Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Woning Robijnstraat in vlammen opgegaan: bedlegerige man naar SEH afgevoerd

    Woning Robijnstraat in vlammen opgegaan: bedlegerige man naar SEH afgevoerd

    A residential property located on Robijnstraat was completely engulfed in flames in the early hours of this morning, leaving the entire structure reduced to ruin after the intense blaze caused catastrophic damage to the building.

    Thankfully, emergency responders managed to safely evacuate a bedridden resident from the burning property before the fire spread further, according to initial information obtained from local authorities.

    The evacuated resident suffered breathing complications after inhaling thick toxic smoke produced during the fire. After receiving on-site first aid from emergency medical teams, the individual was transported via ambulance to the local emergency department for urgent and ongoing medical assessment and treatment.

    Local fire crews arrived at the scene within minutes of the emergency call being placed. Their rapid, coordinated response successfully contained the blaze, stopping it from jumping to adjacent nearby homes and preventing a far larger disaster that would have impacted more local residents. Despite the swift and determined efforts of emergency services, the original residential property was too severely damaged to be saved.

    As of the latest update, investigators have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the fire. Local police have launched a formal investigation to map out the sequence of events that led to the incident and determine what sparked the blaze.

  • Kinderen leren over de gevolgen van illegale visserij

    Kinderen leren over de gevolgen van illegale visserij

    On the occasion of the International Day Against Illegal Fishing, Suriname’s fisheries authorities have launched a unique outreach initiative that targets young learners, aiming to build early awareness of the threats of unregulated fishing and the critical need for sustainable practices to protect local marine resources. The core message of the activity is that introducing children to the harms of illegal fishing from an early age creates a foundation for long-term stewardship of Suriname’s aquatic ecosystems and the future of the national fishing sector.

    Illegal fishing, which includes fishing without valid permits, operating in restricted protected waters, and using banned gear that damages marine habitats, is a leading driver of overfishing and severe declines in wild fish populations. To keep fish stocks viable for decades to come, sustainable, rule-compliant fishing is non-negotiable. When fishermen adhere to established regulations and permit requirements, fish populations have adequate time and space to reproduce and replenish, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the rich marine resources found in Suriname’s waters.

    This public education message was delivered to students from Sharroyschool by Ranjit Soekhradj, a representative from the Fisheries Directorate of Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV). On Friday, the group of schoolchildren visited the Central Fishermen’s Harbors of Suriname (Cevihas) as part of the International Day commemoration. Staff from both LVV and Cevihas collaborated closely to host the students, leading guided tours of the facility and walking young attendees through the far-reaching consequences of unregulated fishing.

    During the educational excursion, students gained hands-on insight into multiple facets of Suriname’s fishing industry. They received detailed explanations of daily operations at the fishing harbor, vessel maintenance protocols, post-catch fish processing procedures, and the significant role the sector plays in driving Suriname’s national economy. Beyond classroom-style explanations, the students got an up-close look at large commercial fishing vessels, learned how fresh catches are unloaded and stored, had the opportunity to ask industry experts pressing questions about fisheries management, and toured the local Small Scale Fisheries Center to learn about small-scale artisanal fishing operations.

    For Larissa Kodjama, a teacher at Sharroyschool, the off-site excursion was an invaluable complement to standard geography lessons taught in the classroom. After the tour, students were assigned to compile their observations and takeaways into formal written reports and class presentations. Kodjama emphasized that hands-on, practical learning helps students absorb and retain information far more effectively than learning exclusively from textbooks.

    Through this youth-focused activity, LVV and Cevihas have marked the International Day Against Illegal Fishing in a meaningful, long-term oriented way. By investing in youth awareness and education, the organizations have drawn national attention to the urgency of sustainable fishing practices and the ongoing work needed to protect and preserve Suriname’s valuable wild fish stocks for current and future communities.

