Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Simons: Reparatie in het onderwijs gaat door in 2026

    Simons: Reparatie in het onderwijs gaat door in 2026

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has declared that the comprehensive restoration of the nation’s education system will extend throughout 2026, with particular emphasis on addressing the needs of children requiring specialized educational support. The announcement was made during her weekly address on Radio 10’s “90 Seconden” program on Saturday.

    The educational overhaul initiative, termed “education repair,” entails structural improvements across the entire academic framework. President Simons emphasized the fundamental right of every child to secure classroom placement while acknowledging systemic shortcomings in accommodating students with special needs. “Our current school system indeed lacks proper adaptation for these children,” Simons conceded. “We previously maintained better facilities, and we must restore those capabilities.”

    A national education congress scheduled for March 2026 will convene all stakeholders to establish definitive policy directions. The president expressed confidence that this collaborative effort would produce a clear, widely-supported action plan to elevate educational standards. Simons projected an approximate one-year timeline to bring the system to acceptable operational levels.

    The administration acknowledges persistent challenges, including teacher shortages that disrupt regular instruction in some schools. International support is being provided through the Inter-American Development Bank to assist Suriname’s educational enhancement efforts.

    During the radio program, listeners raised concerns about delayed teacher salary payments. President Simons confirmed addressing this issue with Education Minister Dirk Currie, noting that partial arrears have been cleared with remaining cases undergoing resolution. The head of state suggested that increased government digitalization could systematically reduce such administrative complications in the future.

  • Pinas: Ondanks beperkingen blijft KPS inzet tonen en vernieuwen

    Pinas: Ondanks beperkingen blijft KPS inzet tonen en vernieuwen

    Acting Police Commissioner Melvin Pinas has revealed that the Suriname Police Force (KPS) continues to drive innovation and maintain operational continuity despite facing severe economic and organizational constraints. During a promotion ceremony for police officers, Pinas portrayed an organization frequently operating in crisis mode yet achieving tangible results under challenging circumstances.

    The economic situation in Suriname has significantly impacted the implementation of established policy plans, forcing the police force to prioritize crisis management over structured execution. This approach has focused on meeting the minimal security needs of society while maintaining essential services. “Nevertheless, several policy objectives have been accomplished,” Pinas affirmed.

    Notable achievements include substantial progress in digital transformation, particularly through specialized applications for driver’s license applications, fuel management, payment processing, and managing confiscated assets such as vehicles and passports. The police force also presented a crucial document to the Minister of Justice and Police that will serve as the foundation for career development and personnel policy within the organization.

    Significant investments have been made in training and education programs. Officers have received specialized instruction in financial investigation, intelligence-based investigation techniques, and language proficiency. The basic training program has been completed, with approximately 300 new police officers expected to join the force in the first half of 2026. The curriculum now includes enhanced focus on domestic violence, recognizing its direct impact on public safety and citizen welfare.

    Pinas acknowledged several critical challenges, including personnel depletion through retirement, international migration, and the reassignment of officers to other security duties. These factors have increased operational pressure on the organization, with adequate staffing remaining a primary concern.

    The acting commissioner also addressed the inherent risks of police work, referencing a young officer who recently lost his life while responding to an emergency call during off-duty hours. “This reflects who we are: servants of society,” Pinas stated emotionally.

    He further highlighted the impact of social media on the force’s public image, emphasizing the need for increased carefulness in operations and communications due to the rapid spread of misinformation and potential reputation damage.

    Pinas concluded by emphasizing that promotions entail greater responsibilities requiring additional commitment, professionalism, and exemplary conduct. He urged promoted officers to take their new roles seriously while continuing to serve their communities. The commissioner also appealed for stronger societal collaboration: “Safety begins with cooperation. We cannot do it alone.”

  • DSB sluit 2024 af met sterke cijfers, dividend en nieuwe betaalmogelijkheden

    DSB sluit 2024 af met sterke cijfers, dividend en nieuwe betaalmogelijkheden

    Suriname’s financial sector witnessed a landmark achievement as De Surinaamsche Bank (DSB), the nation’s largest financial institution, concluded its 2024 fiscal year with exceptional results. With a total balance sheet reaching SRD 36.7 billion (equivalent to approximately $1 billion USD), DSB has solidified its status as Suriname’s premier billion-dollar financial enterprise.

