Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Fernandes steunt kwetsbare baby’s met forse bijdrage aan Diakonessenhuis

    Fernandes steunt kwetsbare baby’s met forse bijdrage aan Diakonessenhuis

    In a significant boost to Suriname’s healthcare infrastructure, the Fernandes Social Foundation has contributed a generous €250,000 donation for the complete renovation of the neonatal intensive care unit at Diakonessen Hospital. The ceremonial handover took place at the Presidential Cabinet on December 10th, with Health Minister André Misiekaba formally accepting the contribution in the presence of President Jennifer Simons.

    This philanthropic initiative originated from Fernandes’ request during Suriname’s 50th anniversary of independence (Srefidensi), where the company sought Ministry-identified community projects requiring support. Among six healthcare projects proposed by the Health Ministry, the neonatal unit’s renovation was prioritized as most critical. The department has been temporarily closed despite growing demands for specialized post-natal care for vulnerable newborns.

    Minister Misiekaba characterized the donation as “a crucial contribution to healthcare,” emphasizing its direct impact on medical services for critically ill infants. “We are profoundly grateful to Fernandes Social Foundation. This project will substantially strengthen our neonatal care capabilities,” the Minister stated during the reception.

    Following the formal presentation, government representatives engaged in expanded discussions with Fernandes Group executives about broader socio-economic initiatives, including future sustainable waste management programs. President Simons reiterated her call for private sector involvement in national development projects.

    The Health Ministry maintains additional unfunded projects seeking corporate partnerships, including replacement of outdated cooling systems at Academic Hospital’s morgue (currently only 20-30% operational), renovation of the Public Health Bureau’s tuberculosis unit, upgrades to decentralized emergency posts, and enhancements to primary care facilities. While these projects weren’t selected in this funding round, the Ministry remains open to partnerships aimed at structurally strengthening Suriname’s healthcare system.

    Minister Misiekaba underscored that sustainable healthcare improvements require collaborative efforts between government and private entities, highlighting the Fernandes donation as a model for public-private cooperation in addressing critical medical infrastructure needs.

  • Landvreugd nieuwe voorzitter Onderhandelingsorgaan Overheid

    Landvreugd nieuwe voorzitter Onderhandelingsorgaan Overheid

    Suriname’s President Jennifer Simons has orchestrated a comprehensive overhaul of the Government Negotiating Body (OO), appointing former minister Delano Landvreugd as its new chairman. This strategic move completely replaces the team originally appointed in 2022, signaling a fresh approach to public sector labor negotiations.

    The OO serves as the government’s primary entity for negotiating both primary and secondary employment conditions with civil service trade unions. Its fundamental mission involves bridging the gap between union demands and the state’s financial and organizational capacities, ensuring balanced outcomes that serve both public servants and national interests.

    In a formal ceremony, President Simons alongside Interior Minister Marinus Bee expressed gratitude to the departing team for their dedicated service while extending best wishes to the incoming members. The leadership transition marks a significant shift in Suriname’s approach to public sector labor relations.

    Landvreugd emphasized to the Communication Service Suriname that the revitalized body will prioritize maintaining the nation’s economic and financial stability throughout negotiation processes. He characterized the new team as a strategic blend of young professionals and seasoned experts possessing extensive knowledge of public administration.

    “With this composition,” Landvreugd stated, “we anticipate that the OO can deliver solid results for the government through combined strengths.” The restructured organization is expected to bring innovative solutions to longstanding challenges in public sector labor negotiations while safeguarding national economic interests.

  • SEOB: Inflatie loopt verder op en begroting 2026 blijft kwetsbaar

    SEOB: Inflatie loopt verder op en begroting 2026 blijft kwetsbaar

    Suriname’s economic landscape is confronting significant challenges in 2025, according to the latest bulletin from the Suriname Economic Oversight Board (SEOB). The nation’s inflation rate climbed to 10.8% in August, primarily driven by the depreciation of the Surinamese dollar and an expanding money supply. The exchange rate continued its upward trajectory through September, reaching approximately SRD 38.4 per US dollar, further exacerbating market uncertainty and price pressures.

    Despite maintaining robust international reserves of approximately $1.55 billion—covering 7.2 months of imports and well exceeding the three-month benchmark—the SEOB warns that macroeconomic stability remains vulnerable due to escalating government deficits. The 2026 budget reveals a deficit of SRD 6.3 billion, representing about 3.5% of GDP. Should this shortfall be financed domestically, it could further increase money supply, intensifying both inflationary trends and exchange rate pressures.