  • Een verdiende herwaardering van Ramsewak Shankar

    Een verdiende herwaardering van Ramsewak Shankar

    A recently published biography of Ramsewak Shankar, Suriname’s former president, has emerged as a landmark contribution to the documentation of Suriname’s modern national history, written by historian Eric Jagdew. Titled *Ramsewak Shankar: een technocraat als minister, manager en president in Suriname* (Ramsewak Shankar: A Technocrat as Minister, Manager and President in Suriname) and carrying the International Standard Book Number 978-99914-2-032-5, the work does far more than chronicle the public and private life of one of Suriname’s most underrecognized leaders. It also contextualizes Shankar’s policy decisions and leadership within the tangled political and social upheaval that defined 1980s and early 1990s Suriname.

    Reviewer Asha Remesan notes that Jagdew has crafted a nuanced, balanced portrait of a leader widely remembered for his unwavering integrity, humble demeanor, and deep sense of public duty. What makes this biography particularly vital, Remesan argues, is its focus on a historical period and a head of state that have long received insufficient acknowledgment in official and popular Surinamese national history. Shankar assumed office at an exceptionally fragile moment for Suriname’s young democracy, stepping in to steer a nation still recovering from years of crippling political instability. Unlike many leaders motivated by personal ambition or the pursuit of public fame, Shankar’s tenure was rooted in a profound sense of accountability to the Surinamese people and the future of his country.

    Jagdew avoids the common biographical pitfall of framing his subject as an infallible icon. Instead, he presents Shankar as a fallible, ordinary person forced to make high-stakes choices under extraordinarily difficult circumstances – a choice that only adds to the book’s credibility, according to the review. Drawing on years of extensive original research, the text offers readers rare, valuable insight into the root causes and context of many defining events in modern Surinamese history.

    Perhaps the biography’s greatest strength, Remesan observes, is its depiction of Shankar’s enduring humility despite holding the nation’s highest office. In an era where political leaders are often judged on their public image and self-promotion, Shankar’s life story serves as a timely reminder that solid governance, integrity, and selfless public service remain irreplaceable leadership qualities.

    This publication deserves a wide readership, Remesan concludes. It stands both as a fitting tribute to Ramsewak Shankar’s legacy and a testament to Eric Jagdew’s meticulous work to preserve a critical, long-overlooked chapter of Suriname’s national history. Ultimately, it is a valuable and much-needed volume that advances a more balanced, fair assessment of both Shankar the man and his enduring impact on Suriname.

  • Nieuw Directoraat Burgerzaken krijgt begroting van ruim SRD 361 miljoen

    Nieuw Directoraat Burgerzaken krijgt begroting van ruim SRD 361 miljoen

    In a structural administrative overhaul aimed at streamlining public services, Suriname’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has granted the Central Bureau for Civil Affairs (CBB) greater operational autonomy by establishing a standalone Directorate for Civil Affairs. A total allocation of more than 361 million Surinamese dollars (SRD) has been earmarked for the newly formed body in the amended 2026 draft national budget, according to official budget documents.

    Under the restructuring, the new directorate will take over all civil affairs functions that previously fell under the broader Ministry of Internal Affairs directorate. Government officials have emphasized that the reform will not expand the size of the country’s civil service, framing the change as a budget-neutral administrative reorganization. All existing staff and resources currently assigned to the CBB will simply be transferred administratively to the new independent directorate, with no new hires planned as part of this restructuring.

    A breakdown of the budget allocation reveals that the largest share, SRD 258.3 million, is dedicated to employee wages and salaries, while an additional SRD 23.6 million is reserved for social security contributions. Officials confirm these line items exclusively cover personnel already employed by the CBB, with all salary costs drawn entirely from existing budget lines previously assigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A further SRD 7.5 million has been budgeted for goods and services to support daily operations across the CBB headquarters and its regional branch offices, covering recurring expenses including office supplies, printed materials, communication infrastructure, fuel for official vehicles, facility maintenance, and building rent for civil affairs service locations.

    Another SRD 30 million is allocated for social benefits, specifically earmarked for medical care for former CBB executive members and their family members. Of this allocation, SRD 20 million will cover inpatient and nursing care costs, while the remaining SRD 10 million will fund outpatient polyclinic services.