    During a press conference held at their headquarters on Friday, the bank’s executive leadership unveiled impressive financial metrics. DSB reported an operational result of SRD 1.3 billion and a net profit of SRD 546.3 million. The institution will contribute over SRD 500 million in tax payments to the national treasury. Notably, the bank’s equity capital grew to SRD 3.7 billion while its solvency ratio strengthened significantly to 27.2%, up from 24.2% in 2023.

    The management highlighted three particularly noteworthy accomplishments that distinguished their successful year. First, the bank reintroduced its DSB Easy Card, enabling customers to conduct international transactions from any location for services such as streaming subscriptions and online purchases, subject to holders maintaining a USD account with monthly and daily limits of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.

    Second, the bank executed rapid dividend distributions totaling SRD 160 million to shareholders. Following approval at the General Shareholders Meeting, the amount was promptly credited to shareholders maintaining accounts with DSB, while other shareholders can claim dividends by presenting their receipts.

    Third, in celebration of its 160th anniversary, the bank has undertaken numerous corporate social responsibility projects and extended donations to various institutions. The bank has extended an open invitation to the public to join their year-end celebration at the headquarters on December 31st at noon.

    Looking ahead, DSB’s leadership emphasized their strategic intention to reinforce their dominant market position throughout 2026, with particular focus on playing a central role in Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector developments. The bank committed to continued substantial investments in innovation and digital transformation initiatives in the coming years.

  • De toekomst is van ons, Surinamers

    De toekomst is van ons, Surinamers

    Suriname stands on the brink of a transformative economic era as it prepares to join the ranks of oil-producing nations within the coming years. This transition promises substantial foreign investments and sectoral growth extending beyond energy into logistics, infrastructure, maritime services, and financial sectors. However, this development brings to the forefront a critical challenge: ensuring that the wealth generated from Suriname’s natural resources actually benefits its citizens rather than being diverted through international corporate structures.

    At the heart of this challenge lies transfer pricing—the practice of setting prices for transactions between companies within the same multinational corporation. When entities like TotalEnergies conduct internal transactions involving services, equipment rentals, licenses, royalties, and technical expertise across different jurisdictions, the assigned prices determine where profits are recorded and taxes are paid. If these internal prices don’t reflect Suriname’s economic reality, value created locally can easily shift abroad.

    The stakes are considerable. Even during the current preparatory phase, significant tax revenues are potentially being lost. As more international corporations establish operations across energy, logistics, construction, and service sectors, this leakage could accelerate. Suriname maintains a 36% corporate tax rate, among the highest in the region, creating incentives for multinationals to report profits in lower-tax jurisdictions despite conducting economic activities within Suriname’s borders.

    This issue transcends mere taxation—it represents a fundamental question of economic justice. Surinamese citizens have long endured high tax burdens, inflation, and economic uncertainty. Proper transfer pricing regulations would enable the country to secure future revenues without further increasing pressure on households. By establishing clear rules for profit allocation and taxation rights aligned with contemporary global developments, Suriname can claim its fair share of resource wealth.

    Globally, countries have served as profit transit points for corporations like Apple, Shell, and Starbucks, where wealth generated in one jurisdiction is shifted elsewhere through fiscal engineering. Suriname now has the opportunity to learn from these experiences and implement robust transfer pricing policies before production and capital flows become entrenched. Such measures could secure substantial revenues throughout the oil and gas production lifecycle.

    The choices made today regarding fiscal governance will determine whether future income streams benefit Surinamese society or disappear invisibly abroad. The nation’s deep-sea wealth won’t automatically translate into prosperity—it requires deliberate policy design to ensure value remains where it’s created.

  • Bangladesh in nationale rouw na dood prominente studentenactivist

    Bangladesh in nationale rouw na dood prominente studentenactivist

    Bangladesh declared a national day of mourning on Saturday in honor of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of the 2024 student uprising movement, whose tragic death has ignited two days of massive protests across the nation. The 32-year-old activist, who succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during an attack by masked assailants over a week ago, was laid to rest in a heavily secured funeral ceremony at the Parliament Building in Dhaka.