    The national debt continues to substantially exceed statutory limits, standing at 88.3% of GDP according to international definitions, compared to the legal ceiling of 60%. In response, the SEOB advocates for proactive debt management strategies and divestment from loss-making state enterprises that require substantial subsidies.

    Suriname’s banking sector presents a mixed performance picture. While capital adequacy remains strong at 22.3%, non-performing loans have risen to 6.6%, indicating growing repayment difficulties among borrowers. High lending rates of 14.5% continue to discourage investment activity.

    The oversight board notes that the 2026 budget largely aligns with policy guidelines outlined in the annual address, particularly for ministries of Finance, Economic Affairs, Justice and Police, and Oil, Gas and Environment. However, weaker coherence is observed in sectors including Health, Land Policy, and Public Works.

    Key recommendations from the SEOB include:
    – Implementing stronger fiscal discipline and enhanced budget transparency
    – Establishing a modern investment framework modeled after Argentina’s RIGI system
    – Promoting export growth and economic diversification beyond the mining sector
    – Strengthening risk management protocols within the banking industry
    – Enhancing operational capacity of the Tax Administration, Customs, and ministerial departments
    – Improving coordination between monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize exchange rates

    The board concludes that Suriname’s economic recovery remains fragile, emphasizing that consistent policy implementation and clear communication are essential to maintain market confidence.

  • Guyana tekent exploratiecontract met Cybele Energy voor ondiepwaterblok S7

    Guyana tekent exploratiecontract met Cybele Energy voor ondiepwaterblok S7

    In a landmark development for South America’s emerging energy hub, Guyana has inked a significant petroleum agreement with Ghana’s Cybele Energy Ltd., marking the first African energy company to secure an offshore oil block outside Africa. The signing ceremony, held Tuesday at Pegasus Suites in Georgetown, featured Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Cybele CEO Beatrice Mensah-Tayui formalizing the production sharing agreement (PSA) for shallow water Block S7.

    The $17 million signing bonus agreement follows Guyana’s standardized fiscal framework implemented since 2023, featuring 10% royalty on production, 10% corporate income tax, 65% cost recovery ceiling, and profit oil sharing between the state and operator. Minister Bharrat emphasized these terms strike an improved balance between investor incentives and national revenue compared to earlier contracts.

    Block S7 represents a pure exploration play with no discovered reserves or existing production. The initial five-year phase will focus exclusively on seismic studies and geological evaluations, with no mandatory drilling requirements for the first three years. Drilling commitments will only trigger based on technical results from these preliminary assessments.

    The agreement culminates three years of technical data analysis and market access negotiations by Cybele Energy. The achievement has been hailed in Ghana as a strategic breakthrough demonstrating the global expansion capabilities of African energy firms, particularly noteworthy as it’s led by a female CEO.

    This partnership aligns with Guyana’s broader sector diversification strategy, complementing ExxonMobil’s deepwater operations by intentionally attracting new entrants and regional players to develop shallow water blocks. The approach aims to maximize both economic returns and opportunities for local enterprises in one of the world’s fastest-growing oil provinces.

  • Nieuwe bedrijfsdirectory stimuleert samenwerking Suriname–Guyana

    Nieuwe bedrijfsdirectory stimuleert samenwerking Suriname–Guyana

    PARAMARIBO – The fourth edition of Who’s Who in Suriname Business was officially unveiled at Royal Torarica during a high-profile gathering that brought together business leaders, diplomatic missions, investors, and regional partners. This comprehensive directory, developed with strategic support from the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), has established itself as a vital platform for enhancing corporate visibility, business profiling, and cross-border collaboration throughout the Guiana Basin region.

    Minoushi Filemon, SGCC Membership Lead, emphasized during the launch ceremony that the publication is evolving into an essential strategic tool for companies seeking to strengthen their market positioning. The directory serves dual purposes by simultaneously assisting international investors in identifying reliable local partners while enabling Surinamese entrepreneurs to expand their regional footprint.

    Keynote speaker and publisher Vishnu Doerga highlighted the critical importance of developing strong English-language business propositions as Suriname continues to emerge as a significant opportunity hub within the rapidly developing Guiana Basin. Doerga stated, ‘If you don’t tell your own story, others will tell it for you. This directory provides businesses with a credible platform to make their capabilities visible and accessible to potential partners.’ He further emphasized that digital, economic, and professional bridges between Suriname and Guyana are fundamental prerequisites for sustainable regional growth.

