Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • BGVS meldt verlies van US$ 1,3 miljoen aan vervallen medicijnen

    BGVS meldt verlies van US$ 1,3 miljoen aan vervallen medicijnen

    Suriname’s national drug supply agency faces a substantial financial and logistical challenge following the expiration of pharmaceuticals worth approximately $1.3 million. The Bedrijf Geneesmiddelenvoorziening Suriname (BGVS) has formally reported the situation to Health Minister André Misiekaba, detailing both the immediate disposal requirements and underlying systemic issues.

    According to BGVS Director Quincy Joemai, the expired medications represent previously purchased and paid-for supplies that were not utilized within their shelf life. The substantial volume of expired drugs has created significant storage complications, forcing the agency to relocate the materials to an external warehouse three times larger than their previous facility. ‘We faced a critical space shortage,’ Joemai explained through the Suriname Communication Service. ‘This warehouse allows secure storage pending destruction.’

    The disposal process presents considerable challenges, with BGVS currently negotiating with hospitals possessing incineration capabilities to ensure environmentally compliant destruction. Burial or dumping remains prohibited under national environmental regulations. ‘These materials require appropriate destruction methods, but the associated costs are substantial,’ Joemai noted.

    To mitigate financial pressures, authorities are exploring cost offsetting through outstanding hospital debts. Additionally, officials are developing a method to remove medications from their packaging before disposal, reducing volume and weight to lower transportation and destruction expenses. The complete disposal operation is projected to require one to two years given the massive scale of expired inventory.

    Beyond immediate disposal concerns, BGVS is implementing organizational reforms addressing deeper structural issues. Director Joemai inherited significant operational and financial challenges upon appointment, including critically low inventories and substantial debts. ‘We first needed rescue operations, now we’re in the recovery phase,’ he stated.

    Despite current challenges, the agency reports gradual improvement in medication availability, with drugs listed on the National Medicines Formulary increasing from 18% to 21% availability. ‘Quality remains our priority,’ Joemai emphasized. ‘Medications only receive distribution approval after thorough verification by our pharmacists and laboratory personnel.’

    Healthcare observers indicate this $1.3 million loss underscores the urgent need for enhanced inventory management, refined procurement planning, and improved distribution systems to prevent future recurrence of such substantial waste.

  • Brand in olieraffinaderij in Havana verergert Cubaanse brandstofcrisis

    Brand in olieraffinaderij in Havana verergert Cubaanse brandstofcrisis

    A significant fire erupted at the Nico Lopez oil refinery in Havana Bay on Friday, threatening to intensify Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis as the nation grapples with a US-imposed fuel blockade. While the blaze originated in a storage warehouse rather than near critical oil tanks, the incident highlighted the country’s precarious energy situation.

    Cuban authorities confirmed the fire has been fully extinguished with no casualties reported. The Ministry of Energy and Mines stated that operations at the facility have returned to normal while investigations continue into the cause. The incident occurred near two oil tankers docked in Havana harbor, though the flames did not spread to adjacent areas.

    This industrial accident compounds Cuba’s severe economic challenges, particularly its dependence on imported fuel. The nation historically relied on Venezuelan oil imports, but these shipments ceased following last month’s abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces. President Donald Trump’s recent executive order further enables trade tariffs against any country supplying oil to the island nation.

    The fuel shortage has triggered widespread power outages across Cuba, disrupting public transportation and forcing reductions in hospital staffing. Educational institutions have limited operations, government employees work four-day weeks, and some hotels have temporarily closed.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned of potential humanitarian collapse in Cuba without immediate energy assistance. The arrival of two Mexican naval vessels carrying over 800 tons of humanitarian aid to Havana on Thursday underscores the growing international concern.