    A core priority of the new directorate’s 2026 budget is advancing long-delayed modernization of civil affairs services. An SRD 2.5 million allocation for equipment will enable the purchase of 210 desktop computers and 65 network printers for the CBB and its branches. This investment is designed to drive the digitization and automation of civil records that are still managed manually, with the end goal of rolling out a fully integrated digital civil registration system. The reform also expands the implementation of the “One Window Service” model, which allows residents to complete multiple civil affairs transactions through a single service point to reduce wait times and improve accessibility.

    Budget documentation notes that multiple modernization projects have faced delays in recent years, as previously approved initiatives failed to receive timely funding disbursement. The new dedicated budget aims to address this bottleneck and move long-planned upgrades forward.

    In addition to digital upgrades, SRD 20 million has been allocated for capital works and infrastructure projects, with a key focus on advancing plans for a new CBB headquarters. Officials are currently re-evaluating original construction plans that were first approved between 2008 and 2010, and a full assessment of that earlier proposed project is one of the leading options currently under consideration for the new headquarters development.

  • 100 dagen oorlog tegen Iran: Trump slaagt er niet in steun in de VS te mobiliseren

    100 dagen oorlog tegen Iran: Trump slaagt er niet in steun in de VS te mobiliseren

    June 7 marks 100 full days since the United States and Israel launched their open military conflict against Iran, a milestone that arrives as stalled peace talks, persistent domestic backlash, and growing economic fallout continue to turn the war into one of the most significant political liabilities for sitting U.S. President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

    Public opposition to the conflict predates its official outbreak. Pre-war polling consistently showed a majority of American voters opposed large-scale bombing campaigns against Iran, and that sentiment has not shifted since military operations began on February 28. Today, broad swathes of the electorate view the war as an unnecessary and harmful venture that runs counter to core U.S. national interests. “Few Americans believe this war serves the United States’ interests,” explained Shibley Telhami, a political science professor at the University of Maryland, echoing the clear consensus of public opinion.

    The conflict got off to an unplanned, sudden start when U.S. strikes targeted senior Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program were still scheduled. Unlike previous large-scale U.S. wars, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq under George W. Bush, the Trump administration never built public support or prepared the American people for military engagement, catching both voters and policymakers off guard. Iran responded to the initial attack with widespread drone and missile strikes, and moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, the strategically critical global chokepoint for oil and natural gas exports. The closure immediately sent global energy prices soaring, passing direct economic shocks onto American households in the form of higher energy and grocery costs.

    While a temporary ceasefire was reached on April 6, low-intensity skirmishes and the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have continued, with no substantive progress toward a permanent peace deal. Despite Trump’s repeated public claims that a peace agreement is imminent, no diplomatic breakthrough has materialized.

    Latest polling underscores the depth of public discontent: only 16% of registered voters believe the U.S. will achieve a clear victory in the conflict, and a majority of voters – including one-third of self-identified Republican voters – view the war as damaging to U.S. interests. The widespread economic fallout, which has pushed up overall cost of living for working- and middle-class Americans, has transformed the conflict from a purely foreign policy issue into a core domestic economic concern.

    The backlash comes just months ahead of November’s critical midterm congressional elections, where Democrats are aiming to flip control of Congress to block Trump’s policy agenda. Political analysts warn that the war’s unpopularity could have severe electoral consequences for the GOP. If Republicans lose control of Congress, Trump will face massive barriers to advancing his domestic policy agenda, and could even face impeachment proceedings.

    Critics across the political spectrum argue that Trump’s response to the crisis has further eroded public confidence. The president, who ran for office in 2016 positioning himself as a peace candidate and opponent of endless foreign wars that erode U.S. resources, has brushed off domestic criticism, stating that his only goal is preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and saying he does not care about the electoral impact of the conflict. Experts suggest Trump is adopting this tough, detached posture to avoid appearing weak in ongoing negotiations, but critics say it has alienated ordinary voters who are bearing the cost of higher prices.