    Guyanese Ambassador to Suriname, Virjanand Depoo, commended the professional standards of Suriname’s business community, describing the directory as a milestone achievement that underscores the private sector’s maturity and readiness for international engagement. Minister Patrick Brunings of Oil, Gas & Environment reinforced the message of regional cooperation, highlighting the shared historical ties and common future aspirations of both nations. Minister Brunings asserted that enhanced collaboration between Suriname and Guyana is absolutely crucial for accelerating economic development throughout the region.

  • Petronas rondt Caiman-1-put af in Blok 52 met bemoedigende resultaten

    Petronas rondt Caiman-1-put af in Blok 52 met bemoedigende resultaten

    Petronas Suriname has successfully concluded drilling operations at the Caiman-1 exploration well in offshore Block 52, marking a significant advancement in the company’s ongoing exploration and evaluation program. The drilling campaign, which commenced on July 21st, has yielded highly encouraging results that will substantially contribute to resource delineation and development concept evaluation for potential commercial projects in the region.

    This operation represents the inaugural phase of a comprehensive four-well drilling campaign scheduled between 2025 and 2026, according to an official release from Staatsolie. Situated in the western sector of Block 52, the Caiman-1 well operation demonstrated remarkable local integration, with all logistical support—including materials, provisions, and fuel—being channeled through the shore base in Paramaribo. Personnel transportation to and from the drilling platform was exclusively managed through Surinamese infrastructure.

    The operation’s successful localization strategy has significantly strengthened domestic supply chains while creating substantial opportunities for Surinamese businesses within the growing offshore sector. Block 52 encompasses a substantial 4,750 km² area located approximately 140 kilometers offshore, featuring water depths ranging from 60 to 1,000 meters, presenting both technical challenges and substantial resource potential.

    The positive outcomes from Caiman-1 will enable Petronas to accelerate its assessment of viable development concepts while precisely defining the available hydrocarbon resources. This successful operation establishes a strong foundation for future commercial development and underscores Suriname’s emerging significance as a strategic player in offshore energy exploration.

  • Toerismesector slaat alarm: Goudwinning bedreigt voortbestaan Brownsberg Natuurpark

    Toerismesector slaat alarm: Goudwinning bedreigt voortbestaan Brownsberg Natuurpark

    The Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA) has issued an urgent environmental alert regarding the escalating crisis at Brownsberg Nature Park, an internationally recognized conservation and tourism destination in Brokopondo district. What initially began as concerns about inadequate maintenance has rapidly evolved into a full-scale ecological emergency due to proliferating gold mining operations.

    Multiple sites within the protected area now show severe degradation. The Witikreek area has been transformed into an active gold mining site, while guides at the Irene Falls recently confronted heavy machinery and experienced intimidation when attempting to document the destruction. Simultaneously, the Leo Valley sector continues to suffer from extensive deforestation and excavation caused by illegal mining activities.

    Industry representatives Dinesh Ramlal of Travel The Guianas, along with Dick Lock and Lieke Verwoerd of Unlock Nature, have formally communicated the tourism sector’s grave concerns to government authorities and relevant institutions. They emphasize the critical need for immediate intervention before Brownsberg sustains irreversible damage.

    SHATA’s communications underscore Suriname’s unique position: “As one of the world’s few nations where nature requires not restoration but merely protection, preserving Brownsberg has never been more urgent. In an era where healthy ecosystems are becoming increasingly scarce—and may soon hold greater literal value than gold—effective conservation is paramount.” The association notes that despite repeated warnings from NGOs, guides, tour operators, and concerned citizens, substantive protective measures remain absent.

    The association has outlined an eight-point action plan demanding:
    1. Immediate enforcement against illegal gold mining operations within and surrounding the park
    2. Establishment of a permanent security and surveillance outpost staffed by military police, regular police, or LBB personnel
    3. Development of a comprehensive, sustainable management strategy integrating conservation, security, and tourism
    4. Restoration of essential infrastructure including access roads and accommodation facilities
    5. Structured collaboration between government agencies, guides, tour operators, NGOs, and local communities
    6. Professionalization of the governing foundation STINASU
    7. Support for temporary initiatives including crowdfunding campaigns
    8. Creation of an investment-friendly framework for public-private partnerships

    SHATA maintains that while the situation remains critical, it is still reversible. With robust government intervention supported by tourism sector professionals and conservation experts, Brownsberg could be restored and repositioned as one of Suriname’s most valuable natural treasures.

