标签： Suriname

In a swift response to widespread public discontent, Minister Stanley Soeropawiro announced the withdrawal of the contentious decision to allocate the Leonsberg docking facility during an emergency meeting convened by Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in the National Assembly. The meeting, attended by the boat owners’ association led by Ann Sadi, an NDP parliamentarian, was prompted by the outcry over the timing of the decision, made just ten days before the elections. Somohardjo hailed the minister’s promise as ‘a first victory for the people,’ stating, ‘What happened here was not policy; it was brutality. The voice of the people has been heard, and the boat owners have regained their source of income.’ He emphasized that the GBB committee would closely monitor the issue until the withdrawal is officially completed, vowing, ‘We will not shelve this matter; we will pursue it. Our duty as a committee is to protect the people.’ Somohardjo also noted the unanimous support of his committee colleagues—Parmessar, Sharman, Jarbadhan, Jones, Bouterse Waldring, and Bink—in ensuring a just resolution, including potential criminal investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. ‘As a committee, we stand united: justice above injustice,’ he declared. He further praised President Simons and Minister Soeropawiro for their prompt action ‘to right what had gone wrong’ and announced that the GBB committee would soon propose additional legislation to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of the United States, has died at the age of 84. His family announced his passing on Tuesday, attributing his death to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular diseases. Cheney, who served as Vice President under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was surrounded by his wife Lynne, their daughters Liz and Mary, and other family members at the time of his death. Cheney played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during his tenure, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was a key architect of the ‘War on Terror’ and a staunch advocate for the controversial 2003 invasion of Iraq, a decision that drew widespread global criticism. After leaving office, Cheney remained active in American politics. In a notable move in 2024, he publicly endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, criticizing the direction of the Republican Party under Donald Trump. Cheney is remembered as one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history, leaving behind a legacy marked by significant influence on foreign policy and controversy over his role in wars and domestic politics. His family described him as a loving man who taught his children and grandchildren to love their country and lived a life filled with courage, honor, love, kindness, and fly fishing.

The Suriname Committee for Reparations of the Slavery Past, led by Armand Zunder, is set to present a petition to the Surinamese government, Vice President Gregory Rusland, and National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin on Wednesday. The petition will also be handed to Dutch Ambassador Walter Oostelbos. This initiative stems from extensive discussions among Surinamese organizations representing descendants of enslaved people and indigenous communities, supported by both local and international networks. In the Netherlands, consultations were held with groups such as the Federation Afro Diaspora Network and the National Reparation Commission Netherlands, led by Barryl Biekman, a prominent voice in the Dutch slavery debate. Zunder emphasized that the petition aims to uphold justice and truth, ensuring future generations are not burdened by unresolved historical grievances. He acknowledged King Willem-Alexander’s 2023 apology as a significant step but stressed the need for further dialogue on reparations, recognition, and reconciliation. The petition coincides with the upcoming state visit of the Dutch royal couple to Suriname, which Zunder sees as a pivotal moment to address the legacy of Dutch colonialism and slavery. The document outlines five key areas for reparations: restitution of stolen land and cultural artifacts, financial and moral compensation, rehabilitation of affected communities, acknowledgment of injustices, and guarantees against repetition. Zunder called for a formal moment of recognition and apology during the royal visit, urging a mature and respectful dialogue to heal historical wounds. He highlighted the ongoing socio-economic and cultural marginalization faced by descendants of enslaved people, tracing it back to the delayed emancipation and compensation paid exclusively to slaveholders in 1863. Zunder concluded by emphasizing the need for open and honest conversations to achieve true reconciliation and a future free from the shadows of guilt and shame.

In a significant political development, Guyana’s Parliament commenced its new session on Monday in the capital city of Georgetown, with dozens of newly elected members taking their oaths. Among them was Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), who was sworn in despite facing criminal charges in the United States and being subject to sanctions. WIN secured 16 of the 29 opposition seats in the recent general elections, solidifying its position as the leading opposition party. Mohamed’s formal induction as a parliamentarian took place during a special session at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. However, his appointment has sparked controversy due to his ongoing legal battles. Mohamed is sanctioned by the U.S. government and faces multiple charges in Florida, including money laundering, tax evasion, and gold smuggling. Critics have labeled his swearing-in as a ‘shameful first for Guyana’s Parliament,’ while WIN supporters hail it as a historic moment, emphasizing Mohamed’s electoral mandate. The situation raises questions about the integrity and credibility of the Parliament, as it grants a position to a member under significant legal scrutiny. Mohamed and his father are currently on bail in Guyana, required to report weekly to the police and surrender their passports. The possibility of extradition to the U.S. remains open, with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo clarifying that parliamentary status does not grant immunity from extradition or prosecution.

In a move that has sent shockwaves across Suriname, the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) quietly issued a decree just days before the May 2025 elections, transferring ownership of the Leonsberg Pier and its surrounding land to a private individual, Sandiep Seemangal. This decision, seemingly routine on paper, has profound implications for the community, as the pier has long served as a vital public facility connecting Paramaribo and Commewijne, and a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Braamspoint and the mangroves. The privatization has left over 70 boat operators, fishermen, and tour guides in legal limbo, effectively barring them from using the pier they’ve relied on for decades. The Leonsberg Pier is more than just a docking point; it symbolizes free access to the river and the interconnectedness of Suriname’s communities. The timing of the transfer, finalized just days before the elections, has raised suspicions of last-minute political favoritism. Minister Stanley Soeropawiro and Assembly Member Bronto Somohardjo have both called for the land to be returned to the state, but reversing the decision will require a court order—a daunting task given the GBB’s backlog of nearly 900 lawsuits over disputed land claims. This incident is not isolated but reflects a broader erosion of integrity in governance, where public assets are increasingly privatized for political gain. The Leonsberg Pier case underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to protect public resources and restore trust in Suriname’s institutions. As the nation grapples with this crisis, the question remains: if even the river is no longer free, where does justice lie?

In response to recent reports on Starnieuws regarding the allocation of land near the Leonsberg docking pier, Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in the National Assembly, has summoned Ann Sadi, President of the Boat Owners Association, and her members for an urgent meeting. The discussion is scheduled to take place later today. Somohardjo expressed his frustration, stating, ‘The irregularities are becoming unbearable. The events of the past period defy all decency.’ He highlighted that ownership parcels have been leased, parking spaces of football clubs, public roads, and even nature reserves have been appropriated. ‘It is utterly scandalous and nauseating,’ he added. The parliamentarian emphasized that the recent allocation of the Leonsberg pier symbolizes deeper issues within the land allocation policy. ‘I meet people daily who come seeking their rights, crying and desperate. Enough is enough. The people demand action, not words,’ Somohardjo asserted. He expressed full support for President Jennifer Simons and Minister Stanley Soeropawiro in their efforts to return public facilities to the people. ‘Soft measures only worsen the problem. It’s time to correct what has gone wrong, protect the people, and confront the perpetrators,’ he stressed. Somohardjo mentioned that the Permanent Committee will consider legal steps to prevent public lands, bridges, and piers from falling into private hands without legal basis.