    Jonathan Guyer, a senior analyst at the Institute for Global Affairs, has criticized Trump’s leadership during the conflict, calling him a “wartime president who fails to act as a serious commander-in-chief.” Guyer also noted that public discontent over the war is tied to broader frustrations among U.S. voters, including concerns over the unwavering U.S. commitment to Israel and the record $1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget. “This widespread unpopularity makes clear that foreign policy is a top-tier issue for most American voters,” Guyer explained.

    Telhami echoed that assessment, noting that the conflict’s impact on household finances has made it a defining issue for the upcoming election: “It has become a pocketbook issue, not just a foreign policy story.”

  • Staatsschuld stijgt naar SRD 189,9 miljard

    Staatsschuld stijgt naar SRD 189,9 miljard

    New data released in Suriname’s 2026 Public Debt Plan reveals that the South American nation’s total sovereign debt reached 189.9 billion Surinamese dollars, equal to approximately $4.9 billion, by the close of 2025. Hefty near-term debt repayment obligations that were originally scheduled for 2025 have been restructured and pushed out to 2030 and 2035, according to the document from Suriname’s Public Debt Office.

    Official statistics from the General Bureau of Statistics (ABS) put the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio at 129.6% as of the end of 2025. Calculated under the methodology used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), that ratio stands at a lower but still elevated 108.7%. Total scheduled debt service for 2026 is currently projected at 15.7 billion Surinamese dollars, equal to roughly $405 million at current exchange rates.

    The Public Debt Office outlines several key drivers behind the ongoing rise in Suriname’s national debt. These include the disbursement of new cross-border loans, a major recapitalization effort for the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS), the inclusion of the Value Recovery Instrument in the national debt portfolio, and growing backlogs in overdue payments to domestic government suppliers.

    Breaking down the total debt balance, more than $4.1 billion of the total is classified as external obligations to international creditors, while roughly $823 million consists of domestic debt held by local institutions and investors. Close to 90% of all Suriname’s sovereign debt is denominated in foreign currencies, a structure that leaves the country’s public finances highly exposed to sudden exchange rate swings that can increase the local currency cost of repayments overnight.

    Over the course of 2025, Suriname concluded nearly $2 billion in new loan agreements with a range of global and regional development institutions. A large share of these new arrangements went toward refinancing existing expensive debt, but the country also secured new development financing targeted at key economic sectors and infrastructure projects.

    Among the new development funding, the Saudi Fund for Development provided a $20 million loan to expand and upgrade Suriname’s energy generation and power distribution infrastructure. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) allocated $25 million to support the country’s struggling aviation sector. The World Bank contributed more than $22 million to fund climate adaptation projects and flood risk reduction initiatives across the country. In March 2025, the IMF also disbursed the final $44.6 million tranche of funding under Suriname’s ongoing economic reform program supported by the fund.

    The largest single financing transaction of 2025 closed in November, when Suriname launched $1.575 billion in new international bonds with 5-year and 10-year maturities, alongside a $300 million dedicated social bond. Proceeds from this issuance are primarily earmarked for refinancing maturing legacy debt and clearing outstanding past payment obligations.

    Despite the current elevated debt burden that weighs heavily on the national budget, Suriname’s government projects that the country’s debt position will improve steadily over the medium term. The optimistic outlook is tied to forecasts of broad economic growth, rising foreign direct investment in the country’s emerging offshore oil sector, and the expected start of commercial crude oil production from 2028 onward.

    A formal debt sustainability analysis conducted by the government projects that these developments will push the debt-to-GDP ratio back below the legal national debt ceiling of 60% by 2029. Until that milestone is reached, however, public debt servicing will remain one of the biggest spending pressures on the Surinamese government’s annual budget.

