标签： Suriname

The inaugural Afro-Surinamese religious organization Tata Kwasi ku Tata Tinsensi, established in May 2005, has issued a profound statement addressing historical accountability amid the current visit of Ashanti King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to Suriname. While acknowledging the symbolic significance of this historical encounter, the organization emphasizes that certain uncomfortable truths must be confronted regarding Africa’s complicity in the transatlantic slave trade.

The organization highlights that historical records definitively establish the Ashanti Kingdom as principal trading partners with Dutch colonial powers, actively participating in the capture and sale of enslaved Africans. They contend that this painful legacy cannot be overlooked during the king’s diplomatic visit without addressing ancestral responsibilities.

Tata Kwasi ku Tata Tinsensi insists that the Ashantehene, as leader of his people, must publicly acknowledge this historical role and express profound remorse to descendants of enslaved Africans in Suriname. The organization calls for a collective cleansing of what they term ‘internal baggage’ stemming from ancestral actions that violated human dignity.

The statement graphically details the horrific circumstances under which captives were transported from inland regions to coastal forts like Elmina—often by their own tribal members—enduring burned villages, physical injuries, and family separations before being traded at fortress gates and loaded onto slave ships.

Noting that Surinamese descendants rightly demand accountability from the Dutch state and monarchy, the organization maintains equal standards should apply to African leaders whose ancestors actively participated in the trade. They argue that without public acknowledgment and healing, what they metaphorically call ‘Africa’s maternal womb’ will find no peace.

In a broader context, the organization revealed parallel efforts to address the Vatican’s historical role, referencing Pope Nicholas V’s 1452 authorization allowing Portugal and Spain to trade Africans as commodities—a decision that initiated centuries of suffering and dehumanization.

District Commissioners Marlon Budike of Paramaribo-North and Ruchsana Ilahibaks of Paramaribo-Central have expressed general satisfaction with the cleanup efforts in their respective areas following the Srefidensi celebrations. While both officials would have preferred immediate cleanup after the festivities, the process could only begin once the public had fully dispersed. They emphasized that maintaining a clean city is a shared responsibility of every citizen.

Budike noted his contentment with the cleanup operations in key locations such as the Palmentuin, Grote Combéweg, and the entertainment district. Agreements were made in advance with event organizers, particularly for the Palmentuin, to ensure minimal post-event complaints from the community. “We aimed to reduce community grievances as much as possible after the celebrations,” Budike stated.

Ilahibaks highlighted that in Paramaribo-Central, celebrations continued into the early morning, delaying the start of cleanup crews until the public had left. She pointed out that event organizers are legally obligated to clean up the premises as per their permits but stressed that this is impossible while activities are ongoing. “We may decide to deny future permits if rules are not followed. Our focus will be on ensuring immediate cleanup once events conclude,” Ilahibaks told the Suriname Communication Service.

Both commissioners underscored that keeping the city clean is not solely the government’s responsibility but also that of its citizens. By properly disposing of waste or taking it with them, revelers can make a significant contribution. Budike and Ilahibaks called for greater societal awareness and responsible waste management practices.

A devastating fire that engulfed multiple high-rise buildings in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday has claimed 44 lives, marking one of the deadliest residential fires in the city’s recent history. The blaze, which rapidly spread through the apartment complexes, left 45 individuals critically injured and 279 others still unaccounted for. Witnesses described the flames as overwhelming, with one survivor recalling, ‘It felt like the fire was coming from all directions at once. We had no time to spare.’ Emergency exits were quickly filled with smoke, trapping many residents. The fire reportedly originated on the lower floors of one tower before spreading to adjacent buildings under unclear circumstances. Authorities have arrested three construction company employees—two directors and a technical advisor—on suspicion of gross negligence related to the building’s safety standards. Investigations revealed the use of highly flammable polystyrene panels, which blocked windows and significantly accelerated the fire’s spread. Inferior construction materials, failing to meet local safety regulations, were also discovered on-site. As the fire continued to rage on Thursday, hundreds of families anxiously awaited news of their missing loved ones at an impromptu identification center. The Hong Kong government has opened temporary shelters for displaced residents and announced a comprehensive investigation into building code compliance and oversight procedures. Housing Minister Anthony Ching emphasized the urgency of the inquiry, stating, ‘We must determine exactly what went wrong. Safety is paramount, and there will be consequences for any failures.’ The tragedy has reignited debates over the safety of older and under-construction residential buildings in Hong Kong, where high population density and limited space often lead to rushed and substandard construction projects.

The Suriname Police Force (KPS) has officially confirmed the adoption of a new tactical police uniform, which was first showcased during the Srefidensi Parade. This marks the end of nearly three decades of using the gray uniform introduced in 1995. Designed by police officers Levens Anastacio and Angelo Waterberg, the new uniform represents a significant modernization effort initiated in 2020, now fully approved and ready for widespread implementation. The decision to replace the outdated gray uniform stems from its inadequacy for tactical police operations. Internationally, many police forces have already updated their gear to enhance mobility and visibility in diverse conditions, and the KPS is following suit. The new uniform features a green tactical trouser, a polyester/dry-fit sweater, and a baseball cap. Notably, the design is not only more functional but also cost-effective, with production costs lower than the previous uniform. Key benefits include a unisex design, climate-appropriate materials, improved visibility, a professional tactical appearance, and reduced expenses. Additionally, the uniform incorporates elements of Surinamese identity, with color accents inspired by the national flag. The design underwent multiple revisions based on feedback from the force, and its public debut at the Srefidensi Parade served as the final test before official approval.