Carib Scope

标签： Suriname

苏里南

  • Goodbye brother Chan

    Goodbye brother Chan

    For nearly two decades, Ramon (Radjkumar) Ramsodit has maintained a close, trust-based friendship and working relationship with Chan Santokhi, the prominent Surinamese political leader, tracing their connection back to their first meeting in 2006. In this personal tribute, Ramsodit shares intimate insights into Santokhi’s character, political leadership, and lifelong commitment to uniting Suriname and its diaspora community in the Netherlands.

    When they first met in 2006, Santokhi served as Suriname’s Minister of Justice and Police, and Ramsodit immediately noticed his rare combination of expertise, calm demeanor, professional competence, and genuine dedication to advancing the well-being of both Suriname and its global diaspora community. Years later, when Santokhi took the helm as chairman of the Surinamese Progressive Party (VHP), he personally reached out to Ramsodit to invite him to contribute to the party’s work and to Suriname’s national development. Santokhi was fully aware that Ramsodit’s political views aligned more closely with social democratic ideals and the National Democratic Party (NDP), but this ideological gap never created a barrier. Instead, this open invitation underscored Santokhi’s inclusive approach to politics and his unique ability to unite people across ideological divides.

    In recognition of Santokhi’s decades of work connecting Suriname and the Netherlands—particularly his engagement with the diaspora community based in Rotterdam—Ramsodit and other community leaders honored Santokhi with three distinct awards: the Diaspora Certificate, the Rotterdam Four Lions Pin, and the SuRo Pin. These honors were a public reflection of the deep appreciation community members held for Santokhi’s consistent efforts to build lasting bridges between the two nations.

    For Ramsodit, what stands out most beyond Santokhi’s proven governing skills is his fundamental humanity. Even with the heavy demands of high public office, Santokhi remained consistently thoughtful and engaged. He regularly turned to Ramsodit for support drafting texts and researching complex policy questions, never failed to send a personal birthday greeting each year, and even surprised Ramsodit with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for his 50th birthday. One of Ramsodit’s most cherished memories is a late-night meeting in Lelydorp held on his birthday, where their conversation stretched into the early hours until the date shifted to May 17 in the Netherlands. With his characteristic good humor, Santokhi pointed out that the day was also Queen Máxima’s birthday and encouraged Ramsodit to send his congratulations to the queen. The chairman of the Satya Dharma Netherlands organization was also present at this gathering.

    When Ramsodit worked to nominate Santokhi for a royal honor from the Netherlands, Santokhi pushed back, noting that the award could be weaponized for political gain against him. This response revealed both his sharp understanding of political realities and his personal humility. Instead of accepting the nomination for himself, Santokhi suggested that Ramsodit put forward other VHP members based in the Netherlands—an act that reflected his genuine respect for the work of his peers.

    The pair’s relationship was built on deep personal trust and mutual respect, with both addressing each other by their first names. Their final in-person conversation took place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the De Olifant venue. During that meeting, Santokhi thanked Ramsodit for his work supporting the state visit of the King and Queen of the Netherlands to Suriname, as well as his efforts to nominate diaspora members and Suriname-based residents for royal honors. At Santokhi’s request, part of this conversation was recorded for posterity.

    Santokhi’s trust in Ramsodit extended even to personal family matters. When Santokhi’s daughter Shanylla Santokhi graduated from Leiden University, Santokhi was unable to attend the ceremony in person. He asked Ramsodit and Ram Rambarstsingh to be present on his behalf, so he could follow the milestone moment remotely via video call.

    Looking back on nearly 20 years of collaboration and friendship, Ramsodit emphasizes that his work with Santokhi has been incredibly valuable. Even when the pair held differing views, they always maintained mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to advancing the interests of Suriname and its people. Their friendship has remained genuine and durable, standing the test of time since 2006.

    For Ramsodit, Santokhi is far more than just a skilled political leader. He remains, above all, a warm, engaged, and deeply principled human being. The tribute closes with two rallying cries: “Jai Jai Chan, Jai Jai Sarnam” from Ramon (Radjkumar) Ramsodit.

