标签： Suriname

At the commencement of the General Political Deliberations (APB) in the National Assembly of Suriname, a moment of silence was observed to honor the passing of former President Ronald Venetiaan on November 5. Unanimously, all political factions acknowledged that Suriname has lost not only a political giant but also one of its most exemplary statesmen in multiple respects. Venetiaan was widely praised for his unwavering commitment to ethics, values, and norms, his profound love for Suriname, and his exemplary character. Steven Reyme, the leader of the A-20 faction, urged the current political generation and society at large to follow Venetiaan’s example. He described Venetiaan as the embodiment of servant leadership, having served Suriname in various capacities, including as a poet, teacher, union leader, minister, parliamentarian, family man, and three-time president. Reyme lamented that ‘prophets are often not sufficiently appreciated in their own land during their lifetime,’ but called on current leaders to adopt Venetiaan’s principles, which are sorely needed. Dorothy Hoever, a member of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), of which Venetiaan was a long-time chairman, highlighted his steadfastness, balance, faith, and commitment to truth. She remarked, ‘A great Surinamese has departed.’ President Jennifer Simons, speaking on behalf of the government, expressed condolences to Venetiaan’s family and confirmed that his wish to be buried without state honors would be respected. Simons, who knew Venetiaan since her school days, emphasized that his legacy of service to others would endure, transcending human differences.

The National Assembly of Suriname commenced its annual General Political Reflections (APB) today, marking a pivotal moment for political discourse and evaluation. This tradition precedes the budget discussions and offers a platform for political parties to share their perspectives on the nation’s socio-economic, governance, and foreign relations landscape. The APB serves as a critical forum for dialogue between party leaders and the President, setting the stage for policy formulation and national priorities.

In a decisive move, Suriname’s President has intervened to halt ongoing discussions regarding the export of bauxite from West Suriname, emphasizing that no agreements or negotiations have been conducted on behalf of the government. This development comes amidst a backdrop of historical controversies surrounding bauxite deals, including past attempts by former ministers to renegotiate terms with foreign entities at the eleventh hour. The President’s firm stance has been echoed by the Vice President, who assured that all potential investors are being kept informed and that any processing of bauxite must occur domestically, with due consideration for indigenous interests. However, the President’s recent public statements have caused confusion among some, particularly following the visit of a Chinese mining company’s CEO to Suriname. The President also addressed broader issues of land allocation, declaring that all land grants since 2018 are illegal and that a thorough review will be conducted to legitimize rightful allocations. This process is expected to be a monumental task, potentially involving hundreds of legal cases and significant financial implications for the state. The President’s proactive measures aim to rectify past irregularities and ensure that Suriname’s natural resources are managed in the best interest of its citizens.

Jennifer Vreedzaam, a member of Suriname’s National Assembly (NDP), has formally requested the Attorney General and the Minister of Agriculture to investigate the contentious allocation of over 113,000 hectares of land in the Wayambo region. Vreedzaam alleges potential legal violations and the infringement of indigenous rights in the communities of Cornelis Kondre and Donderkamp. The land, allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) for agricultural purposes on November 16, 2022, spans 27,925 hectares. Vreedzaam argues that the allocation process may have bypassed legal procedures, particularly those safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities as outlined in the 1982 Decree on State Land Allocation. She highlights the presence of visible communities, agricultural activities, and hunting grounds on the allocated land, raising concerns about the lack of prior consultation or consent from local residents. The case draws parallels to a 2015 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which condemned Suriname for human rights violations in the Kaliña and Lokono case. Vreedzaam also points to the inclusion of the protected Coroniezwamp area in the allocation, further complicating the issue. She calls for accountability, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal frameworks, including the 2017 Anti-Corruption Law. The letter underscores the importance of protecting indigenous rights and ensuring proper governance in land allocation processes.