Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Cuba’s stroomnet stort opnieuw in: derde landelijke black-out in 10 dagen

    Cuba’s stroomnet stort opnieuw in: derde landelijke black-out in 10 dagen

    Cuba has entered another period of widespread national crisis after its entire national power grid collapsed completely early Tuesday local time, leaving nearly 10 million Cuban residents without access to electricity. This outage marks the third full-scale nationwide blackout to hit the Caribbean island in just 10 days, and the fifth such major event recorded across the country in 2026.

    According to Unión Eléctrica (UNE), the Cuban state-owned national power authority, the full system collapse began around 11 a.m. local time. The Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines later confirmed via social media platforms that all segments of the country’s interconnected power system had been completely taken offline.

    The repeated energy failures unfold against the backdrop of Cuba’s worst economic downturn in decades, a crisis that has been sharply exacerbated by a U.S.-imposed oil boycott that has cut off the island’s most critical energy supply lines. The U.S. trade embargo on oil shipments to Cuba deepened already severe fuel shortages across the island, pushing Cuba’s aging, outdated power grid – much of which was originally installed in the 1960s and 1980s – beyond its operational breaking point.

    The latest U.S. oil restrictions were implemented in January this year, shortly after the ousting of Venezuelan former president Nicolás Maduro. For decades, Venezuela served as Cuba’s primary supplier of heavily subsidized crude oil, a partnership that kept the island’s energy system running for generations. Following the U.S. imposition of the new boycott, Mexico also halted all fuel exports to Cuba under U.S. diplomatic pressure.

    Data from the International Energy Agency shows that as recently as 2023, Cuba only produced roughly 40 percent of the total oil its population and economy consumed annually, leaving the country overwhelmingly dependent on foreign energy imports to meet domestic demand.

    U.S. government officials have stated that the sanctions are explicitly designed to increase pressure on Cuba’s communist-led government to schedule free democratic elections and release hundreds of political detainees held in Cuban custody.

    The recurring, widespread blackouts have fueled growing public discontent across the island over the past two weeks. Just last week, spontaneous protests broke out in multiple neighborhoods across Havana, where residents banged pots and pans in coordinated demonstrations to demand the immediate restoration of power. During the previous round of national blackouts earlier this month, full power restoration across all regions of Cuba took more than 24 hours to complete.

  • Kennis uit Brazilië moet Inheemse dorpen wapenen tegen cassaveziekte

    Kennis uit Brazilië moet Inheemse dorpen wapenen tegen cassaveziekte

    A 12-member delegation from the Voluntary Indigenous Development Service (VIDS) has returned from a week-long knowledge-exchange mission to northern Brazil, bringing back critical new insights to fight Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease — a destructive pathogen that threatens cassava production and food stability for Indigenous communities across Suriname. The mission, held from July 2 to 9 in Oiapoque, Amapá state (a Brazilian region bordering Suriname and French Guiana), was backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the New Zealand Embassy, and forms a core part of the Women-Led Indigenous Action Against Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease initiative.

    The project centers the critical role women play in protecting food systems: in most Indigenous villages across the region, women are the primary stewards of cassava cultivation, responsible for both household food supply and community-level crop management. The delegation included Indigenous leaders, small-scale cassava farmers, youth representatives, and UNDP liaisons, who traveled across three local Indigenous villages — Ahumã, Curipi, and Kuahi — to learn on-the-ground disease management strategies. During site visits, the team inspected disease-affected cassava fields, exchanged insights with local Brazilian farmers who have successfully controlled outbreaks, and held working meetings with leading agricultural research bodies including Embrapa and Rurap, the Oiapoque Council of Indigenous Leaders, and an Indigenous women’s organization that leads regional disease response efforts.

    Through these engagements, the delegation gained hands-on training in three key areas: early identification of Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease symptoms, proven prevention practices to stop pathogen spread, and the development of local community surveillance systems that catch outbreaks before they decimate entire crops. Delegates also learned about climate-resilient safe cultivation techniques and the importance of using certified disease-free planting material to protect new crops.