  • PRO prijst Santokhi als verdediger van rechtsstaat

    PRO prijst Santokhi als verdediger van rechtsstaat

    The sudden passing of former Surinamese President Chan Santokhi has prompted an outpouring of condolences and public recognition from the nation’s Party for Law and Development (PRO), with party leaders hailing Santokhi as a fearless champion of the rule of law and a unifying force for Suriname’s diverse society.

    PRO Chair Gerold Sewcharan confirmed that the news of Santokhi’s death came as a profound, unexpected shock to the country’s political community, noting that Santokhi had appeared in full health and remained active in public life just days before his passing. On Saturday, a full delegation of PRO’s national board traveled to the VHP (Vereenigde Hindostaanse Partij) party headquarters, known locally as De Olifant, to sign the official condolence register honoring Santokhi’s legacy.

    Across his decades-long public career, which spanned roles as a senior law enforcement official and a national elected leader, Santokhi consistently demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment to upholding Suriname’s legal order, Sewcharan emphasized. “He never shied away from standing up to defend Suriname’s rule of law, and that commitment deserves lasting recognition,” the PRO chair said. Even during his tenure as President of Suriname, Sewcharan added, Santokhi centered his policy agenda on strengthening independent legal institutions, maintaining that public safety and equal legal protection are non-negotiable foundations for sustained national development – a principle Santokhi promoted consistently throughout his time in public life.

    Beyond his advocacy for the rule of law, PRO highlights Santokhi’s unique ability to bridge divides across Suriname’s multi-ethnic society. In the lead-up to the country’s 2025 general elections, Santokhi successfully united diverse ethnic factions within the VHP, demonstrating his skill at building consensus across differing communities, the party noted.

    PRO has extended its deepest sympathy to Santokhi’s immediate family, the entire VHP political movement, and all Surinamese citizens who grieve the loss of the former president.

  • Minister Huur verkent internationale samenwerking voor landbouw en local content

    Minister Huur verkent internationale samenwerking voor landbouw en local content

    On April 4, a high-level diplomatic meeting focused on advancing cross-regional sustainable development and local capacity building took place, bringing together Suriname’s Minister of Regional Development Miquella Huur and an international delegation consisting of representatives from Oando Trading Nigeria, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and an independent international development consultant.

    At the core of the day’s discussions was a shared goal to unlock inclusive economic opportunities for grassroots communities across Suriname. A key priority that anchored the talks was strengthening local content frameworks, which aim to expand the participation of domestic Surinamese entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers in upcoming regional and international development projects. Both sides emphasized that embedding local stakeholders into supply chains and development initiatives is critical to ensuring long-term, community-centered growth rather than extractive, externally led development.

    The conversation delved into concrete collaboration opportunities specifically within Suriname’s agricultural sector, which forms a backbone of the country’s domestic economy and rural livelihoods. Participants explored prospects for developing highland rice cultivation, as well as expanding production and market access for cassava and breadfruit, two staple crops with significant untapped export potential. Attendees also highlighted the urgent need to improve smallholder access to modern agricultural inputs, from improved seed varieties to sustainable farming technologies, and to scale up national production capacity to meet both domestic demand and international trade standards.

    Members of the African delegation underscored the rapidly growing strategic importance of deepening trade and investment ties between African and Caribbean nations. They noted that the Africa-Caribbean partnership is built on mutual benefit, centered on reciprocal cross-border investment and two-way knowledge sharing that allows both regions to leverage their respective comparative advantages in agriculture, natural resources, and sustainable development.

    Following the conclusion of the talks, Minister Huur expressed optimism that the discussions would lay a solid foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial sustainable collaboration between all parties. Both sides also formalized a shared intention to conduct an on-the-ground visit to Suriname’s inland regions in the near future. This upcoming visit will allow the delegation to assess local development opportunities firsthand, gather on-site data, and tailor future cooperation projects to the specific needs of inland communities.

  • Conflict tussen VS en Iran bereikt beslissend moment

    Conflict tussen VS en Iran bereikt beslissend moment

    Tensions between the United States and Iran have entered a defining, high-stakes phase that threatens broader regional instability and ripple effects across the global economy, top U.S. defense officials have warned.

