标签： Suriname

The Rotary Club of Paramaribo has awarded the prestigious VOJ Student Excellence Award 2025 to Alexia Moonsam from St. Louise School, recognizing her exceptional academic performance, dedication, and leadership qualities. The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dirk Currie, who urged students to focus not only on academic knowledge but also on character development. Alongside Alexia, Redjinio van Meulen, Eva Vaseur, Jenaysa Mijnals, and Wayne Doekoe were among the top five finalists. Additionally, Dylan Wijnaldum, Amber Asmowidjojo, Metrisha Darnoud, Mercy-Grace Stedenburg, and Roghim Resosetiko received honorable mentions for their achievements. Rotary Club President Anand Gajapersad delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing that education is the cornerstone of personal growth. He encouraged students to strive for excellence, believe in themselves, and appreciate the support of their parents and teachers. Jury Chair Soraya Nanand praised the high caliber of participants and expressed hope to see them at the VOS Student Excellence Awards in the future. Minister Currie highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, urging students to develop interpersonal skills and resilience. Since 2005, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo has organized the VOJ Student Excellence Award to nurture talent and discipline among youth. This year, the top fifteen students were selected based on their final exam results. During an intensive training weekend, participants received instruction in personal leadership, presentation skills, and artificial intelligence. The ten most promising candidates advanced to the final round, held on October 8, 2025. The Rotary Club aims to continue motivating young talents to excel and realize their full potential through this initiative.

On the Day of the Maroons, the political party A20 paid heartfelt tribute to the history, struggles, and cultural richness of Suriname’s Maroon communities. Emphasizing the significance of October 10th, A20 declared it not merely a day of remembrance but a celebration of freedom, identity, and resilience. The Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans, courageously broke free from the chains of slavery, forging historic peace treaties with colonial authorities in the 18th and 19th centuries. These agreements recognized their freedom and autonomy, laying a foundation of justice and acknowledgment in Suriname’s history. A20 highlighted that the Maroons are not a marginalized group but a proud and active force within society, contributing significantly to education, governance, arts, and entrepreneurship. The party pledged its commitment to equal opportunities, infrastructure development, and sustainable collaboration with Maroon communities. A20 also celebrated the preservation of Maroon culture, including their music, dance, spirituality, crafts, language, and culinary traditions, which are integral to Suriname’s heritage. The party expressed gratitude to André Pakosie, a Maroon historian and cultural activist, whose efforts led to the official recognition of this day. A20 concluded with a call for unity, envisioning a Suriname where every culture thrives, every voice matters, and every community shapes its future with pride and freedom.

Suriname commemorated its 15th annual Maroon Day on October 10, a national holiday dedicated to honoring the heroic resistance of the Maroon community’s ancestors against slavery and oppression. Recognized as a crime against humanity in modern history, this day serves as a reminder of the Maroons’ visionary spirit and their enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and human dignity. The celebration underscores the ongoing relevance of their struggle in contemporary discussions on equality, inclusion, and justice. A statement emphasized, “We not only cherish the fundamental right to freedom but also acknowledge that their fight for a fair and inclusive society continues to shape national and international agendas.” The event also highlighted the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly climate preservation and sustainable resource use, calling for sustained action toward empowerment and social justice. “It is time to reinterpret and revalue our history as a foundation for unity and nation-building,” the statement added. The day also drew attention to the unresolved issue of land rights for Indigenous and Tribal peoples, with a 2007 ruling by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights still awaiting full implementation. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ commitment to prioritizing land rights was welcomed. Adding a unique touch to the celebration, Suriname’s national football team faced Panama in a crucial match for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event concluded with a message of gratitude, national pride, and hope, wishing all Surinamese a reflective and joyous Maroon Day.

A tragic incident unfolded this afternoon in the remote region of Stoelmanseiland, resulting in the drowning of 24-year-old Ritchel Linga from Paramaribo. According to initial police reports, Linga had traveled to the area several weeks ago to engage in gold mining activities. His cousin revealed that the victim had gone to the river around 2:00 PM to wash his clothes and bathe. When Linga failed to return after some time, his cousin initiated a search. Only his clothing and bathing items were found on the riverbank. A search operation was immediately launched with the help of other residents. After some time, the lifeless body of the victim was recovered from the water. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the dangers faced by those working in remote and hazardous environments.

A significant incident occurred today when a large section of the bridge over the Coppenamerivier near Witagron collapsed, severing the crucial link between the inland regions and Paramaribo. Initial reports indicate no casualties, but the collapse has had profound implications for residents, businesses, and travelers reliant on this vital route. The bridge’s failure has rendered traffic to and from Paramaribo impossible, severely hampering access to inland villages and goldfields. Authorities are currently assessing the situation, but the disruption is expected to have lasting economic and social impacts on the region. Emergency response teams are working to establish alternative transportation solutions while investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway.