    For VIDS, the mission is not a concluding step, but the starting point of a coordinated national response to the disease in Suriname. Over the coming months, mission participants will share their new expertise through a series of community workshops and village gatherings across Suriname, bringing practical, locally accessible training directly to Indigenous smallholders. Attendees will learn to recognize early disease signs, implement on-farm prevention measures, and adopt practices that slow the spread of the pathogen to healthy fields. Feedback and on-the-ground outcomes from these community sessions will then be shared back with VIDS to refine the national disease response strategy for Suriname.

    Cassava is far more than a staple crop for Suriname’s Indigenous communities: it is a primary source of household income, and a core element of Indigenous cultural heritage. The spread of Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease has emerged as a major threat to both food security and livelihoods across the country’s rural Indigenous villages. VIDS officials note that the cross-border knowledge exchange will lay the groundwork for a more coordinated, community-led response to the disease, protecting existing cassava plantations and securing long-term food stability and economic resilience for Indigenous communities across Suriname.

  • Ruim 1.860 kilo drugs verbrand na onderschepping op Surinamerivier

    Ruim 1.860 kilo drugs verbrand na onderschepping op Surinamerivier

    In a public, transparency-focused operation held Tuesday in Kraka, Suriname’s Para district, law enforcement officials incinerated nearly 1,864 kilograms of seized illicit drugs with an estimated street value of more than $5.5 million. The large narcotics shipment was uncovered less than a week prior, following a targeted interception carried out by the country’s Justice Intervention Team (JIT) along the Suriname River.

    JIT team leader Radjinderkoemar Panchoe outlined the details of the interception in press statements: the contraband was hidden aboard a low-profile small cargo vessel called a barkas, which had departed from Dijkveld and was en route to the river’s mouth when JIT agents stopped the craft. After diverting the boat and its passengers to the Coast Guard jetty near the MAS area, law enforcement conducted a thorough search, ultimately uncovering the cache hidden in a secret compartment. The seizure consisted of 1,616 individual packages, each weighing approximately one kilogram on average.

    When questioned by reporters about the relatively fast timeline for destroying the seized drugs, Panchoe emphasized that the operation strictly followed the public prosecutor’s office established protocols and policy. He clarified that destruction only proceeds after all required legal procedural steps are completed, including full documentation of the shipment’s weight, the collection and securing of test samples for mandatory chemical analysis. As of the operation date, authorities have taken 10 people into custody in connection with the smuggling plot: one Surinamese national and nine foreign citizens.

    To prepare the narcotics for incineration, officials layered the packages between fuel pellets and discarded vehicle tires, before dousing the entire stack with accelerant. The entire pile was set ablaze shortly after preparation, with members of the press present to observe the full process. Before the incineration, authorities conducted random sample testing to confirm the packages contained illicit narcotics, and allowed reporters to select which packages to test. Two separate testing methods confirmed all selected packages contained illegal drugs, matching the contraband packaging descriptions.

    A key detail emerging from the seizure is that the individual packages bore distinct logos from multiple different groups, a marker Panchoe said indicates the shipment sourced from multiple separate producers. He reiterated a key point about Suriname’s role in global drug trafficking: the country does not produce illicit narcotics, and shipments are typically trafficked into Suriname across air, sea, and land routes before being moved onward to international markets. Early investigations indicate this large seized shipment was ultimately bound for foreign destinations, Panchoe added, noting the probe into the smuggling network remains ongoing.

    The public destruction operation represents part of Suriname’s ongoing push to disrupt transnational drug trafficking networks that use the country as a transit hub. By allowing press access to both testing and incineration, authorities aimed to demonstrate accountability and highlight the progress of anti-trafficking enforcement efforts.

  • Somohardjo na verhoor: Ik heb mijn kant van het verhaal verteld

    Somohardjo na verhoor: Ik heb mijn kant van het verhaal verteld

    In a development in an active criminal investigation in Suriname, former minister and sitting National Assembly member Bronto Somohardjo from the Pertjajah Luhur (PL) party was questioned by authorities for approximately two hours on Tuesday.

    The questioning came weeks after Suriname’s National Assembly approved a request from the Public Prosecution Service to formally charge Somohardjo, a vote that resulted in the lifting of his parliamentary immunity. This procedural step cleared the way for law enforcement to advance the ongoing criminal investigation that has been underway against the lawmaker.

