标签： Suriname

On October 20, the Surinamese Television Foundation (STVS) marked its 60th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with champagne, music, speeches, and a touch of nostalgia. The event, held on October 17, was attended by the President, Vice President, and the Minister of Home Affairs. However, amidst the festivities, a poignant question circulated: ‘Where was Frits Pengel, the man behind the first broadcast?’ The answer was simple yet painful—he was not invited. Frederik Johan (Frits) Pengel, the visionary who founded STVS in 1965, was absent from the celebration of the institution he brought to life. Pengel, a pioneer in Surinamese television, introduced color TV, satellite broadcasting, and live World Cup coverage in 1982. Despite his monumental contributions, including restoring STVS within 24 hours after a 1993 arson attack, Pengel was overlooked. His son, Julian Pengel, emphasized the importance of recognizing those who laid the foundation for the nation’s progress. As Suriname approaches its 50th Independence anniversary in 2026, there is a call for moral integrity and gratitude towards its pioneers. Frits Pengel, now 93, remains a symbol of vision and perseverance, deserving of the nation’s respect and acknowledgment.

In a landmark move to foster cultural and community development, Roseline Daan, Cultural Director, and Patrick Burnet, President of the NGO Young Leaders in Action (AJLA), have announced a collaborative initiative in Cayenne, the capital of French Guyana. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to unite government ministries, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector in a series of impactful activities. These include promoting traditional culinary practices, organizing art and educational programs, mobilizing families and schools for community engagement, and sharing resources for project execution. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on cross-border environmental efforts, such as cleaning the Marowijne River and establishing a training center in Albina and Saint-Laurent for knowledge exchange. Burnet emphasized, ‘The Marowijne River is not a border; it is a bridge. By uniting the strengths of both sides, we are sowing the seeds for a future-oriented human, cultural, and economic partnership.’ The MoU is initially valid for two years, with the possibility of extension. Daan highlighted that while the agreement provides a framework for cooperation, it does not impose legally binding obligations. ‘We are neighbors, and it is crucial to strengthen bilateral relations at all levels,’ she stated.

In recent weeks, intense clashes have erupted along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving devastation in their wake. Danish, a 26-year-old Pakistani man, shared his harrowing experiences with his colleague Indra Toelsie. Born in 1999, Danish has never known a day of peace. His hometown, once filled with towering buildings, now lies in ruins, bombed beyond recognition. He showed Indra a video of a rocket strike in a residential area near his home, a stark reminder of the fragility of life in his war-torn region. For Danish and millions like him, uncertainty is the norm, a daily reality they’ve come to accept.

Now, in Beijing, Danish is experiencing peace for the first time. Here, he can walk freely without fear of bombs or the need to seek shelter. When Indra encouraged him to enjoy this newfound tranquility, Danish’s response was poignant: ‘I just hear enjoying, enjoying, but what is enjoy and enjoyment? I literally don’t know.’ His words reveal a deep hunger to understand what it means to truly live without fear. Danish’s journey to China, made possible by a program, has opened his eyes to a world where peace is not a luxury but a possibility.

For Indra, a native of Suriname where life is celebrated and cherished, Danish’s story is a stark reminder of the privileges often taken for granted. While many complain about minor inconveniences, Danish dreams of a life free from violence. His aspirations are not for wealth but for peace—a basic human right that remains elusive for millions. Danish’s story serves as a call to action: to appreciate the peace we have and to strive for a world where it is accessible to all. As Indra reflects, perhaps it’s time to shift from complaints to gratitude, recognizing the value of the peace we often overlook.

On Divali, Indra urges everyone to light an extra lamp—not just for Danish but for all those who live without the gift of peace.

In a vibrant celebration of cultural unity, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname marked the 18th annual Divali Festival by adding ghee to the ceremonial Suriname dia on Saturday evening at Independence Square. The event, organized by the Cultural Union Suriname, drew a large crowd eager to witness the symbolic arrival of Ram, Sita, and Hanuman, key figures in the Ramlila tradition.

In her address, President Simons emphasized the unifying power of light in a diverse society. ‘No matter how small the light may be, where there is light, darkness cannot exist. Even the tiniest light can dispel the deepest shadows,’ she remarked. She highlighted Suriname’s rich cultural tapestry and its numerous festivals of light, all of which share a profound message of hope and unity.

President Simons urged the community to look beyond religious differences, stating, ‘There are not thousands of lights, but one divine light that we symbolize in every dia. We must also be that light for one another.’ She expressed her hope that the festival would not only illuminate homes but also hearts, fostering a spirit of togetherness and happiness.

The festivities, which continue today, serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and the shared values that bind the Surinamese people. The event underscores the nation’s commitment to celebrating its diverse heritage while promoting a collective vision of a brighter future.

The Diaspora Homecoming Summit Suriname commenced on Saturday in Paranam, marking a significant step towards fostering growth, hope, and sustainable collaboration between the diaspora and local communities. Held at the G.A. Kortschool in La Vigilantia, the event was inaugurated with the symbolic planting of a tree by the Diaspora Institute Netherlands (DIN) and the Diaspora Institute Suriname (DIS), alongside local partners. This gesture underscores the project’s commitment to youth empowerment and community development in Paranam. The initiative’s first phase includes the renovation of a classroom equipped with modern educational tools such as computers, school supplies, and a smartboard. Additionally, two students have been awarded full scholarships for four years, while an exchange program with a school in the Netherlands aims to provide international learning experiences. A second pillar of the project focuses on nutrition and agriculture. Through microcredits, local farmers are supported in cultivating papaya, cassava, and soeptayer, with the harvest used to provide students with nutritious soup and fresh fruit weekly, and eventually daily. The initiative also aims to establish a sustainable processing chain, including a pulp machine and freezing facilities, to ensure year-round access to healthy food. Organizers envision the Paranam model as a blueprint for other communities across the country, emphasizing that what begins with one tree, one classroom, and two students can grow into a movement that benefits generations to come.