标签： Suriname

In a recent inspection conducted by the Economic Control Service (ECD), a supermarket located on Anamoestraat was found to be selling unlabeled chicken products and refrigerated beverages without price tags. The action was initiated following a complaint about the sale of unpackaged chicken meat lacking proper labeling and chilled drinks missing price indications. After consulting with the Bureau for Public Health (BOG), the ECD involved the Veterinary Inspection of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (LVV). Based on their recommendation, 17 packages of chicken wings and an equal number of chicken legs were immediately removed from the refrigerated section, as raw meat must, by law, be accompanied by clear and valid labels. During the inspection, it was also discovered that several chilled beverages lacked price tags. The store owner claimed that prices were visible on regular shelves but was informed that price labeling is mandatory directly on refrigerated products as well. The owner pledged to rectify the issue. The ECD announced a follow-up inspection and warned that repeated violations would result in sanctions. The ministry emphasized its commitment to monitoring a fair and transparent market and urged consumers to report malpractices such as price gouging or inadequate labeling via WhatsApp (+597) 8530915 or phone 483949.

The Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO) has inaugurated a cultural-historical meeting space on its premises in Geyersvlijt, Suriname. The centerpiece of this new community hub is a miniature wooden house, ‘SAO Oso Tori Oso,’ crafted by students from the Construction and Mechanical Woodworking Vocational School. The house, previously managed by the cultural organization NAKS, was officially dedicated during a festive ceremony. This initiative is part of a newly designed plaza intended to serve as a central gathering spot for local residents, students, and visitors. The space showcases traditional Surinamese artifacts (fosten sani), offering a glimpse into the nation’s cultural heritage. The project was realized in collaboration with the foundation Under the Blue Surface and funded with support from the Netherlands. Deputy Minister Raj Jadnananding (Health, Welfare, and Labor) and SAO Director Joyce Lapar presided over the opening ceremony, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service. During the event, ten senior residents were honored for their contributions to the community, receiving gift packages and snacks courtesy of the Lions Club Parwani. ‘This building is a piece of our history,’ remarked one of the honorees. The SAO, which will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026, provides vocational training for youth, adults, and seniors. Lapar emphasized that the new meeting space aims to foster community connections and spark interest in educational opportunities. The venue can accommodate gatherings of up to thirty people and will host workshops and themed events, including a Mental Health Day on October 22. ‘With knowledge, you build not just a house but also yourself,’ Lapar stated, urging the public to take advantage of SAO’s retraining and upskilling programs.

On Friday, President Jennifer Simons inaugurated the Diváli celebrations in the Saramacca district by lighting a symbolic dia at the district commissioner’s office in Groningen. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Parliamentary Chairman Ashwin Adhin, Minister Lalinie Gopal, District Commissioner Aniel Ramautar, Assembly Member Jayant Lalbiharie (NDP), and Indian Ambassador Subhash Gupta. Diváli, the Festival of Lights, is globally recognized as a celebration of light triumphing over darkness. In her address, President Simons urged society to translate this symbolism into social unity. ‘Although Suriname observes multiple light festivals, there is one source: divine light. Let us be a light for one another. Our nation needs direction, connection, and inner strength,’ she emphasized. The dia was jointly lit by President Simons, Chairman Adhin, and Commissioner Ramautar. Speakers unanimously highlighted the importance of reflection, love, and community spirit during times of societal challenges. Commissioner Ramautar described the flame as ‘a symbol of hope and collective willpower,’ while Ambassador Gupta called for spiritual purification and the renewal of moral values. The National Diváli Manifestation will take place tonight at Independence Square.

The Surinamese Television Foundation (STVS), the nation’s pioneering television station, is set to mark its 60th anniversary on October 20. A commemorative gathering was held on Friday, attended by President Jennifer Simons, Vice President Gregory Rusland, and Minister of Home Affairs Marinus Bee. President Simons highlighted the enduring public value of STVS, describing it as a vital source of news, education, and cultural enrichment for the country. She expressed optimism that the broadcaster would continue to fulfill its societal role professionally in the digital age. STVS Director Raoul Abisoina reflected on six decades of broadcasting, calling the milestone ‘a moment of gratitude and reflection.’ He acknowledged the station’s resilience through political and technological changes but emphasized the need for modernization investments, including a new broadcasting facility. Established on October 20, 1965, by then-Prime Minister Johan Adolf Pengel, STVS was Suriname’s sole television channel for many years.

In a startling revelation, the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has identified significant irregularities during a follow-up inspection at the premises of Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) on Bethesdastraat. The inspection, which began on October 1, 2025, and is still ongoing, uncovered 2,159 brownheart timber poles with serious violations, a dramatic increase from the initial report that flagged 508 suspicious poles. The findings have been detailed in a second report, now forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The SBB report highlights that the poles exhibit signs of illegal logging, with multiple infractions observed during field inspections. These include missing origin information (marked only as ‘sold’), poles with ‘retribution paid’ status but lacking mandatory transport tickets, reused labels, and the absence of legally required labels. The SBB emphasized that timber of suspected illegal origin should have passed at least one checkpoint, where transport tickets are presented to forestry officials and registered in the SFISS system—a step that was notably skipped. The report underscores that the inspection was conducted on poles currently in a seized state at the EBS site.