    Maritime tracking experts report no foreign fuel tankers have reached Cuban ports in weeks, leaving the country capable of producing only one-third of its total fuel requirements domestically. Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos de Cossio accused the US of implementing “collective punishment” against the Cuban people, stating that fuel shortages damage transportation, healthcare, education, power generation, food production, and overall living standards.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized Washington’s oil restrictions as “unjust” while advocating for renewed dialogue between Cuba and the United States.

  • LVV start trainingstraject om lokale kipproductie fors te vergroten

    LVV start trainingstraject om lokale kipproductie fors te vergroten

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) of Suriname will initiate a comprehensive nationwide training program in March, targeting young and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in entering the poultry sector. This strategic move aims to significantly increase domestic chicken production and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported poultry products.

    Currently, Suriname imports approximately 65% of its consumed chicken, with only 35% originating from local production—a balance the government is determined to change. “Increased domestic production directly translates to reduced imports. This is our focused objective,” stated Minister Mike Noersalim, emphasizing the ministry’s ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders.

    The training program will commence in the Saramacca district, with plans for gradual expansion across all districts nationwide. While no participant cap has been established, applicants will undergo a screening process to ensure commitment. “We must avoid training individuals who may not utilize the acquired knowledge,” Minister Noersalim emphasized.

    The ministry identifies poultry farming as a low-barrier entry point for young entrepreneurs, requiring comparatively lower investment than sectors like cattle ranching. “Many already have coops or previous experience. Our responsibility is to provide proper knowledge and guidance, which are crucial for success,” Noersalim added.

    Beyond training, LVV is enhancing access to financing through the National Agribusiness Development Fund (NOFA) and a specialized youth fund at the National Development Bank (NOB). Simultaneously, the ministry encourages optimal land utilization, noting that many available terrains remain underutilized.

    This production expansion supports broader agro-projects, including a planned passion fruit processing facility at the Milk Center complex, requiring substantial fruit supply. LVV has engaged with large-scale passion fruit growers in Saramacca and residents capable of backyard cultivation. This initiative receives support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

    Additionally, the ministry has established partnerships with Granman Aboikoni of the Saramaccaners for two collaborative projects: raising local chickens (oso fowru) and cultivating highland rice, a staple crop in the Upper Suriname region.

    Minister Noersalim confirms this approach aligns with a broader district-specific strategy that leverages unique regional strengths. “We are systematically building a more productive agricultural sector and enhancing food security for Suriname,” he concluded.

  • Merz waarschuwt: ‘De regels van de wereldorde bestaan niet meer’

    Merz waarschuwt: ‘De regels van de wereldorde bestaan niet meer’

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a stark assessment of the international order during his address at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, declaring that the rules-based global system that has underpinned international cooperation since the Cold War “no longer exists in its previous form.”

    Speaking before approximately fifty world leaders, Merz highlighted the “profound divide” emerging between Europe and the United States, emphasizing that European freedoms cannot be taken for granted in this new era of great power politics. “We must be prepared to make sacrifices,” the Chancellor stated during his keynote speech.

    The conference convened amidst escalating tensions within the trans-Atlantic alliance, particularly following controversial statements by President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of Greenland, a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump’s assertion that “Greenland wants us… We’re currently negotiating for Greenland” has significantly strained diplomatic relations between European nations and their traditional American allies.

    Further complicating matters, the United States has imposed new tariffs on European countries, which Merz characterized as fundamentally incompatible with Europe’s commitment to free trade principles. The Chancellor noted that the cultural conflict inherent in the “Make America Great Again” movement contradicts core European values regarding freedom of expression and human rights.

    Despite these mounting challenges, Merz advocated for rebuilding trans-Atlantic trust while revealing ongoing confidential discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron about developing a joint European nuclear deterrent. This proposal marks a potential seismic shift in European defense policy, which has historically relied on American nuclear protection through NATO frameworks.

    President Macron reinforced this strategic pivot by urging Europe to transform into a genuine geopolitical power. He called for accelerated military development and enhanced continental cooperation, particularly in response to the Ukraine conflict, which he described as an “existential challenge” for Europe.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the conference by acknowledging a “new era in geopolitics” characterized by rapid global transformation. Rubio confirmed that the United States is prepared to reassess its role and relationships with European partners.

