Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Bolivia herstelt anti-drugsalliantie met VS na bijna 18 jaar

    Bolivia herstelt anti-drugsalliantie met VS na bijna 18 jaar

    In a significant foreign policy reversal, Bolivia has officially reopened its doors to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), ending a 17-year hiatus in bilateral narcotics cooperation. The administration of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025, has not only moved to restore diplomatic relations with the United States but has also initiated operational collaboration with the DEA to combat drug trafficking.

    Bolivian Interior Minister Marco Oviedo confirmed this week that DEA agents are already active within the country, marking a dramatic departure from the policies of former leftist president Evo Morales. “The DEA is in Bolivia,” Oviedo stated to local media. “Alongside this cooperation, we are also working with European intelligence and police organizations.”

    The initial focus of these joint efforts will be on enhancing border surveillance and dismantling powerful drug cartels. Oviedo emphasized that this represents just the beginning of Bolivia’s expanded international campaign, noting plans to involve anti-narcotics agencies from neighboring countries as well.

    This policy shift nullifies a 2008 decree by Morales, who expelled DEA agents while accusing the United States of using drug enforcement as a tool to pressure Latin American nations into aligning with its political and economic agendas. Morales, who led the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, enjoyed strong support from rural coca-growing regions where the crop represents a vital economic lifeline.

    The political landscape shifted dramatically in October 2025 when two right-leaning candidates advanced to a runoff election—center-right candidate Rodrigo Paz of the Christian Democratic Party and former conservative president Jorge Quiroga. Both made repairing relations with the U.S. a cornerstone of their campaigns, viewing it as essential to resolving Bolivia’s severe economic crisis.

    Paz, ultimately victorious with 54.9% of the vote, moved swiftly after his November inauguration to normalize diplomatic ties. The U.S. State Department has characterized Paz’s presidency as a “transformative opportunity” for the region, with both countries agreeing to exchange ambassadors for the first time in nearly 18 years.

    However, significant uncertainties remain regarding the extent of DEA operations in Bolivia. Leftist leaders like Morales retain substantial support, particularly in highland and rural areas. Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo indicated that negotiations are ongoing to define the specific terms and operational boundaries of DEA activities, with a comprehensive agreement expected within coming months.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of intensified U.S. anti-drug campaigns in Latin America under the Trump administration, which has designated multiple major cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” and employed economic sanctions and military threats to pressure governments in the region. Critics argue these policies have blurred lines between law enforcement and military actions, raising concerns about human rights violations and extrajudicial executions.

  • Drie Wakaypompen operationeel: water stroomt naar rijstpolders in Nickerie

    Drie Wakaypompen operationeel: water stroomt naar rijstpolders in Nickerie

    Three of the four crucial Wakayma pumps in Nickerie have resumed operations, marking a significant breakthrough in resolving the region’s agricultural water crisis. Following extensive repairs, pumps 1, 2, and 4 are now fully functional and actively channeling irrigation water to rice polders that had faced severe water shortages.

    The irrigation breakdown originated from a generator failure that powered the pumping system, abruptly halting water distribution to rice fields. This mechanical failure created substantial uncertainty among rice farmers, who faced immediate threats to both crop planting schedules and overall yield projections due to the interrupted water supply.

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (LVV) addressed the emergency by procuring and installing replacement generator equipment. Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim confirmed the successful completion of these critical repairs, stating that the three operational pumps are now performing according to technical specifications.

    Minister Noersalim informed Starnieuws that substantial water volumes are currently being pumped to Nickerie’s rice cultivation areas, with expectations that water delivery systems will achieve full stabilization within coming days. While the restoration of three pumps has alleviated immediate pressure on the rice sector, the timeline for returning the fourth pump to complete operational status remains undetermined. The ministry continues to monitor the situation to ensure consistent irrigation service restoration.

  • Column: Eye-opener

    Column: Eye-opener

    Suriname’s football landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since implementing the controversial sports passport system, with national team performances showing marked improvement. What began as a cautious approach by professional footballers has evolved into a strategic national development program that prioritizes quality over locality.

    The initial phase saw mostly late-career professionals joining the program, but as organizational structures improved, higher-caliber players gradually affiliated with the national setup. This quality injection has fundamentally challenged the position of locally-trained footballers in national selections, creating a divisive debate within Surinamese football circles.

    Despite evident progress, certain stakeholders continue advocating for mandatory inclusion of locally-developed players, claiming they match the capabilities of their internationally-trained counterparts. This perspective, described by critics as stemming from sentimental ‘tjepoti mentality’ rather than practical reality, ignores decades of disappointing results from sending underprepared local players to international competitions.