    Authorities deployed extensive police forces equipped with body cameras throughout the capital ahead of the funeral procession, which commenced at 2:00 PM local time at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The national flag flew at half-mast across all government buildings as a symbol of collective grief.

    While protests had largely subsided by Saturday, media outlets continued reporting fresh incidents of violence. Cultural institutions, newspaper offices, and political buildings faced arson attacks and storming throughout the week, highlighting the nation’s escalating tensions. The residence of Anisul Islam Mahmud, chairman of the National Democratic Front and leader of a Jatiya Party faction, was vandalized and set ablaze in Chattogram, Bangladesh’s second-largest city.

    The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the state-sponsored cultural center, announced temporary suspension of all activities due to security concerns following attacks on its premises. Major newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, both targeted by protesters, struggled to maintain operations with staff forced to evacuate to rooftops during fires while pledging to continue digital publications.

    Hadi served as spokesperson for Inquilab Moncho (Platform for Revolution), a leading force within the student protest movement. He passed away Thursday at a Singapore hospital from head injuries sustained during the assassination attempt. The activist had been preparing to contest the February 2026 parliamentary elections representing Dhaka-8 constituency.

    His death triggered violent demonstrations that targeted residential properties, party offices, and even the Indian Assistant High Commission in Chittagong. Protesters expressed fury over alleged Indian involvement, suggesting the perpetrator might have fled to India.

    Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August 2024, strongly condemned the violence while appealing for calm. Demonstrators continued demanding extradition of suspects and justice for Hadi and other victims. Hasina herself received a death sentence in November for human rights violations during the brutal suppression of the student uprising that claimed approximately 1,400 lives.

    Families of victims maintain hope that the former prime minister and others responsible for the crackdown will eventually face trial.

  • Voorzitter Politiebond bekritiseert structurele problemen korps

    Voorzitter Politiebond bekritiseert structurele problemen korps

    In a striking address during Friday’s police promotion ceremony, Suriname Police Union Chairman Chief Inspector Revelino Eijk delivered a powerful critique of the deteriorating working conditions and legal protections within the Suriname Police Force (KPS). While congratulating newly promoted officers, Eijk emphasized that structural deficiencies within the corps demand immediate attention rather than continued neglect.

    Eijk articulated that promotions represent more than mere rank advancements—they signify recognition of dedication, discipline, professionalism, and loyalty to both the police force and Suriname. He stressed that promotions constitute earned rights under legal frameworks rather than organizational favors, bringing not only expanded authority but greater responsibilities, including exemplary conduct within the corps and toward society.

    The union leader highlighted policing as a vocation rather than conventional employment, noting its inherent risks to personal safety and sacrifices in private life. Consequently, appreciation, fairness, and clear career trajectories become essential components for officer retention and morale. Transparent and equitable promotion processes, according to Eijk, fundamentally contribute to motivation, trust, and organizational cohesion.

    Eijk expressed particular concern for officers who met service duration, performance, and evaluation criteria yet were overlooked for promotions. He asserted that a professional police corps can only function effectively when every member feels recognized and valued.

    The Police Union chairman positioned his organization as a constructive partner in collaborations with KPS, the Ministry of Justice and Police, and other unions, though emphasizing this cooperation isn’t unconditional. Agreements must be honored, and decisions affecting officers’ legal status must adhere to proper governance principles. Eijk noted that trust is increasingly undermined by broken commitments and inadequate communication.

    Eijk detailed critical operational shortcomings: inadequate training programs despite high policing standards, severe shortages of uniforms, equipment, patrol vehicles, computers, and other essential resources. Multiple police facilities operate in disrepair with substandard sanitation and unhygienic conditions.

    Financial protections for officers raised additional concerns. Promotion-related financial resolutions frequently experience prolonged delays, deferring monetary recognition. When back payments eventually occur, significant portions are withheld through taxation, transforming promotions into financial burdens rather than rewards for some officers. Eijk revealed that some officers have retired without receiving their entitled financial benefits.