    Following his interrogation, Somohardjo spoke publicly with local Surinamese outlet Starnieuws, stating he was satisfied that he finally had the opportunity to present his side of the narrative surrounding the case. He emphasized that he had answered every question put to him truthfully to the best of his knowledge, and had extended full cooperation to the investigative team.

    “I am glad that I finally got the opportunity to tell my version of events,” Somohardjo told reporters. “I answered all questions honestly and to the best of my knowledge, and I have given my full cooperation to the investigation.”

    The lawmaker added that he would not be commenting on the specific content of questions asked or statements he gave during questioning, out of respect for the ongoing investigation. He also stressed that he retains full confidence that the probe will be conducted in a careful, objective and independent manner.

    Amid the ongoing investigation, Somohardjo confirmed that he will continue to fulfill his duties as an elected member of the National Assembly without interruption. His priority, he says, remains serving the people of Suriname and carrying out his responsibilities as their elected representative.

    Local reporting also indicates that Somohardjo is not the only person targeted in this investigation, with multiple additional suspects currently identified by authorities as part of the case.

  • Vakopleiding moet inwoners van Saramacca aan eigen inkomen helpen

    Vakopleiding moet inwoners van Saramacca aan eigen inkomen helpen

    In a milestone for Suriname’s national workforce development initiative, 50 residents of the Saramacca district have successfully completed vocational training programs organized by the Labor Mobilization and Development Foundation (Stichting Arbeidsmobilisatie en Ontwikkeling, SAO), earning their official certificates during a ceremony held Monday at the Saramacca District Commissioner’s meeting hall.

    The graduation is part of the national ‘Wroko Fu Mek Moni’ project, which aims to expand accessible skills training across the country. Trainees completed courses in three high-demand fields: textile crafts, GAWASA (public water and sanitation) maintenance, and residential electrical installation. Beyond their official certificates, each graduate received a tailored starter kit to support immediate entry into the workforce: sewing machines for textile trainees, and specialized professional tool sets for GAWASA and electrical graduates. These kits are designed to remove key barriers to launching independent work or applying new skills immediately in professional roles.

    A unique hands-on component of the training gave trainees the chance to practice their skills while contributing to public good. During the program, participants completed improvement work at a local Saramacca school, replacing outdated faucets and lighting fixtures and removing old, inefficient ventilation units. The opportunity let them refine their techniques in real-world settings while upgrading public infrastructure for the community.

    Speaking at the certificate ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor Raj Jadnanansing emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in national workforce development. He stressed that financial barriers should not stop any person from learning a trade and achieving economic independence. Jadnanansing noted that SAO’s certification is recognized for high-quality vocational training, and directly improves graduates’ competitiveness in the national job market. The core goal of the ‘Wroko Fu Mek Moni’ project, he explained, is to help trainees generate their own sustainable income, reducing reliance on family support or social welfare programs. He urged graduates to leverage their new tools and skills to build long-term, stable income streams and grow as independent entrepreneurs.

    Looking ahead, Jadnanansing announced that the vocational training project will launch soon in the Wanica district, expanding the program’s reach to more job seekers across Suriname. He also called on district commissioners to proactively share data on local demand for specific vocational skills, so the program can align its course offerings with the needs of regional labor markets, improving employment outcomes for all participants.

    SAO Director Joyce Lapar, alongside representatives of the SAO Board of Directors and the Saramacca District Commissioner’s office, also extended congratulations to the graduating class. All speakers echoed the shared message that practical, job-focused vocational training is critical not only for individual personal and economic growth but also for driving broader socioeconomic development across Suriname’s districts.

  • SLM voldoet aan internationale luchtvaartnormen en ziet nieuwe groeikansen

    SLM voldoet aan internationale luchtvaartnormen en ziet nieuwe groeikansen

    Suriname’s flagship national carrier, Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (SLM), has announced it has successfully completed a mandatory international audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a milestone that confirms the airline meets all global aviation safety and quality benchmarks, according to SLM Chief Executive Officer Johan Sandie. The successful outcome clears the path for new strategic commercial partnerships and long-term expansion for the Caribbean nation’s airline.

