On October 12, 1685, the Beraha VeSalom (BVS) Synagogue, a monumental structure in Jodensavanne, Suriname, was officially inaugurated. This synagogue, whose name translates to ‘Blessing and Peace,’ stood as the heart of the Jewish village and left a lasting impression on visitors due to its grandeur and architectural significance. It was the first synagogue of architectural importance in the Western Hemisphere. Over the centuries, BVS has been extensively documented in writings, paintings, and prints, often depicted from a distance. Approximately 240 years ago, its centennial was celebrated with great pomp in the presence of Governor Wichers, members of the Council of Police and Justice, and numerous dignitaries from Paramaribo. Beyond its religious function, BVS served as a courthouse for minor legal cases, an archive, and a meeting space for the church board. It also acted as a fortress against attacks by maroons, with armed Jewish men preparing for potential assaults during significant religious observances like Yom Kippur. Historical records reveal that on September 30, 1790, Jodensavanne was thrown into turmoil due to a rumored maroon attack, prompting the local militia to guard the synagogue. The construction and maintenance of this once-imposing building were carried out by enslaved individuals, whose contributions are now being honored by the Jodensavanne Foundation as part of the 340th-anniversary commemoration. The foundation has planned several activities to mark this milestone, including the publication of articles, exhibitions, and volunteer programs, all aimed at celebrating the legacy of the Beraha VeSalom Synagogue.
标签： Suriname
苏里南
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Onze eigen O.S. Maretraite
In a heartfelt tribute to their alma mater, the parents of Aashna Kanhai recently visited Openbare School Maretraite, a school that has been a cornerstone of their family’s educational journey for generations. The visit, marked by the symbolic handing over of an envelope to the school’s principal, Juffrouw Makdoembaks, was a gesture of gratitude and support for an institution that has shaped the lives of their children and grandchildren. The school, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, has long been a beacon of discipline, community, and holistic education.
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Kameroen kiest president: Paul Biya (92) maakt kans op achtste termijn
Cameroon’s citizens headed to the polls today for a pivotal presidential election, with 92-year-old Paul Biya vying for an unprecedented eighth term. Biya, who has held power for over four decades since 1975, remains the frontrunner despite his advanced age, largely due to the dominance of his ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) over the state apparatus. The election unfolded under tight security, particularly in the English-speaking regions, where separatist groups have long challenged central authority. Reports of low voter turnout and isolated incidents emerged in some districts, but the overall process remained calm. The Electoral Commission (ELECAM) anticipates announcing official results within 15 days, with the Constitutional Council set to validate the outcome by October 26. Biya’s primary challengers include Cabral Libii, leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), who appeals to the youth with promises of reform, and opposition leader Maurice Kamto, who contested the 2018 election results. International observers, including representatives from the African Union, emphasized the importance of transparency and peaceful acceptance of the results. A victory for Biya would further cement his status as Africa’s longest-serving president, even as Cameroon grapples with economic inequality, security challenges, and political discontent.
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VWA en PAHO versterken samenwerking rond welzijn en arbeid
In a significant meeting on October 12, Suriname’s Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA), Raj Jadnanansing, engaged in discussions with Yafflo Ouattara, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) representative in Suriname, to enhance cooperation in the fields of welfare and occupational health. The talks centered on aligning PAHO’s new five-year strategy with Suriname’s national welfare policy, currently under development by the ministry. Both parties emphasized the need for closer collaboration to promote safe and healthy working conditions, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining and oil and gas. PAHO expressed its readiness to provide technical assistance in training labor inspectors, developing guidelines for safe working environments, and reducing exposure to harmful substances. The discussion also addressed mental health, focusing on suicide prevention and tackling domestic violence. A key outcome was the agreement to organize a multi-stakeholder meeting in the near future to draft a joint roadmap for collaboration. Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Jadnanansing presented PAHO’s representative with a copy of ‘The System of Labour Administration in Suriname,’ symbolizing the commitment to shared goals in improving worker health and well-being.
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SEC en overheid bundelen krachten voor Local Content Conference 2025
In a significant step toward advancing Suriname’s energy sector, Ashwin Adhin, Chairman of the National Assembly (DNA), highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between parliament, government, and the private sector during a meeting with the Suriname Energy Chamber (SEC). The discussion, held in preparation for the upcoming Local Content Conference 2025 scheduled from October 21 to 23, focused on refining the local content policy to drive national development. The conference, organized by the SEC in partnership with Afreximbank, the Energy Authority Suriname (EAS), and the Surinamese government, aims to produce actionable recommendations, including a national definition of local content and a comprehensive roadmap for its implementation. Adhin emphasized that local content is a vital tool for Suriname’s economic growth, with DNA’s legal staff and parliamentary committees actively engaging to identify necessary legislative support. SEC Chairman Orlando Olmberg underscored the broader vision of local content, stating that it extends beyond oil and gas to encompass collaboration, knowledge sharing, and economic diversification. A key objective of the conference is to identify projects worth $200 million that align with the $5 billion in available funding for sector development, facilitated by Afreximbank. Additionally, the initiative aims to foster joint ventures between Surinamese and foreign companies, further boosting the country’s energy sector and economic prospects.