  • Begroting 2026 fors verhoogd: uitgaven stijgen met SRD 16 miljard; tekort 51% BBP

    Begroting 2026 fors verhoogd: uitgaven stijgen met SRD 16 miljard; tekort 51% BBP

    In a major overhaul of its initial fiscal planning, Suriname’s Council of Ministers has approved substantial amendments to the 2026 draft state budget, updating both revenue and expenditure projections to levels far higher than the framework adopted by the previous administration back in September 2025. The revised fiscal blueprint, formalized in a new Note of Amendments that replaces an earlier May 14, 2026 cabinet communication, is set to open debate in the National Assembly on June 15, with deliberations scheduled to conclude on July 13.

    Under the updated figures, total government spending for 2026 is now set at 77.48 billion Surinamese dollars (SRD), while total projected revenue comes in at SRD 64.61 billion. This combination leaves an estimated budget deficit of roughly SRD 12.86 billion. The new numbers mark a dramatic shift from the previous administration’s baseline projections, which pegged total spending at SRD 61.08 billion and total revenue at SRD 54.82 billion, with a deficit forecast equal to 3.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

    Compared to that initial framework, total expenditures have increased by SRD 16.39 billion, representing a 26.8% upward adjustment. Projected revenue, meanwhile, has grown by SRD 9.79 billion, a 17.9% rise from earlier estimates. The deficit as a share of GDP has also seen a steep increase: it is now projected to hit 5.1% of GDP, a 1.6 percentage point jump that equals a 45.7% increase relative to the original deficit forecast.

    Notably, the nominal GDP estimate for 2026 has also been revised sharply upward. Where the September 2025 framework projected 2026 GDP at SRD 179.97 billion, the amended note puts GDP at SRD 252.26 billion. That amounts to a more than SRD 72 billion upgrade, equal to a roughly 40% increase from the original forecast.

    When the revised budget goes under full review in the National Assembly, the biggest points of scrutiny are expected to center on how the larger deficit will be financed, and what implications expanded borrowing will have for the country’s long-term public finance stability. Rabin Parmessar, chair of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and State Budget from the National Democratic Party (NDP), confirmed that parliament has completed all preliminary preparations for the review, and all specialized subcommittees tasked with examining individual budget sections have been formally established.

  • Nieuw SVJ-bestuur kiest Nita Ramcharan als voorzitter

    Nieuw SVJ-bestuur kiest Nita Ramcharan als voorzitter

    In a landmark electoral meeting held Saturday evening, the Suriname Association of Journalists (SVJ) has installed a new governing board, co-founder Nita Ramcharan taking the helm as the organization’s new president. The full seven-member leadership slate also includes Ivan Cairo as vice president, Wilfred Leeuwin as general secretary, Vishmohanie Thomas as treasurer, Amanda Palis as second secretary, Raeyen La Rose as second treasurer, and Harvey Panka as commissioner.

    Following the formal ceremonial handover of the gavel from outgoing president Naomi Hoever, the new board publicly outlined its ambitious strategic roadmap to transition SVJ from a traditional professional interest group into a respected, authoritative national industry institute. The leadership has identified three core priority areas: advancing the professionalization of Suriname’s journalism sector, strengthening the association’s standing in national public life, and driving improvements in reporting quality, professional ethics, and press freedom across the country.

    Over the coming months, the board will first launch a comprehensive review of SVJ’s founding statutes and internal operational bylaws, to align the organization’s governance framework with its new strategic goals. It will also establish a network of issue-specific working committees, designed to expand grassroots member participation in shaping organizational policy and planning public activities.

    Skills training and professional development will be a top budget and policy priority for the new term. The association plans to roll out targeted training initiatives covering high-demand areas including investigative and electoral journalism, media law, professional ethical practice, digital safety for reporters, artificial intelligence applications for news work, fact-checking, and press freedom advocacy.

    In a statement following the election, the new board emphasized that independent, professional journalism is more critical than ever in an era defined by the rise of social media, widespread disinformation, and rapid technological change. To address these new challenges, SVJ will also push for strengthened industry self-regulation, formal professional accreditation for journalists, and updated national professional standards for the field.

