标签： Suriname

The appeal hearing for five men convicted for their roles in the May 2, 2023 disturbances in Pikin Saron faced significant delays as multiple witnesses failed to appear before the court on November 28th.

Judicial proceedings encountered obstacles when two subpoenaed witnesses did not attend the session. One individual cited excessive travel distance to the cantonment court as the primary reason for absence, while another witness reported psychological distress preventing them from confronting memories of the traumatic events.

Defense attorney Murwin Dubois presented arguments regarding witness accountability, stating: ‘No distance is too great when it comes to establishing truth.’ The lawyer formally requested the court to implement consequences for non-appearance, emphasizing the judicial process’s integrity requirements.

Additional logistical complications emerged regarding a third witness who received their summons too late to arrange attendance, and a fourth witness who had previously reported illness during earlier proceedings and consequently wasn’t subpoenaed for this session.

The defense team raised further concerns about detainee treatment, specifically requesting that defendants not be transported via prisoner transport vehicles as late as 7 or 8 PM following court sessions. Defendant G.Z. elaborated on psychological vulnerabilities, revealing: ‘I’m under psychiatric care and require sleeping pills to rest. We request to be taken seriously—three months have passed without resolution.’

The court has scheduled continuation of proceedings for December 9th, allowing time to address these procedural and logistical challenges.

Fifty years after Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands, one contentious issue remains persistently relevant: the Dutch passport. This document has evolved beyond mere travel authorization to become a tangible manifestation of unresolved historical inequalities stemming from the colonial era that continue to shape contemporary societal dynamics.

The practical advantages of possessing a Dutch passport create a stark divide among Surinamese citizens. Those holding the coveted burgundy-colored document enjoy unparalleled mobility, visa-free access to numerous countries, enhanced consular protection, and greater economic opportunities. In contrast, Surinamese passport holders face significant barriers, including arduous visa application processes, intense scrutiny of financial standing, and implicit questioning of their credibility when seeking international travel.

This disparity becomes particularly evident during international transit. At airports like Schiphol, Dutch passport holders can freely exit transit areas, rest in hotels, or explore during layovers. Meanwhile, those without equivalent travel documents may remain confined to transit zones for up to twenty-four hours—a physical manifestation of the inequality embedded in citizenship hierarchies.

The phenomenon extends beyond travel logistics into societal participation. Surinamese-Dutch citizens actively contribute to Suriname’s organizational structures and public discourse, yet retain the security of European Union protection when risks emerge. This dynamic creates an implicit power asymmetry where emotional connection to Suriname doesn’t necessarily translate to shared vulnerability or consequence.

Language and cultural expressions further reveal enduring colonial mentalities. Phrases like “That’s just Indian stories” (dismissing narratives as exaggeration) or “When black man eat, black man sleep” (implying laziness) perpetuate harmful stereotypes rooted in colonial justification narratives. These linguistic patterns continue to devalue indigenous knowledge systems and reinforce hierarchical thinking.

The ongoing debates surrounding passport privileges ultimately transcend practical concerns about mobility, touching upon fundamental questions of dignity, recognition, and equal treatment. The emotional connection to Surinamese identity exists independently from the geopolitical value of one’s citizenship documents, yet the world continues to make consequential distinctions based on passport colors.

Addressing these disparities requires honest acknowledgment of the parallel realities: the emotional landscape of national identity versus the geopolitical realities of passport privilege. Only through this recognition can meaningful dialogue begin toward establishing more equitable connections that honor both historical context and human dignity, regardless of which document one carries.

President Jennifer Simons of Suriname has declared vocational education the fundamental driver for broadening the nation’s economic base. During an orientation visit to the Natural Technical Institute (Natin) on Thursday, accompanied by Education Minister Dirk Currie, Simons emphasized that technical training must reduce dependency on emerging oil and gas revenues and strengthen other productive sectors.

Simons observed student demonstrations at the institute while arguing that despite oil and gas opportunities, Suriname must avoid single-sector dependency. She advocated for enhanced development in agro-industry, tourism, and manufacturing to reduce import reliance. The President also stressed the necessity of discipline and strong work ethics, noting: ‘While oil and gas revenues flow in, relatively few work directly in that sector. We must produce enough skilled professionals to develop other industries.’

Education Minister Currie reinforced that Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) should not be considered a secondary option but rather a crucial national investment. He referenced the ‘Three Cs’ principle—Competence, Craftsmanship, and Character—asserting that character development is indispensable for thriving in a rapidly evolving global landscape. ‘The world demands individuals who can execute, construct, and innovate. Competence and craftsmanship take you far, but character carries you much further,’ Currie emphasized.

Natin Director Iwan Ganga disclosed that the institution currently enrolls over 2,700 students across 18 specialized programs. This year, Natin expanded to Moengotapoe to improve accessibility. Ganga cautioned against excessive focus on oil and gas, stating: ‘We must prevent creating a society with unidirectionally trained professionals. We aim to respond to significant demand from other sectors, including agriculture.’

The presidential visit concluded with a tour of newly upgraded facilities, including practical workshops partially equipped by oil companies and Staatsolie. The institute will host another high-profile delegation next week—the Dutch royal couple during their December 1-3 visit to Suriname.

In a significant educational enhancement initiative, Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (LVV) has substantially expanded its support for special needs education through a strategic plant donation program. The LVV Wanica resort in Lelydorp, under the leadership of Resort Manager Ruben Piroe, has donated 150 vegetable plants to the SO/VSO Welgedacht C School, building upon a previous donation of 60 plants that brings the total contribution to 210 plants.

This initiative directly aligns with Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim’s vision to provide additional opportunities for children, particularly disadvantaged students, while stimulating practical skill development from an early age. The Welgedacht C School, located in the Wanica C resort, offers specialized education at both primary and secondary levels, with older students participating in vocational training programs including horticulture, carpentry, woodworking, construction, and culinary skills.

The ministry has identified a critical need for professional guidance in implementing horticultural activities within the school’s curriculum. Due to spatial constraints on the school premises, optimizing the educational garden presents significant challenges. In response, the LVV Wanica D resort has committed to close collaboration with LVV Wanica C to provide expert support in garden design and maintenance, ensuring maximum utilization of available space for practical education despite area limitations.

LVV officials emphasize that such initiatives are fundamental to youth development, particularly within special education frameworks. The ministry maintains its commitment to supporting educational institutions through knowledge transfer, material resources, and professional guidance to enhance students’ practical skills and future prospects. This comprehensive approach aims to foster self-sufficiency and agricultural expertise among young learners while addressing educational disparities through hands-on learning experiences.