    The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Denmark intensified following Trump’s unsubstantiated claims about Russian and Chinese military presence around Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen indicated her intention to discuss the American “threat” regarding Greenland, a fellow NATO member, with Secretary Rubio.

    This year’s Munich Security Conference focused primarily on European defense capabilities, trans-Atlantic relations, and the geopolitical ramifications of conflicts in Ukraine and rising West-China tensions. These developments collectively signal a fundamental restructuring of global power dynamics and the urgent need to redefine international cooperation within an increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape.

  • Regering verlaagt royalty goudsector voor 6 maanden naar 3,5% voor grip sector

    Regering verlaagt royalty goudsector voor 6 maanden naar 3,5% voor grip sector

    In a strategic move to formalize its gold sector and strengthen foreign exchange reserves, Suriname’s government has announced a temporary reduction in royalty rates for small-scale gold mining operations. The Ministry of Finance and Planning, in coordination with the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS), revealed that the royalty rate will be decreased from 4.5% to 3.5% for a six-month trial period.

    The policy intervention specifically targets small-scale gold miners and construction material operators, aiming to incentivize proper registration and official declaration of production outputs. This measure forms part of a broader governmental initiative to enhance transparency, regulatory oversight, and documentation within the precious metals industry.

    Official data from 2020-2024 indicates significant discrepancies in gold production reporting. While an estimated 27.7 tons of gold were produced in 2024, only 26.9 tons were officially registered for export, leaving approximately 0.8 tons unaccounted for. This gap represents substantial royalty revenue losses for the state.

    Given that gold constitutes nearly two-thirds of Suriname’s total export value, every unregistered gram directly impacts the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. Approximately one-third of the country’s total gold production originates from small-scale mining operations, where documentation remains particularly weak and illegal trading persists.

    The government’s temporary royalty reduction seeks to achieve multiple objectives:
    – Encourage greater participation in formal gold trading channels
    – Reduce illegal and unregistered gold exports
    – Increase royalty collections through improved compliance
    – Strengthen the Central Bank’s international reserves
    – Stabilize the Surinamese dollar (SRD) and improve macroeconomic balance

    Additionally, the initiative addresses socioeconomic challenges in interior regions where thousands work in gold mining under difficult conditions. Many miners lack access to formal banking services, credit facilities, and insurance products. Improved integration into the formal economy could potentially enhance their economic standing while increasing sector transparency.

    The six-month experimental period will conclude with a comprehensive policy evaluation to determine the measure’s effectiveness and potential extension.

  • Politie kampt met groot personeelstekort; boetegelden ingezet voor herstel voertuigen

    Politie kampt met groot personeelstekort; boetegelden ingezet voor herstel voertuigen

    Suriname’s law enforcement capabilities are being severely hampered by systemic shortages in both personnel and operational resources, according to Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath. During a parliamentary session in the National Assembly, the minister disclosed that the executive police apparatus currently operates with fewer than 2,800 officers—significantly below the recommended strength of approximately 5,000 personnel required for adequate task execution.

    The staffing crisis is compounded by critical equipment deficiencies, particularly in the vehicle fleet. Despite recent acquisitions of new vehicles, a substantial portion rapidly became inoperable due to technical malfunctions. In December alone, 14 vehicles required repairs costing SRD 300,000, funded through fine revenue collections—an emergency measure deemed necessary to maintain operational readiness.

    Minister Monorath highlighted another pressing issue: approximately 400 police personnel are allocated outside regular operational duties. These officers provide personal protection for government officials, judiciary members, National Assembly representatives, and other high-risk individuals. Additional officers are seconded to various intelligence and support services, including the Directorate of National Security, LVV, and Public Works departments.