    The audit, known as the SARPcheck Phase 1 Audit, was carried out on-site between July 6 and July 9. It was designed to assess how closely SLM’s operations align with ICAO’s globally recognized Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) for commercial aviation. During the four-day review, independent auditors evaluated core areas of the airline’s business, including day-to-day operational workflows, formal safety management protocols, enterprise-wide quality control systems, and organizational governance and structure.

    Sandie attributed the passing result to months of rigorous preparation and the consistent dedication of SLM’s entire workforce. In an official statement released via the Communication Service of Suriname, Sandie noted: “This achievement is the product of hard work, thorough preparation, and the unwavering professionalism of our employees.”

    Beyond serving as an independent validation of the airline’s quality standards, the successful audit opens major new commercial opportunities for SLM, according to its top executive. Meeting ICAO’s global requirements significantly boosts the airline’s chances of securing new strategic partnerships, particularly with companies operating in Suriname’s fast-growing emerging oil and gas sector. “Firms working in the oil and gas industry place extremely high demands on safety and quality service delivery,” Sandie explained. “Now that we can formally prove we meet their required standards, this unlocks a range of new business opportunities for us.”

    SLM also expects the certification to deliver broad benefits to Suriname’s tourism sector. Sandie pointed out that international travelers and business partners increasingly prioritize compliance with global quality standards when selecting aviation partners. As such, the airline plans to leverage the successful audit result prominently in its global marketing and brand positioning efforts.

    Another key area of expected expansion is deeper operational collaboration with neighboring French Guiana. Sandie noted that French regulatory and aviation organizations place significant emphasis on adherence to international ICAO standards, meaning the formal certification will remove long-standing barriers to closer partnership between SLM and regional stakeholders in French Guiana.

    Looking ahead, Sandie emphasized that the positive travel experience SLM delivers to passengers is rooted in rigorous behind-the-scenes process management. The airline already maintains internal quality, safety, and security programs that align with the most stringent international requirements, he added.

    The audit also identified one key priority for continued improvement: further organizational digital transformation. SLM’s operations division is already developing an integrated digital documentation system designed to streamline core processes and reduce the risk of human error. The airline also plans to expand its digital training offerings for staff, allowing employees to complete required professional development courses on a flexible schedule that fits around their work commitments.

    For SLM, passing the ICAO audit is far more than just international recognition of current performance. Company leadership calls the outcome a defining milestone that strengthens the airline’s reputation as a reliable regional aviation partner and builds a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term growth in the years ahead.

  • Politie en leger houden 14 gewapende Chinezen aan in Sarakreek

    Politie en leger houden 14 gewapende Chinezen aan in Sarakreek

    A coordinated joint security operation carried out by the Suriname Police Corps (KPS) and the Suriname National Army has resulted in the arrest of 14 Chinese nationals in the remote Sarakreek area, alongside the seizure of multiple firearms and an undisclosed quantity of ammunition, Suriname’s Justice and Police Ministry confirmed earlier this month.

    The operation was launched after Surinamese authorities received multiple tips and video footage showing armed Chinese individuals patrolling the Sarakreek region while wearing matching uniforms. Following inter-agency consultations with the Public Prosecution Service and the President’s Cabinet, officials approved the immediate deployment of a combined police-military task force to the area, supported by two National Army helicopters. The entire mission was commanded by the KPS’s regional commander for central Suriname.

    When the operation concluded, 14 Chinese men were taken into custody, and law enforcement personnel recovered a cache of weapons including semi-automatic firearms, other heavy weaponry, and stockpiled ammunition. Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath told local outlet Starnieuws that officials are still unable to release an exact count of seized weapons, as the full inventory process was delayed after one of the deployed helicopters suffered an unplanned technical malfunction. All 14 suspects have since been transported to the capital Paramaribo, where ongoing criminal investigations and pre-trial legal proceedings are underway.

    Circulating social media footage and a public Facebook video showed Ronald Brunswijk, chairman of Suriname’s General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP), was present at the operation site. Minister Monorath clarified that Brunswijk did not lead the mission, which remains fully under the command of Surinamese security forces. According to Monorath, Brunswijk traveled to the area independently to conduct on-site assessments and shared relevant information with official authorities.