    Eijk further criticized investigative procedures against officers accused of criminal offenses or duty violations, noting these processes often lack diligence and proper administrative principles in disciplinary actions. He referenced a recent judicial ruling that vindicated an officer dismissed in 2013 after twelve years, requiring full reinstatement with back pay.

    All these issues, Eijk concluded, revolve around a central concept: trust. Trust in the organization, agreements, and leadership isn’t automatic but must be earned and maintained. The Police Union urges authorities to address these challenges as systemic problems requiring structural solutions rather than isolated incidents. Investing in personnel, resources, training, and proper legal status constitutes essential prerequisites for sustainable security and professional policing.

  • Trump sluit oorlog met Venezuela niet uit

    Trump sluit oorlog met Venezuela niet uit

    President Donald Trump has declined to rule out potential military confrontation with Venezuela during a recently published interview, signaling heightened tensions following increased U.S. naval operations in the Caribbean region.

    When questioned by NBC News regarding possible armed conflict, Trump responded unequivocally: “That’s not something I would exclude, no.” The president similarly avoided clarifying whether his administration seeks to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power, stating instead that “He knows exactly what I want. He understands better than anyone.”

    This strategic ambiguity comes alongside reinforced American military deployments throughout the Caribbean basin over recent months. U.S. Marines have been conducting amplified amphibious exercises in Puerto Rico’s Arroyo region, demonstrating heightened operational readiness.

    The administration has intensified economic pressure through petroleum sanctions, with Trump announcing further seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers following last week’s interception of a vessel departing the South American nation. Trump asserted that “more seizures will follow” while making controversial claims regarding Venezuela’s nationalized oil industry, alleging the country had “taken all our energy rights, taken all our oil not so long ago, and we want it back.”

    Concurrently, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions against seven individuals allegedly connected to Maduro and his wife, accusing them of supporting what officials termed a “rogue narcostate.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared the administration would not permit Venezuela to “continue flooding our nation with lethal drugs,” characterizing Maduro’s government as threatening hemispheric stability.

    Trump has consistently labeled Maduro as leading a “narco-terrorist” cartel, with U.S. forces conducting multiple engagements against suspected drug trafficking vessels since September that have resulted in over 100 casualties. The president has repeatedly hinted at impending ground operations against narcotics networks, though the recent focus has shifted prominently toward energy resources.

  • Wetenschappelijk personeel AdeKUS hervat onderwijs en toetsing

    Wetenschappelijk personeel AdeKUS hervat onderwijs en toetsing

    Academic activities at Suriname’s Anton de Kom University (AdeKUS) have returned to normal following the suspension of industrial action by teaching staff. The decision to end the work stoppage was reached during an emergency general assembly convened by the University’s Scientific Staff Union (VWPU), effectively restoring all educational instruction and examination processes.

    The resolution comes after high-level negotiations between union leadership and President Jennifer Simons on December 17. This meeting was prompted by a formal communication dispatched by VWPU to the presidential office on December 8. The dialogue included the presence of Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science and Culture alongside other senior government officials.

    During the critical discussions, participants emphasized the urgent necessity for implementing structural solutions to address longstanding concerns affecting academic staff. A concrete timeline has been established, setting a firm deadline of January 2026 for the presentation of comprehensive resolutions. Both parties have committed to this schedule, with expectations that substantive measures will be finalized within the stipulated timeframe.

    VWPU leadership has expressed cautious optimism regarding the government’s commitment to fulfilling pledged actions within the agreed period. The union’s chairman, Aroenprekash Badal, indicated that while the temporary cessation of actions demonstrates good faith, the union remains prepared to reassess their position should implementation falter.

  • Veel kritiek in DNA op initiatiefwet Duurzaam Natuurbeheer: terug naar tekentafel

    Veel kritiek in DNA op initiatiefwet Duurzaam Natuurbeheer: terug naar tekentafel

    Suriname’s National Assembly witnessed intense parliamentary debate on Friday regarding the proposed Sustainable Nature Management Act, with widespread concerns about legislative preparation, institutional power imbalances, and inadequate protection for indigenous communities.

