标签： Suriname

Suriname, represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, emphasized the importance of deepening the CELAC-EU partnership and maintaining regular dialogue on shared challenges such as climate change, security, and peace. Speaking at the fourth CELAC-EU Summit of Heads of State and Government held on November 9, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia, Bouva called for enhanced trade relations and improved movement of people and goods between the two regions. The summit, organized by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), brought together leaders from 27 EU member states and 33 CELAC countries. Bouva highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment to strengthen long-standing cooperation based on shared interests and historical economic, social, and cultural ties. He expressed concern over rising tensions in the Caribbean and firmly opposed any external military presence that could threaten regional stability. As a member of CARICOM, Suriname advocated for peaceful coexistence, closer regional collaboration, and adherence to the principle of non-interference. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and security in alignment with the UN Charter. Bouva also noted Suriname’s focus on sustainable growth, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and promoting economic and climate diplomacy as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary on November 25, 2025. He highlighted Suriname’s unique position as one of the world’s most forested nations, with over 90% of its territory covered by forests, absorbing more carbon than it emits. Bouva urged high-emission countries to take responsibility by compensating nations like Suriname for their contributions to forest conservation. Additionally, Suriname stressed the need for improved access to climate financing and expressed support for the renewed CELAC-EU Roadmap 2025–2027, aimed at deepening bi-regional cooperation between Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe in the pursuit of partnership and peace.

Ronald Venetiaan, the three-time president of Suriname, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering integrity, Venetiaan’s passing has elicited widespread admiration from political adversaries, regional colleagues, and those who knew him intimately. Behind the formal accolades lies a man who epitomized dignified leadership, quietly setting an example for generations to come.\n\nVenetiaan was not one to seek the limelight. He avoided the trappings of fame, yet his carefully chosen words could command a room with ease. A master of language, he spoke with precision and respect, leaving a lasting impression on his audience. His speeches were not just words but profound reflections of his thoughtful nature.\n\nBeyond protocol, Venetiaan demonstrated a genuine concern for people. During international trips, whether signing the Caricom Single Market in Jamaica or visiting Washington at the invitation of President George H.W. Bush, he made time for journalists, valuing their role in society. He was approachable, even on sensitive matters, always measured in his responses. His strength lay in his restraint and clarity of thought.\n\nFor Venetiaan, power was not a tool for dominance but a responsibility to protect. In turbulent times, he remained a beacon of calm, steadfast in his principles. He was firm but never harsh, embodying the essence of a true statesman. As Wim Bakker aptly described him in a song, Venetiaan “wore his own coat,” never pretending to be someone he was not.\n\nVenetiaan’s respect for press freedom further underscored his commitment to democracy. While tensions with journalists occasionally arose, he understood the importance of their work and fostered an environment of openness and transparency. His legacy is a reminder that dignity is not imposed but lived.\n\nToday, Ronald Venetiaan is cremated in a private family ceremony. His voice, one of wisdom and integrity, will continue to resonate in Suriname and beyond. May eternal light shine upon him.

Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath has come under intense scrutiny following revelations that he continued to receive payments from the Foreign Exchange Commission, a body he was part of prior to his ministerial appointment. The allegations were brought to light by VHP faction leader Asiskumar Gajadien during the General Political Considerations (APB) in parliament. The accusations prompted immediate action, with Vice President Gregory Rusland vowing to investigate the matter. The probe confirmed that Gajadien’s claims held merit. President Jennifer Simons addressed parliament personally, revealing that the payments originated directly from the Foreign Exchange Commission, not the Ministry of Finance. Minister Monorath explained that he had verbally, not in writing, resigned from the Commission upon assuming his ministerial role. He claimed ignorance of the ongoing deposits into his account, stating, ‘I formally resigned, and the protocol dictates that payments should cease. I am surprised that deposits continued. I will notify the Commission to rectify this, as ministerial roles are incompatible with other public functions.’ Monorath added that he had not accessed his bank account for months, emphasizing, ‘I do not use online banking. If any funds were unlawfully received, they must be returned immediately.’ Gajadien criticized the incident as evidence of double standards and lack of transparency, asserting, ‘Whether it’s one month or five, this should not have happened.’ Documents revealed that the Commission had indeed requested the Ministry of Finance to halt payments. NDP faction leader Rabin Parmessar defended Monorath, shifting blame to the Ministry of Finance and referencing a similar case involving a former VHP minister. ‘Equal treatment is essential; those funds must also be returned,’ Parmessar stated, sparking claims from coalition members that the former minister never repaid the money.

The US Senate has taken a significant step toward resolving the nation’s longest-ever government shutdown, which has persisted for 40 days. On Sunday, a procedural vote saw 60 senators support a bill to restore federal funding until January 30, 2026. The proposal, introduced by Republicans and backed by a group of moderate Democrats, allocates funds for essential government services, including food assistance, veterans’ programs, and legislative operations. It also reopens federal agencies and recalls furloughed employees while compensating states for expenses incurred to sustain federal programs during the shutdown. The cloture vote, passed 60-40, allows further voting on the bill with a simple majority, increasing its likelihood of approval. However, the bill still requires House approval and President Donald Trump’s signature to take effect. Notably, eight Democratic senators broke party ranks to support the bill, including Dick Durbin (Illinois), Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire), and Tim Kaine (Virginia). Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer expressed concerns over the bill’s lack of provisions for Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare funding, which will be addressed in a separate vote before December. The shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats repeatedly opposed reopening without guarantees for ACA tax credits. Political analysts highlight internal Democratic discord following recent electoral victories, casting uncertainty over ACA subsidy negotiations. The prolonged shutdown has caused widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of over 2,000 flights and delays to 7,000 others on Sunday alone. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned of potential Thanksgiving travel chaos if the government remains closed. Additionally, food aid programs have faced delays, with the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington D.C. reporting a 20% increase in meals distributed to meet rising demand among unpaid federal workers.