    Historical approaches saw numerous players dispatched without proper preparation, returning disillusioned while football authorities wasted crucial resources. Clubs failed to protect their players, and parents allowed their children to face these challenges without adequate support.

    The current football federation’s new direction faces opposition from forces creating subtle rivalries between players and their Netherlands-based families. This sabotage of the development project occurs even before youth players from renowned clubs have opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities.

    While Suriname possesses undeniable football talent, the development gap between locally-trained youth and those educated in advanced football nations like the Netherlands or America remains significant. The root cause appears to lie in training conditions, including knowledge resources and—most critically—the expertise of local coaches.

    Without discrediting locally-trained coaches, those who have experienced highest-level competition inherently bring different approaches and perspectives to player development. For local players to genuinely compete for national team positions without lowering standards, Suriname must recruit qualified coaches with top-level playing experience.

    A dual-track strategy is proposed: continue selecting foreign-developed youth players while simultaneously overhauling local youth development systems under qualified coaches who have played professionally. This requires establishing football schools for all categories of boys and girls staffed by former professional players with coaching certifications and modern training resources equivalent to top clubs.

    Only when these conditions are met can local footballers legitimately compete for national team selection based on quality rather than geographical origin—the fundamental principle driving sustainable football development.

  • Grassalco juridisch geen eigenaar, maar investeerde wel US$ 9 miljoen in GuySure

    Grassalco juridisch geen eigenaar, maar investeerde wel US$ 9 miljoen in GuySure

    An independent investigation has uncovered serious irregularities in Grassalco’s Guyana operations, revealing that the Surinamese state-owned company holds no legal ownership of its purported subsidiary GuySure. The findings expose a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement and questionable corporate governance within the state enterprise.

    The investigation, commissioned by Grassalco’s supervisory board, determined that despite being publicly promoted as the company’s first international expansion in May 2025—with former President Chan Santokhi personally attending the Georgetown opening ceremony—GuySure was actually established in 2021 as an independent entity under private ownership. Official registration documents from Guyana show the shareholders as Faye Hunte, Moria Kastiel, Abby-Gale Chona Jeanella Mers, Wanisha Priya Bharie, and Grassalco director Wesley Rozenhout, each holding 20% of the company’s 50 shares.

    Financial records examined during the investigation reveal alarming expenditure patterns: GuySure spent approximately US$9 million against only US$2 million in revenue, with costs attributed to logistics, transportation, port services, and land rental in Guyana. Crucially, investigators found no documentation proving share transfer to Grassalco, formal business plans, investment decisions, or return-on-investment analyses justifying the venture.

    The report further highlights systemic issues within Grassalco itself, noting that the company failed to produce audited financial statements from 2020 to 2025. These findings have created political sensitivity within the coalition government, particularly affecting the ABOP party which controls the Ministry of Natural Resources. Rozenhout, who was suspended on January 12 to ensure investigation integrity, faces separate charges regarding the disappearance of nearly 4 kilograms of gold from the company.

    In response to the crisis, Natascha Kalo (nominated by ABOP) has been appointed as delegated commissioner with enhanced powers to exercise tightened supervision over the state company. The National Assembly is concurrently addressing related interpellation proposals concerning other state entities, underscoring broader governance concerns within Suriname’s public sector.

  • U-20 Natio verslaat Frans Guyana met 2-0 en grijpt koppositie in poule A

    U-20 Natio verslaat Frans Guyana met 2-0 en grijpt koppositie in poule A

    Suriname’s U-20 national team delivered a commanding performance against French Guyana, securing a decisive 2-0 victory that positions them at the summit of Group A in the ongoing tournament. The young Surinamese squad demonstrated remarkable discipline and strategic maturity throughout the match, mirroring their previous game’s approach with controlled buildup play and calculated offensive maneuvers.

    The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when striker Xavi Dors capitalized on precise combination play, finding space to finish clinically and give Suriname a well-deserved lead. The first half saw Suriname maintain dominant possession with fluid ball movement and constant searching for open teammates, while French Guyana’s defense struggled to contain the offensive pressure despite preventing additional goals before halftime.

    Maintaining their systematic approach in the second half, Suriname continued creating numerous scoring opportunities. French Guyana’s goalkeeper made several impressive saves to deny a second goal temporarily. However, Dors sealed the victory in the 76th minute with alert anticipation after the opposition goalkeeper mishandled a wide pass. The composed striker controlled the ball expertly and finished with ice-cold precision.