    Monorath also noted that not all of the detained Chinese men are in Suriname illegally, with a portion holding valid immigration documentation. Officials have declined to speculate on the exact purpose of the group’s armed presence in Sarakreek. Initial unconfirmed reports suggest the men may have been working on private security operations, but Monorath emphasized that formal investigation will clarify their activities. He stressed that Suriname maintains its own official domestic security agencies, including the national police and military, and the inquiry will fully examine why the group was operating in an armed, uniformed capacity in the region. Officials say they will wait for the outcome of pre-trial hearings and the full criminal probe before releasing an official statement on the case.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Spanje met masterclass Tiki Taka langs Frankrijk naar finale

    Derde helft WK 2026: Spanje met masterclass Tiki Taka langs Frankrijk naar finale

    A high-stakes international football semi-final clash between two former champions unfolded on July 14 in front of a capacity crowd at Dallas’ stadium, with Spain claiming a dominant 2-0 win over France to book their spot in the tournament final. Both sides entered the fixture having navigated a strong group stage and won all their knockout matches in regulation time, leaving them fresher heading into the semi-final than the two other remaining contenders in the competition. Refereed by Ivan Barton, the match got off to a cautious start, with both teams testing each other out and taking barely any attacking initiative in the opening exchanges, resulting in a largely uneventful first 45 minutes of play.

    Ten minutes into the match, Spain earned a promising opportunity to break the deadlock when Álex Baena stepped up to take a free kick just on the edge of the French penalty area. However, his effort hit the French defensive wall without posing any real threat to France’s goalkeeper. A few minutes later, French winger Michael Olise committed a reckless foul on Spanish midfield anchor Rodri, but referee Barton opted not to issue any punishment, allowing Olise to escape without sanction. After 15 minutes of play, Ousmane Dembélé played a perfectly weighted through ball to star forward Kylian Mbappé, who spotted Spanish goalkeeper Simon off his line. The Spanish backline reacted quickly, however, and blocked Mbappé’s attempt before he could get a clean shot off.

    In the 20th minute, Spain was awarded a penalty after French full-back Lucas Digne made an awkward, ill-timed challenge on Lamine Jamal inside the box. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to the spot and coolly slotted his effort past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, putting Spain up 1-0. In the 38th minute, Fabián Ruiz came close to doubling Spain’s lead after a slick series of passing combinations, but Dayot Upamecano made a last-ditch block to deny the Spaniard and keep the scoreline intact heading into halftime. France had a handful of late chances in the closing minutes of the first half, but star man Mbappé was caught offside on multiple attempts, while Olise turned the ball over repeatedly, breaking up French attacking momentum before it could develop. With no further goals scored, the two teams went into the halftime break with Spain holding a narrow 1-0 lead.

    The pattern of play remained largely unchanged after the interval. Spain closed down all passing lanes to France’s key playmakers, restricting the French side to very little space to build their attacking rhythm. The Spanish controlled possession through the middle of the pitch, led by their midfield talisman Rodri, and avoided taking unnecessary risks that could let France back into the match. Mbappé and his attacking teammates were unable to penetrate Spain’s compact defensive shape or disrupt their steady circulation of the ball.

    The second goal for Spain came after a neat one-two combination between Dani Olmo and full-back Pedro Porro, who finished the move to put Spain up 2-0. Just after the hour mark, Lamine Jamal found the back of the net for what would have been Spain’s third goal, but the strike was ruled out for an offside call. In the final minutes of the match, France pushed hard in desperate search of a goal to get back into the tie, but Spain held firm defensively to preserve their clean sheet and 2-0 advantage. With the win, the European champions advanced to the tournament final, where they will await the winner of the second semi-final match to be played between the other two remaining contenders.

  • WK-spelers vertragen start La Liga voor Barcelona en Real Madrid

    WK-spelers vertragen start La Liga voor Barcelona en Real Madrid

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s final four stage has triggered an unexpected schedule shake-up for Spain’s top-flight football competition La Liga, forcing two of its most iconic clubs – Barcelona and Real Madrid – to delay the start of their 2026-27 domestic campaigns. The league’s governing body made the call after recognizing that a large share of both clubs’ star squads are still competing in the World Cup’s critical semi-final matches, which require players to remain in peak competitive condition through the tournament’s late stages.

