures. The situation remains fluid with significant uncertainty regarding both domestic consequences and international reactions to this extraordinary development in hemispheric relations.

  • Jaarverslag Centrale Bank 2023: Economisch herstel en versterking monetaire reserves

    Jaarverslag Centrale Bank 2023: Economisch herstel en versterking monetaire reserves

    The Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) has documented a sustained economic recovery and significantly reinforced financial standing in its recently published 2023 annual report. Under Governor Maurice Roemer’s leadership, the institution highlighted that strict monetary policy, fiscal consolidation, and successful completion of the IMF program served as foundational pillars for this progress.

    The implementation of the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program returned to full compliance in 2023 after Suriname missed several reviews in 2022. The nation successfully completed four IMF reviews last year, substantially boosting confidence among both domestic and international partners.

    Economic activity demonstrated positive momentum with real GDP growth reaching 2.5% in 2023, slightly above the previous year’s 2.4% expansion. This growth was primarily driven by wholesale and retail trade sectors, markets, and manufacturing industries. Additional contributions came from mining sector recovery, modest service industry improvements, and normalized trade activities.

    Inflation showed significant improvement throughout the year, declining approximately 22 percentage points to reach 32.6% by December 2023. This reduction resulted from tight fiscal policies, the Central Bank’s constrained monetary approach, and stabilization of the foreign exchange market. However, the Bank emphasized that inflation remained elevated compared to regional benchmarks, continuing pressure on purchasing power.

    The Central Bank concluded 2023 with a positive financial outcome, reporting an operational result of SRD 6.15 billion. After accounting for unrealized portions of monetary asset and foreign currency liability revaluations, the institution recorded an allocable positive result of SRD 4.49 billion, which has been transferred to the Bank’s reserve fund.

    The financial statements, prepared according to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and audited by BDO Assurance NV with an unqualified opinion, revealed substantially strengthened capital position. This improvement was facilitated by provisions in the 2022 Banking Act that enable self-adjusting capital and reserve fund mechanisms.

    Looking beyond 2023, Governor Roemer emphasized the critical importance of further consolidating macroeconomic stability and deepening structural reforms. Economic diversification, improved business climate, and targeted investments in productive sectors remain essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth while developing a more resilient economic model.