On the occasion of Marrondag, the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) has issued a heartfelt message emphasizing pride, reflection, and unity. The party honors the struggle and triumph of the Maroon ancestors, whose courageous choice for freedom laid the foundation for dignity and strength in contemporary Suriname. Today, October 10th, we pause to reflect on a pivotal chapter of our history: the battle and victory of our Maroon forebears. Against all odds, they chose freedom, establishing the groundwork for the dignity and resilience we continue to embody. Marrondag is not merely a day of remembrance but also a celebration of pride—pride in our culture, traditions, and the long journey our communities have undertaken. It serves as a reminder that freedom is never a given; it must be fought for and earned. As ABOP, we believe that the spirit and legacy of our ancestors guide us today. Their struggle teaches us that, despite setbacks, we can always strive for progress. Thus, we remain committed to advocating for equal opportunities, development, and representation—both in urban centers and rural districts—and to fostering a future where everyone can thrive. Let us use Marrondag not only to reflect but also to look forward. With respect for our past, we contribute to building a stronger Suriname, where the voice and strength of the Maroon communities hold a lasting place. The chairman of ABOP extends his congratulations to the entire Maroon community on this special day.

On October 10, 2025, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname paid tribute to the Indigenous and Maroon communities during the annual Day of the Maroons celebration. The ceremony, held at the Square of October 10, 1760, marked the 265th anniversary of the Maroons’ hard-fought struggle for freedom. President Simons emphasized that their resistance was a pivotal moment in Suriname’s history, ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery in 1863. She stated, ‘The Maroons did not receive freedom as a gift; they fought for it step by step. Their achievement should inspire us all to reflect on our shared history.’

Simons also highlighted the crucial role of Indigenous peoples in supporting escaped enslaved individuals during their flight to freedom. ‘The land we all inhabit originally belonged to the Indigenous peoples. They deserve our enduring recognition,’ she remarked. The President called for unity between Maroons and Indigenous communities, urging all Surinamese to work together for peace and progress under the theme ‘Ubuntu – I am because we are.’ She stressed, ‘No nation can thrive without unity. Even with wealth or resources, development is impossible if we do not hold onto each other. No group in this country should be left behind. We are each other’s guardians.’

In her speech, Simons reaffirmed her commitment to resolving land rights issues within three years, stating, ‘We do not need to wait for everything to be perfect. What can be addressed now must be tackled to ensure certainty for the people of the interior. I am committed to this.’ A special advisory group has been established at the Office of the President to address these matters, with consideration given to rulings by international bodies. ‘By recognizing land rights, we take steps toward a Suriname where everyone can envision their future. 2026 must be the year we take the first concrete steps,’ she declared.

The event concluded with the unveiling of the Day of the Maroons monument by President Simons and Vice President Gregory Rusland, alongside traditional leaders. The ceremony was preceded by a ‘towe waata’ ritual and the laying of wreaths by government and National Assembly members.

Today, Suriname commemorates Marrondag, a day dedicated to honoring the courage, perseverance, and quest for freedom of the Maroon community. The Party for Rights and Development (PRO) extends its congratulations not only to the Maroon community but to the entire Surinamese population on this significant occasion. The PRO emphasized that the history of the Maroons is intertwined with that of all Surinamese, serving as a reminder that freedom and justice are the cornerstones of the nation. Over two and a half centuries ago, the Maroons chose freedom over subjugation, resisting colonial rule, waging a brave struggle, and establishing autonomous communities deep in the interior. Their resilience led to peace treaties with colonial powers in 1760 and the subsequent years, marking 265 years since these agreements. These treaties are among the earliest official recognitions of free Black communities in the Americas and represent a pivotal chapter in Suriname’s history of resistance—a source of national pride that continues to inspire. Marrondag underscores that freedom is not a given; it requires maintenance, much like justice and progress. The PRO sees this day as a call to reaffirm these values. While Maroons are now visible in governance and politics, many communities remain socially and economically vulnerable. Challenges in education, infrastructure, and economic development persist, limiting opportunities for youth in these regions. The PRO views it as its duty to safeguard equal rights and development opportunities for all Surinamese, emphasizing that investing in Maroon youth is investing in the nation’s future. Education is key: it opens perspectives, strengthens communities, and keeps the spirit of freedom alive. The PRO advocates for sustained focus on education in the interior, including well-equipped schools, skilled teachers, and access to digital resources. The history of the Maroons teaches that freedom was not granted but fought for, and this spirit of self-reliance and perseverance lives on in the new generation of Maroon youth striving for knowledge, independence, and progress. Marrondag is not only a day of remembrance but also of responsibility, reminding us that the work of our ancestors is incomplete until every child in Suriname, regardless of origin or residence, has equal opportunities to thrive. The PRO wishes all of Suriname, especially the Maroon community, a powerful and proud Marrondag, hoping that the spirit of freedom, justice, and development continues to guide the nation.