    The first of the 2026 World Cup semi-finals pits France against Spain, scheduled for Tuesday, with the second semi-final between England and Argentina kicking off one day later to decide the second spot in the World Cup final. Multiple high-profile players from La Liga’s two giants feature prominently across these national squads. For host nation Spain, Barcelona young sensation Lamine Yamal and playmaker Dani Olmo are expected to play key roles in their semi-final clash. England, meanwhile, counts Barcelona’s Anthony Gordon and Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or nominee Jude Bellingham among its core starting lineup. Over on France’s side, Real Madrid’s two biggest recent acquisitions – superstar forward Kylian Mbappé and holding midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni – are central to the French team’s bid to reach a second consecutive World Cup final.

    Originally, the new La Liga season was set to kick off on the weekend of August 15 and 16. Under the original schedule, Barcelona was slated to open its title defense with a home fixture against Athletic Bilbao on that opening weekend. Following the schedule adjustment, this match against Athletic Bilbao has been pushed back to August 27. Instead, Barcelona will now play its first official match of the season against Elche on August 23.

    For Real Madrid, the schedule shift also changes the timeline of a highly anticipated managerial return. The club’s original opening match against Real Sociedad has been rescheduled to August 26. This means José Mourinho, who returned to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second spell as head coach, will now lead Los Blancos in his first match of his new tenure against Espanyol one week later than initially planned.

    Not all La Liga clubs are affected by the change, however. Atlético Madrid, for example, will retain its originally scheduled opening match against Málaga at home on August 19, despite having two key Argentine players – Julián Álvarez and Nahuel Molina – still competing in the World Cup semi-finals. The league did not explain why the Madrid-based side’s fixture was not adjusted.

    The schedule reshuffle underscores the growing impact that the expanded late-year World Cup has on European domestic club competitions. It also highlights the growing collaborative approach between league governing bodies and top European clubs to manage player workload, prioritizing adequate recovery time for stars who spend months competing in international tournaments before the domestic season even begins, to help them hit the ground running once they return to club action.

  • Wetenschapper Ine Apapoe benoemd op prestigieuze Prins Claus-leerstoel

    Wetenschapper Ine Apapoe benoemd op prestigieuze Prins Claus-leerstoel

    A historic milestone in international academia has been announced: Dr. Ine Apapoe, a leading public administration scholar from Suriname, will become the first person of Surinamese origin to hold the prestigious Prince Claus Chair for Equality and Development at Utrecht University starting September 1, 2026. Her two-year appointment will run through August 31, 2028, marking a significant breakthrough for representation of Global South scholars in high-profile European academic roles.

    Established as a joint initiative between multiple academic institutions, the Prince Claus Chair is awarded annually to distinguished researchers from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The chair is a collaborative effort between Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Utrecht University’s Institutions for Open Societies strategic research theme, and Utrecht University’s Department of Governance and Organization Studies, in partnership with the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Its core mission is to advance cutting-edge research and education focused on global development, justice, and equity, and it ranks among the most respected academic appointments in this field. The chair’s patron is Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, and its curatorium is led by former Dutch minister Bert Koenders.

    During her tenure, Dr. Apapoe will center her research on inclusive governance and tribal societies, with a specific focus on Suriname’s Maroon communities, descendants of formerly enslaved Africans who escaped to form independent settlements in the country’s interior. Her work will explore a critical policy and social question: how can traditional Indigenous and tribal communities be more meaningfully included in decision-making processes that shape their own development and the governance of their traditional lands and living territories? Even after taking up the chair at Utrecht University, Dr. Apapoe will maintain her academic affiliation with Anton de Kom University of Suriname, where she will continue her existing work in teaching, research, and public service.

    Dr. Apapoe is a veteran expert in governance studies with more than 15 years of academic experience. She has been affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences at Anton de Kom University since 2010, where she teaches in the public administration program. She earned her PhD from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2024, completing her doctoral dissertation on the interaction between modern state governance and traditional governing structures within Suriname’s Maroon communities. Her broader research agenda covers core themes including local governance, traditional authority, land rights, livelihood security, and good governance. Most recently, she secured research funding to study the under-examined role of female Maroon captains in community decision-making processes.