    While acknowledging these assignments strain available operational capacity, Monorath emphasized they fall within the state’s broader national security responsibilities. The minister confirmed ongoing institutional strengthening efforts through specialized training programs and modernization initiatives at the police academy. A consultant has been engaged to elevate training standards to international benchmarks, mirroring previous military academy reforms.

    These enhancement measures are incorporated in the 2026 budget, with some already in preparation or implementation despite the state’s broader fiscal challenges. Monorath reiterated that police capacity deployment must consistently align with legal frameworks governing general and special police duties as established in the Constitution and Police Charter.

  • Cubanen: ‘Mexico heeft ons niet in de steek gelaten’

    Cubanen: ‘Mexico heeft ons niet in de steek gelaten’

    In a significant geopolitical development, two Mexican vessels carrying critical humanitarian supplies have docked in Havana’s port, providing relief to Cubans grappling with severe shortages exacerbated by US-imposed oil sanctions. The Papaloapan and its companion ship began unloading pallets of aid on Thursday as grateful residents watched the operation with visible emotion.

    Ediberto Rodriguez, a 65-year-old Havana resident, expressed profound appreciation for Mexico’s solidarity, characterizing the assistance as “an unforgettable gesture from a true ally.” He noted that Mexico “did not abandon us despite pressure from a world power like the United States.”

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed during a press conference that additional support would follow once the ships return to Mexico. “We are sending various forms of assistance and support,” Sheinbaum stated. “Today the ships arrive. When they return, we will send more help of a different nature.” The president emphasized Mexico’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Cuba and the United States while prioritizing respect for Cuban sovereignty.

    The humanitarian mission occurs against the backdrop of escalating energy shortages that have pushed Cuba toward a potential crisis point. Since January, the Trump administration has intensified efforts to restrict oil shipments to the island nation, severely compromising energy infrastructure and essential services. These measures represent the latest chapter in longstanding sanctions dating back to the Cold War era.

    United Nations officials have raised alarms about the deteriorating situation. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, warned that without adequate oil supplies, conditions on the island could worsen dramatically or even collapse. Chronic power outages have become commonplace, while fuel shortages threaten the delivery of basic necessities.

    Washington’s oil embargo followed controversial US military operations targeting Venezuela, Cuba’s primary ally and oil supplier. By severing economic ties between Caracas and Havana, the US administration aims to increase pressure on the Cuban government.

    Notably, the United States announced $6 million in humanitarian assistance this month, though officials specified that distribution would occur through Catholic Church channels rather than Cuban government institutions.

    While Mexican aid provides immediate relief, the situation underscores the profound impact of sanctions on civilian populations and essential services. The coming weeks will prove critical in determining whether further escalation of the humanitarian crisis can be prevented.

  • Verkiezingen Bangladesh 2026: wie won, wie verloor en wat staat er te gebeuren?

    Verkiezingen Bangladesh 2026: wie won, wie verloor en wat staat er te gebeuren?

    Bangladesh has witnessed a dramatic political transformation as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, achieved a landslide victory in the nation’s first parliamentary elections since the 2024 uprising that ousted long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

    The Election Commission confirmed the BNP secured 212 of the 299 declared seats in the 350-member Jatiya Sangsad parliament. Jamaat-e-Islami, previously banned under Hasina’s administration, emerged as the principal opposition force with 77 seats in alliance with the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), which captured six seats. NCP leader Nahid Islam, among the youngest parliamentarians, won his constituency.

    Hasina’s Awami League was barred from participation, culminating her 15-year authoritarian rule that ended with her fleeing to India. The elections coincided with a national referendum on the ‘July Charter,’ proposing comprehensive institutional reforms including enhanced female representation, prime ministerial term limits, strengthened presidential powers, and judicial independence protections. Preliminary counts indicate over 60% voter approval for the charter.

    Despite the BNP’s anticipated victory—built upon months of protests addressing unemployment and inflation—both the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami raised concerns about potential electoral irregularities and alleged ‘election engineering.’ The Election Commission reported a 59.88% voter turnout and characterized the process as relatively peaceful and credible.