    Dors’ double brings his tournament tally to six goals, establishing him as one of the competition’s most prolific scorers. This victory reinforces Suriname’s position as group leaders, showcasing their stability, organization, and efficiency—key factors boosting confidence for the tournament’s latter stages. The young Natio squad remains firmly in contention for continued success as they progress through the competition.

  • Overheid kondigt 312 sociale woningen aan in 2026

    Overheid kondigt 312 sociale woningen aan in 2026

    The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing of Suriname has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the nation’s housing crisis through a comprehensive social housing program. Deputy Minister Danielle van Windt-Beeldsnijder announced during a press conference that the government will deliver 312 social housing solutions throughout 2026, with funding allocated in the upcoming national budget.

    This initiative marks a significant revival of social housing construction, which had remained largely stagnant in recent years. The Housing Directorate confirmed the program represents a restart of essential housing infrastructure development, aiming to both alleviate housing shortages and restore public confidence in national housing policies.

    The diversified housing program will include:
    – 250 social rental units
    – 37 apartment complexes
    – 25 specially adapted residences for people with disabilities

    Construction will commence in April with the Koela project in Pontbuiten, which will eventually provide 94 social housing solutions, with 34 units completed in the initial phase. All properties will be managed by the Foundation for Social Housing in Suriname, with an independent, transparent committee overseeing allocation to ensure financially vulnerable families gain access to affordable and secure housing.

    Complementing new construction efforts, the existing building subsidy of SRD 100,000 remains available for citizens seeking to renovate, expand, or complete existing homes, demonstrating a dual approach addressing both new construction and improvement of current living conditions.

    The Directorate acknowledges that social housing development has seen minimal progress over the past decade. The new strategy emphasizes public-private partnerships as crucial to expanding construction capacity and responding more effectively to growing housing demands. Deputy Minister van Windf-Beeldsnijder emphasized that “trust is restored through actions,” highlighting the government’s commitment to tangible results.

    To strengthen institutional capacity, the Directorate has established a dedicated registration unit. Citizens can obtain information through the official WhatsApp channel at +597 897 9601.

  • Zuidoosten Brazilië: Minstens 30 doden en 39 vermisten na zware regenval

    Zuidoosten Brazilië: Minstens 30 doden en 39 vermisten na zware regenval

    A catastrophic weather event has struck Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and leaving 39 individuals unaccounted for following intense rainfall that triggered devastating floods and landslides. The cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá, separated by approximately 110 kilometers, have borne the brunt of this natural disaster.

    The state fire department has confirmed the casualties and initiated a large-scale emergency response operation involving 134 firefighters deployed across both municipalities. Their mission focuses on search and rescue efforts, providing immediate aid to affected communities, and stabilizing the critical situation.

    Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed profound condolences through social media platform X, emphasizing the government’s priority to deliver humanitarian assistance, restore essential services, support displaced persons, and facilitate reconstruction efforts.

    Juiz de Fora has reported approximately 440 residents displaced due to the catastrophic flooding and landslides. Municipal authorities have suspended school activities indefinitely due to unsafe conditions while specialized emergency teams continue their search operations.

    Mayor Margarida Salomão characterized the situation as ‘critical,’ noting that February has become the wettest month in the city’s recorded history with precipitation levels exceeding double the monthly average. The local administration has declared a state of emergency to expedite access to federal resources and support.

    The National Meteorological Institute (INMET) has issued severe weather alerts across 14 states, including entire territories of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. This crisis coincides with the peak of Brazil’s rainy season (December-March), which typically brings intense thunderstorms, flooding, and lethal mudslides.

    Compounding the tragedy, continuous rainfall since Monday afternoon has saturated soils already weakened by previous precipitation, significantly increasing risks of additional flooding and landslides.

    Local residents have expressed shock and grief. Jaqueline Teixeira, a Juiz de Fora resident, stated: ‘It was horrific; words cannot capture this tragedy. We can only pray for miracles and that those still alive will be found.’

    Firefighter Gabriel Vitor, deployed in Juiz de Fora, emphasized the severity: ‘This remains a precarious scenario with many people missing. Through collective effort, we will eventually locate everyone.’

    Emergency operations continue at full capacity with firefighters and civil protection services working to evacuate residents from high-risk zones while monitoring weather conditions for potential further developments.

  • Ontvoerde man levend en in veiligheid aangetroffen

    Ontvoerde man levend en in veiligheid aangetroffen

    In a remarkable turn of events, Steven Maito, the 41-year-old businessman violently abducted from his Zwartbontstraat residence on Thursday evening, has been located alive and in secure condition. The victim had endured hours of uncertainty after being seized by four armed and masked assailants in a meticulously planned operation.