    Beyond internal organizational reform, the new leadership has committed to opening structured dialogue with Suriname’s government branches, public institutions, and civil society organizations. The goal of these engagements is to strengthen the legal and social standing of journalists and defend press freedom across the nation.

    The board’s full policy direction is formalized in its recently published election manifesto, and all initiatives will be further refined through ongoing consultation with SVJ’s membership base. Observers frame this leadership transition and new strategic agenda as a pivotal step for Suriname’s journalism sector, aimed at unifying the professional community, raising reporting standards, and rebuilding public trust in independent media.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: De laatste dans van Ronaldo, Messi en andere sterren op het toernooi

    Derde helft WK 2026: De laatste dans van Ronaldo, Messi en andere sterren op het toernooi

    As the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaches, football fans across the globe are gearing up for what promises to be a historic tournament. While the month-long spectacle will introduce a new wave of young, hungry talent to the world stage, it will also mark a poignant farewell for some of the most legendary players to ever grace the game. For these icons, this edition of the World Cup will almost certainly be their final chance to compete on football’s biggest platform, closing out decades of extraordinary careers.

    Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
    Fitness has long been the cornerstone of Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering 20-plus-year career, and even at 41, the Portuguese forward continues to defy the limits of age. This season alone, he notched 30 goals in 37 appearances for Saudi side Al Nassr, bringing his all-time international goal tally for Portugal to an unrivaled 143. As the second-oldest player at this year’s tournament – outranked only by Scotland’s 43-year-old goalkeeper Craig Gordon – Ronaldo is set to become the first European player to compete at six separate World Cups, a record that may stand for generations. For the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, this tournament carries extra weight: the World Cup trophy is the only major honor missing from his extensive trophy cabinet, making this his final shot at completing football’s ultimate collection of accolades.

    Lionel Messi, Argentina
    Much like his long-time rival Ronaldo, Lionel Messi will also make his sixth World Cup appearance this summer, leading Argentina in their bid to defend the World Cup title they claimed in dramatic fashion in Qatar 2022. Now 38, Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and most capped player has battled persistent injury issues in the build-up to the tournament, casting doubt over his match fitness and ability to endure the grueling schedule of a 48-team World Cup. Yet even with question marks surrounding his physical condition, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the undisputed heart and soul of the South American side, whose passion for football is tied inextricably to Messi’s success.

    Luka Modric, Croatia
    The 40-year-old Croatian midfield magician Luka Modric is preparing to step onto the World Cup stage for the fifth and final time. After steering Croatia to a surprise runner-up finish in 2018 and a bronze medal in 2022, Modric remains a core leader for his national side, even after recent facial surgery that interrupted his club season. The Croatian captain, who earned legendary status for his vision and control of the midfield, still holds hero status in a national team that has repeatedly outperformed expectations on the global stage. For fans around the world, this tournament is the last chance to watch Modric weave his magic before he retires from international football.

    Neymar Jr, Brazil
    At 34, Neymar Jr is far younger than Ronaldo, Messi and Modric, but his spot in Brazil’s 2026 squad was far from a given. The Seleção’s all-time leading goalscorer returns to the national side after two and a half years away from international duty, a comeback that has sparked massive excitement among Brazilian football fans. Whether his recall is a bold gamble or a masterstroke from head coach Carlo Ancelotti remains to be seen. With age and a long history of persistent injuries taking their toll, and with Neymar set to be 38 by the 2030 World Cup, this tournament is almost certainly the fourth and final World Cup appearance of his storied career.

    Manuel Neuer, Germany
    Widely regarded as the most revolutionary goalkeeper of his generation and one of the greatest shotstoppers in the history of the sport, 40-year-old Manuel Neuer came out of football retirement to earn a spot as Germany’s starting goalkeeper for 2026. As German head coach Julian Nagelsmann noted recently, Neuer’s aura and presence within the squad is irreplaceable, even after nearly two years away from international football. This will be Neuer’s fifth World Cup appearance, and his first since Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, giving fans one final chance to watch the German legend between the posts on the global stage.