    Political analysts interpret this outcome as a triumph for democratic forces, though challenges persist in establishing good governance, rule of law, and political stability. The absence of the Awami League from parliament is expected to foster greater political diversity and potentially enhance parliamentary functionality.

    Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina remains in India following her 2023 conviction for war crimes related to her government’s harsh treatment of protesters, a situation that continues to strain Bangladesh-India relations.

  • Loonreeksen rechters lopen op tot ruim SRD 600.000 per maand

    Loonreeksen rechters lopen op tot ruim SRD 600.000 per maand

    Suriname has implemented a comprehensive salary restructuring for judicial officials that has ignited significant public and political discourse. The new compensation framework, formally established through Court of Justice President’s directive on July 14, 2025, and detailed in State Decree No. 104 of 2025, creates a remuneration system where judiciary members now earn substantially more than the country’s president.

    The compensation structure, jointly endorsed on September 3 by Court President Iwan Rasoelbaks and Interior Minister Marinus Bee—who previously served as Assembly Speaker when the legislation passed in November 2024—introduces progressive salary scales with periodic 5% annual increments extending through 35 years of service.

    According to the decree’s annex, the President of the Court of Justice will receive a starting monthly salary of SRD 123,845, potentially reaching over SRD 600,000 at maximum scale. The Vice President’s compensation begins at SRD 105,289 (85% of presidential scale) with ceiling earnings exceeding SRD 510,000. Judges commence between SRD 48,000-65,000 monthly (50-55% scale) with maximum potential earnings of SRD 250,000-300,000, while junior/senior category members start at SRD 76,000-96,000 (62-70% scale) rising to approximately SRD 430,000.

    The substantial increases have prompted scrutiny from legislators including NPS assembly member Poetini Atompai, who has raised concerns regarding proportionality, reasonableness, and budgetary implications. Critical questions have emerged about gross salaries per position, total monthly state expenditures, comparative compensation with other government officials, and pre-adjustment compensation levels.

    Further attention emerged through Eugène van der San’s disclosure of the Prosecutor General’s remuneration documents, generating additional public inquiry about overall income structures within the judiciary. The legal foundation rests upon the amended Judicial Remuneration Act passed in November 2024, supplemented by the Court President’s July 2025 directive and the September State Decree.

  • Salarisstrook SRD 1 miljoen pg duikt op na kritiek Van der San

    Salarisstrook SRD 1 miljoen pg duikt op na kritiek Van der San

    A significant development has emerged in Suriname’s ongoing judicial compensation controversy as former Cabinet Director Eugène van der San has obtained and publicly revealed the official pay stub of Attorney General Garcia Paragsingh. The document, reportedly delivered to Van der San’s mailbox, provides concrete evidence of the substantial compensation package that has ignited political debate.

    The salary breakdown reveals a gross monthly income exceeding SRD 1.4 million, with net earnings amounting to over SRD 1 million after deductions. The compensation structure includes a base salary of SRD 562,018 supplemented by numerous allowances for representation, vehicle, housing, and management responsibilities. Employer contributions for pension and social security benefits are also detailed, alongside standard deductions for income tax and social fund contributions.

    This disclosure follows intense political scrutiny initiated by National Assembly member Poetini Atompai (NPS), who recently demanded full transparency regarding judicial branch compensation during parliamentary proceedings. Atompai raised concerns about proportionality and reasonableness, suggesting some judicial salaries might exceed the President’s compensation by three to five times. The lawmaker urgently called for immediate government transparency regarding salary structures, entry dates, monthly state burdens, and cumulative budgetary impacts.

    The controversy intensified when both Van der San’s calculations and Starnieuws news outlet, which conducted independent verification, faced substantial criticism from various quarters. The emerging debate highlights growing concerns about income disparity within Suriname’s public sector and calls for comprehensive reform of judicial compensation transparency.