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Hamas bevestigt vrijlating gijzelaars vanaf maandag
Hamas has officially announced that the release of hostages will commence this Monday, in accordance with the newly brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Israel. This development is part of a broader effort to de-escalate tensions in the Gaza Strip. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release a number of Palestinian prisoners. Both parties are under significant international pressure to execute the agreement meticulously and without incident. The first groups of hostages are expected to be handed over to representatives of the International Red Cross on Monday. Preparations for logistics and medical care on the Israeli side are already underway. Security sources indicate that dozens of hostages, some in poor health, have been held since the escalation of the conflict. Israeli medical teams are on standby to immediately examine and assist the released individuals. The announcement comes as the international community hopes this agreement marks the beginning of a prolonged period of calm. Diplomatic mediation led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States played a pivotal role in reaching the deal. While the implementation of the agreement is a crucial step, the region remains tense. Israel has stated it reserves the right to military action if Hamas violates the ceasefire terms.
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Zonnige zondag met warme middagtemperaturen
This Sunday, Suriname is experiencing predominantly dry and sunny weather. Early morning temperatures across much of the country remain pleasantly cool, ranging between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. As the day progresses, the heat intensifies rapidly, with afternoon temperatures soaring to 33 to 34 degrees, particularly in coastal regions. Winds are light to moderate, blowing from the east, while humidity levels gradually rise. No significant rainfall is anticipated. Along the coast, including areas around Paramaribo, Commewijne, and Nickerie, the skies remain sunny with occasional thin cloud cover. In the Brokopondo and Sipaliwini districts, the weather is similarly warm and dry, though the perceived temperature may feel higher due to low wind speeds. The evening promises clear and calm conditions, with temperatures slowly dropping to around 26 degrees, and the likelihood of precipitation remains minimal.
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Column: De last van de favoriet
In a stadium brimming with anticipation, Suriname’s national football team, Natio, faced Guatemala in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Despite the absence of key players like Myenty Abena, Liam van Gelderen, and Gyrano Kerk, the team exuded confidence, bolstered by the return of playmaker Tjaronn Chery and the debut of Jay-Roy Grot and Djavan Anderson. The first half saw Natio dominate possession, with Richonell Margaret and Sheraldo Becker leading the charge. However, a lack of precision in the final third kept the scoreline level at halftime. The second half brought a shift in momentum as Guatemala capitalized on a defensive lapse, with Darwin Lom scoring a close-range volley. Natio, visibly shaken, fought back fiercely. In the dying moments, Virgil Misidjan equalized with a powerful strike, sending the stadium into euphoria. The match ended 1-1, setting the stage for a decisive clash against Panama in the next qualifier.
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Armand Bipat vervangen als technisch directeur EBS
In a significant organizational restructuring, the Energy Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) has announced major changes to its leadership during its annual general shareholders’ meeting. Armand Bipat, who assumed the role of Technical Director in January this year following Marcel Eijndhoven’s departure, has been relieved of his duties. Stepping into the position of Chief Technical Officer (CTO) is Rishidath Mathoera, the current secretary of the EBS union.
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Wie het verkiezingsproces draaiend hield, wacht al 5 maanden op uitbetaling
Despite the orderly conduct of the elections in accordance with established guidelines, agreements, and training, the poll workers who dedicated their efforts remain unpaid. Nationwide, an average of ten citizens per district—totaling sixty-two districts—served as poll workers. These individuals carried out their duties diligently, despite exhaustion, challenging conditions, and occasional shortcomings, in compliance with the 2025 Electoral Decree. Remarkably, five months later, these citizens are still relying on assurances from the Minister and the Director of Internal Affairs. While it is claimed that the full payment lists have been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the disbursement is contingent on available financial resources. These citizens performed a vital national service, ensuring the smooth execution of the voting and counting processes. Their responsibilities carried significant accountability, and many endured considerable hardships, including lengthy river journeys through the dense rainforest and inadequate accommodations alongside police and military personnel—all in the interest of democracy. Meanwhile, the new Assembly members were sworn in on June 29, 2025, followed by the inauguration of the President and Vice President on July 16, 2025. Subsequently, the ministers and deputy ministers of the Simons-Rusland cabinet were sworn in at the presidential palace. None of these constitutional steps would have been possible without the dedication of the poll workers. The sudden withdrawal of registered personnel had previously caused tense moments for the election organizers. The message of this article is clear: Financial settlements must be finalized by the end of October 2025, or at the latest, before November 25, 2025. Marcellino Nerkust, Former Chairman of Polling Station 666, Boven-Coppename District, Witagron.