    The contentious legislation, designed to replace the outdated 1954 Nature Conservation Act, faced scrutiny from multiple parliamentary factions. Rossellie Cotino (NDP), chair of the rapporteurs committee, acknowledged Suriname’s need for modern environmental legislation to maintain its status as a heavily forested nation with minimal deforestation. However, she highlighted significant flaws in the current proposal.

    Central to the criticism was the concerning concentration of power within the National Environmental Authority (NMA). Cotino and other assembly members questioned why the legislation didn’t instead strengthen the existing Forest Management Agency (LBB) and establish clear management under a single organization. This overlap, critics warned, could create operational tension between LBB and NMA.

    Additional concerns included insufficient coordination with existing legislation such as the Hunting Act and Animal Protection Act, and the unusual absence of specified ministerial responsibility for implementation—a standard provision typically included in final provisions.

    Jerrel Pawiroredjo (NPS faction leader) emphasized that legislation shouldn’t be rushed, even with potential external funding at stake. International environmental organizations have pledged $20 million for sustainable projects, contingent on proper legislation. Parliamentary members, including Assembly President Ashwin Adhin, unanimously asserted that parliament wouldn’t be pressured by external factors.

    The legislation’s treatment of indigenous rights emerged as another critical issue. Jennifer Vreedzaam (NDP) delivered sharp criticism regarding the inadequate implementation of the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle, noting that parliament had recently extensively debated the importance of consultation with indigenous and tribal peoples. She emphasized that FPIC represents a fundamental legal principle rather than optional consultation.

    Tashana Lösche (NDP) noted that while the law references areas traditionally used by indigenous and tribal communities, it fails to specify their exact locations or establish formal boundary demarcation. Steven Reyme (A20) questioned why the proposal doesn’t explicitly recognize collective land and usage rights, despite Suriname’s international obligations.

    One of the initiative’s proponents, Wedperkash Joeloemsingh (NDP), acknowledged during consultations that the law requires amendments and thanked members for their critical contributions. He emphasized that the legislation wasn’t intended as rushed work and wasn’t related to financial considerations, but rather aimed to establish clear responsibility allocation.

    The session has been adjourned until Monday for further deliberation.

  • EU keurt lening van $ 106 miljard goed voor Oekraïne

    EU keurt lening van $ 106 miljard goed voor Oekraïne

    European Union leaders reached a landmark agreement Friday to provide Ukraine with a massive €90 billion ($106 billion) interest-free loan to address the country’s military and economic needs through 2027. The decision came after marathon negotiations that exposed deep divisions within the bloc regarding the use of frozen Russian assets.

    The agreement, announced by EU Council President António Costa via social media, represents a critical financial lifeline for Ukraine as it approaches potential bankruptcy by spring 2025. The International Monetary Fund estimates Ukraine will require €137 billion ($161 billion) during 2026-2027 to sustain its defense efforts and maintain government operations.

    Originally, EU officials had contemplated utilizing approximately €210 billion ($246 billion) in Russian central bank assets frozen primarily in Belgium. However, this proposal encountered staunch opposition from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who characterized the plan as legally precarious and potentially damaging to Euroclear, the Brussels-based financial clearinghouse holding €193 billion ($226 billion) in frozen Russian funds.

    The negotiations stretched late into Thursday night as leaders attempted to reassure Belgium about protection from Russian retaliation. When talks reached an impasse, the EU ultimately opted to raise the funds through capital markets rather than risk setting what De Wever described as a “dangerous global precedent for legal certainty.”

    Hungary, Slovakia, and Czech Republic opposed the aid package but ultimately agreed not to block it in exchange for financial protection guarantees. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, declared that “giving money means war” and dismissed the rejected asset-seizure plan as a “dead end.”

    French President Emmanuel Macron praised the agreement as a “significant step forward,” while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that the frozen Russian assets would remain blocked until Russia pays war reparations to Ukraine—estimated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at over €600 billion ($700 billion). Merz emphasized that the EU reserves the right to utilize immobilized Russian funds for loan repayment if Russia fails to provide compensation.

    The decision came amid intense protests by European farmers angry about a proposed trade deal with South American nations, creating a tumultuous backdrop for the Brussels summit that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attended to personally advocate for urgent financial support.