    Mohamed Salah, Egypt
    Widely considered the greatest Egyptian footballer of all time, and one of the finest to ever emerge from Africa, Mohamed Salah rose to global superstardom during his trophy-laden nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he won nine major club honors. Now 33, past the peak of his physical powers, and coming off a disappointing season that culminated in his departure from Anfield, this tournament will only be his second World Cup appearance, and very likely his last. Egypt is only competing in its third ever World Cup, and while expectations are tempered, Egyptian fans still pin their hopes on their beloved number 10 to lead them to their first ever World Cup knockout stage victory.

    Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
    As the standout playmaker of Belgium’s celebrated “Golden Generation” that emerged on the global stage in 2014, Kevin De Bruyne has continued to deliver elite performances for both club and country. The Napoli midfielder, who turns 35 later this month, is set to make his fourth and almost certainly final World Cup appearance. De Bruyne’s creative vision and passing accuracy will be critical to Belgium’s hopes of a deep tournament run, and he will be determined to lead his side to a memorable final chapter for the nation’s Golden Generation.

    Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands
    Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 next month, is no longer the all-dominant center-back that led Liverpool to a Champions League title and a Premier League title in consecutive seasons. With the Dutch national team expected to transition to a younger defensive line by the 2030 European Championship, this third World Cup appearance will almost certainly be his last. Even so, his leadership and experience remain invaluable to a young Dutch side looking to make an impact on the 2026 tournament.

    Sadio Mané, Senegal
    One of the most dynamic wingers of his generation, Sadio Mané heads to the 2026 World Cup seeking redemption after a devastating leg injury forced him to miss Senegal’s 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar. Now 34, the Senegalese all-time leading goalscorer with 53 international goals, is past the peak of his career, which included successful spells at Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Mané was a key part of Senegal’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, a match that was ultimately replayed following a mid-game protest from Senegal. Mané has already stated that the 2023 AFCON was his last major continental tournament, making this third World Cup his final appearance on the global stage, even if national staff have not given up hope of convincing him to extend his international career.

    Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico
    Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa joins the exclusive club of Ronaldo and Messi as one of only three players in history to compete at six different World Cups. The veteran shotstopper, who turns 41 next month, had not been called up to the Mexican national side for years, but earned his spot in the squad for the 2026 tournament, which is co-hosted by Mexico. Famous for his match-winning performances in past World Cup campaigns, Ochoa will retire from professional football after the tournament ends, bringing an end to one of the most storied careers in Mexican football history.

    For all these legendary players, the 2026 World Cup is more than just another tournament: it is a final chance to add new glory to already legendary careers, and a poignant farewell to the global stage that made them household names across the world.

  • Suriname en Brazilië starten onderhandelingen over handelsakkoord

    Suriname en Brazilië starten onderhandelingen over handelsakkoord

    On June 6, Suriname formally announced the start of joint preparations for a new trade agreement with Brazil, a landmark step designed to deepen bilateral economic cooperation between the two South American nations. During a press conference held Friday, Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation Minister Melvin Bouva confirmed that both countries have already signed the official Terms of Reference to guide negotiations for a Partial Scope Agreement.

    This signing clears the way for dedicated technical working groups from both sides to begin drafting the specific terms and conditions that will underpin the final trade treaty. Bouva emphasized that the current level of economic engagement between Suriname and Brazil falls far short of the existing untapped potential held by the bilateral relationship. Both governments have identified clear opportunities to expand cross-border trade volumes, attract new reciprocal investment, and boost joint industrial production across multiple key sectors.

    According to the minister’s official timeline, negotiators aim to wrap up talks and finalize a concrete, implementable trade agreement within a timeframe of six months to one year. Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons also reinforced the government’s vision for the partnership, noting that strengthened trade ties cannot be achieved without parallel investment in cross-border transportation infrastructure. To address this need, negotiations for the trade agreement are being coordinated alongside advanced planning for a direct maritime shipping route connecting the two countries, a development that would cut logistics costs and open new avenues for bilateral commerce.