    Police authorities have officially confirmed Maito’s safe recovery while expressing gratitude to all parties who contributed to determining his whereabouts. Investigators have maintained strict confidentiality regarding the precise circumstances of his discovery, citing the ongoing nature of the criminal investigation.

    The breakthrough in the case emerged Saturday when law enforcement located the victim’s stolen Toyota Vigo pickup truck abandoned in a remote wooded area near Zanderij. The vehicle has been impounded for comprehensive forensic analysis, with investigators describing this development as highly significant to understanding the violent abduction’s mechanics.

    According to the detailed statement provided by the victim’s wife, the traumatic incident unfolded approximately at 10:00 PM Thursday. She reported awakening to the sound of her husband’s vehicle, only to witness four masked figures dressed in black overpowering him on their property. The perpetrators were allegedly armed with handguns and potentially other heavy weaponry.

    Security footage from neighborhood cameras captured the chilling sequence of events: the assailants emerging from adjacent woodland, subduing the victim, and forcibly departing in his own vehicle toward the Santigronweg under threat of lethal force.

  • NDP: 25 februari blijft ideologisch fundament van de partij

    NDP: 25 februari blijft ideologisch fundament van de partij

    The National Democratic Party (NDP) of Suriname commemorated the 46th anniversary of the February 25th Revolution today, reaffirming its commitment to the ideological foundations established during the 1980 military intervention. Rather than treating the date as mere historical nostalgia, the party positions it as the bedrock of its political philosophy centered on national sovereignty, social justice, and economic independence.

    The revolution, spearheaded by the late Desiré Delano Bouterse and a cadre of young military officers, initially emerged as a political intervention but subsequently evolved into what the NDP describes as a broader national awakening. This transformative period fundamentally reshaped Suriname’s trajectory toward self-determination and collective national identity, breaking from external dependencies and internal divisions.

    At the core of the NDP’s ideology lie five foundational pillars that continue to guide its political platform:

    1. National Sovereignty and Self-Determination: Suriname maintains absolute autonomy in directing its political, economic, and diplomatic course without external influence or domination.

    2. Social Justice: Development must benefit all citizens equally, with guaranteed access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities alongside protection for socially vulnerable groups.

    3. Economic Independence: Strategic control over natural resources and domestic production sectors remains essential for sustainable growth and financial self-sufficiency.

    4. National Unity: The nation transcends ethnic, religious, and social differences, with unity in diversity serving as a prerequisite for stability and progress.

    5. Robust State Institutions: Effective governance requires strong institutions capable of steering development and safeguarding national interests.

    The NDP acknowledges the complex historical legacy of the revolution and recognizes that February 25th evokes diverse emotions within Surinamese society. However, the party maintains that this period represented a fundamental turning point in nation-building, shifting development metrics from purely economic indicators to encompass dignity, civic participation, and national pride.

    In light of contemporary challenges including economic pressures, global power shifts, and geopolitical tensions, the NDP calls for renewed national solidarity. The party emphasizes that current circumstances demand leadership grounded in the principles of sovereignty, justice, and courage that defined the revolution.

    On this 46th anniversary, the NDP extended congratulations to its members and the Surinamese people, expressing hope that ‘the spirit of courage, national unity, and self-determination will continue to inspire collaborative efforts toward building a strong, just, and independent Suriname.’

  • Personeel Melkcentrale legt werk neer: ‘Directeur Atompai moet blijven’

    Personeel Melkcentrale legt werk neer: ‘Directeur Atompai moet blijven’

    Employees of Melkcentrale NV initiated an unexpected work stoppage on February 25th in response to the announced termination of Director Monché Atompai and Deputy Director of Administrative Services Ritshik Adelaar. The protest effectively halted all production operations and forced the closure of the company’s retail outlet.

    According to staff spokesperson Assisa Alibug, the workforce was taken by surprise when Atompai revealed during a pre-protest address that external pressure was being applied to force his resignation and contract termination. Alibug stated that no substantive explanation was provided regarding the reasoning behind this decision, leaving employees deeply concerned about the company’s future direction.

    The spontaneous demonstration involved approximately 120-130 personnel across all organizational levels, including management, administrative staff, and production workers. In a show of solidarity, employees have initiated a petition campaign that has already gathered 105 signatures demanding the retention of both executives. Workers emphasized that their protest action was self-organized without any influence from management.

    Staff representatives cited Atompai’s successful leadership in stabilizing the company’s financial position, ensuring timely salary payments, and implementing improved operational processes as key reasons for their support. The duration of the work interruption remains uncertain, with employees indicating their actions will continue until management addresses their concerns.

    No official statement has been released by company ownership or governing authorities regarding the contractual decisions that prompted the labor action.