  • Verdachten Pikin Saron in voorlopige vrijheid gesteld

    Verdachten Pikin Saron in voorlopige vrijheid gesteld

    In a significant judicial development, five defendants connected to the Pikin Saron case have been granted provisional release pending their appeal hearing. The decision was rendered by the Court of Appeal on December 9th, following a formal request submitted by defense counsel on October 21st.

    Presiding Magistrate Alida Johanns emphasized the preliminary nature of this ruling, stating that no determination of guilt or innocence has been made. “We can only note that clarity regarding evidence and individual culpability will emerge after thorough examination of testimony and legal arguments,” Johanns clarified during proceedings. The court explicitly mandated all defendants’ attendance at every future session.

    Defense attorney Milton Castelen welcomed the judicial decision, noting: “The court has unequivocally stated this release doesn’t prejudice questions of evidence, guilt, or eventual sentencing. It simply means these gentlemen may await further proceedings without detention—a fundamental right when no flight risk or evidence tampering concerns exist.”

    Castelen highlighted the court’s unusual indication to conduct a descente (site visit) to the location where alleged incidents occurred, interpreting this as demonstrating particularly thorough case scrutiny. The planned judicial inspection suggests appellate judges seek firsthand understanding of the geographical and contextual elements central to the allegations.

    The Pikin Saron case continues to develop through appellate channels, with future hearings expected to examine forensic documentation, witness accounts, and contextual evidence before reaching final adjudication.

  • ICC veroordeelt Soedanese militieleider Abd-Al-Rahman tot twintig jaar cel

    ICC veroordeelt Soedanese militieleider Abd-Al-Rahman tot twintig jaar cel

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) has imposed a 20-year prison sentence on Sudanese militia leader Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, marking a landmark ruling in one of the court’s most significant African war crimes cases. The conviction comes after Abd-Al-Rahman, widely known by his alias ‘Ali Kushayb,’ was found guilty on 27 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Darfur conflict.

    The extensive list of convictions includes murder, rape, torture, persecution, and other grave human rights violations. As a senior commander of the notorious Janjaweed militias, Abd-Al-Rahman was directly responsible for orchestrating systematic violence against civilian populations in Darfur beginning in 2003.

    ICC prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence demonstrating his central role in coordinating attacks that targeted non-Arab ethnic groups, resulting in widespread displacement, sexual violence, and mass casualties. The court’s sentencing deliberation emphasized the particular brutality of the crimes and their devastating impact on countless communities.

    This ruling represents a crucial milestone in the international community’s pursuit of accountability for atrocities committed during the Darfur conflict, which the United Nations estimates claimed approximately 300,000 lives and displaced over 2.7 million people. The ICC characterized the sentence as a vital step toward delivering justice for thousands of victims who suffered under the Janjaweed’s campaign of terror.

    The case sets important precedents for international justice mechanisms and demonstrates the ICC’s ongoing commitment to addressing impunity for mass atrocities, particularly in conflict zones where civilian populations face targeted violence.

  • Mentale gezondheid centraal tijdens driedaags programma SAO

    Mentale gezondheid centraal tijdens driedaags programma SAO

    Suriname’s Directorate of Welfare and Labor, in collaboration with the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO), has inaugurated a comprehensive three-day mental health awareness program at the SAO complex in Geyersvlijt. The initiative, which commenced on Monday, aims to educate 220 vocational trainees through group sessions limited to 25 participants each day until Wednesday.

    The preventive program focuses on critical mental health issues, including substance abuse recognition and addiction management. Participants receive specialized training on identifying early warning signs and accessing timely professional support. The Bureau of Addiction Care under the PCS delivers these sessions utilizing interactive presentations and multimedia materials to enhance engagement and knowledge retention.

    Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing officially inaugurated the thematic days, emphasizing the holistic development approach required for SAO trainees. “Our students must develop not only technical vocational skills but also social and mental resilience,” stated Jadnanansing during his opening address. He highlighted growing societal pressures facing youth, the dangers of substance abuse, and the critical importance of seeking professional help when needed. The Deputy Minister specifically referenced the government’s online support portal as a key resource for mental health assistance.

    The event featured additional addresses from Naomi Esajas-Friperson, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board, and Joyce Lapar, Director of SAO. Both officials urged young participants to make conscious lifestyle choices and remain receptive to the preventive information being offered. Their messages aligned with the program’s central theme: ‘Stop, Think, and Choose Consciously,’ reinforcing the importance of mindful decision-making in personal development.