    On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the coming days will shape the entire trajectory of the escalating standoff. The latest escalation came on March 31, when an Iranian attack targeted the fully loaded Kuwaiti-flagged crude oil tanker Al-Salmi anchored off the coast of Dubai, sparking a fire on board the vessel. The strike, confirmed by photos released by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, followed weeks of intensifying military and rhetorical exchanges between the two sides.

    In direct response to U.S. military pressure, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stark new threat: Tehran published a list of 18 U.S. companies that will be considered legitimate targets starting Wednesday. The roster includes major American technology and defense giants spanning Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing. The White House quickly issued a counterstatement, confirming that U.S. armed forces are fully positioned to mitigate any potential attacks and respond decisively to Iranian aggression.

    Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict continue to hang in the balance amid a fragile standoff between threats and quiet outreach. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected U.S. communications delivered through special envoy Steve Witkoff, dismissing the messages as nothing more than third-party threats rather than genuine negotiating proposals. Despite a month of heavy fighting that has killed thousands of people and put global energy supplies under unprecedented strain, diplomatic sources confirm that backchannel discussions between the two sides remain ongoing.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Tehran: if Iran refuses to sign a peace agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint through which a fifth of global oil exports pass, he will order the complete destruction of Iranian energy infrastructure. Trump has also publicly criticized U.S. allies, most notably the United Kingdom, for failing to provide sufficient support to American military operations in the region.

    The ongoing conflict has exposed deep divisions within the NATO alliance. France and Italy have adopted cautious stances, refusing to back several recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Pope Leo has also publicly called on Trump to prioritize a diplomatic offramp to reduce the ongoing cycle of violence.

    The Iranian attack on the Al-Salmi tanker has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets, driving a sharp temporary spike in crude oil prices. Brent crude futures notched a historic 64% surge across the month of March, peaking above $118 per barrel. For Trump, soaring fuel prices carry significant domestic political risk ahead of upcoming U.S. midterm elections, with higher energy costs already putting pressure on American household budgets.

    On the military front, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine reported that targeted strikes on Iranian weapons research and production facilities have steadily eroded Tehran’s military capabilities. U.S. officials claim more than 150 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed in the campaign, and Defense Secretary Hegseth added that widespread desertions are now being reported within Iranian military ranks.

    Despite these setbacks for Tehran, the conflict continues to expand across the Middle East. Israel launched a new round of airstrikes targeting 20 Iranian weapons sites and a military research facility. In Yemen, Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have stepped up attacks against Israeli targets. Most recently, Turkey announced it intercepted and shot down an Iranian ballistic missile that entered its airspace, marking a new escalation that draws an additional regional power into the crisis.

    International calls for de-escalation are growing from global actors. Pakistan and China have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent peace negotiations. The foreign ministers of both nations met in Beijing on Tuesday to discuss the urgent need to lower tensions and avoid a full-scale regional war.

    Yet Iran has shown no sign of backing down amid mounting international pressure. Its continued hardline stance has pushed the conflict toward further escalation, putting both Middle Eastern stability and the health of the entire global economy at severe ongoing risk.

  • Bouva: Energie moet motor zijn voor brede economische groei Suriname

    Bouva: Energie moet motor zijn voor brede economische groei Suriname

    Opening the 2026 Caribbean Energy Week on Tuesday in Paramaribo’s iconic Royal Torarica venue, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Melvin Bouva laid out the South American nation’s ambitious strategy: leverage its rapidly expanding oil and gas industry as a springboard for sweeping national economic transformation and deeper global partnership.

    The three-day industry conference brings together heads of government, institutional investors, and C-suite energy executives from across the globe, with a shared goal of cementing the Caribbean region’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing emerging energy hubs. In his opening keynote address, Bouva framed Suriname’s current moment as a historic turning point. Recent large-scale offshore oil and gas discoveries have already catapulted the small nation onto the global energy map, drawing unprecedented attention from international energy firms and capital markets.

    But Bouva issued a clear caution: rich natural resource endowments alone do not guarantee long-term shared prosperity. Instead, he argued, the oil and gas sector must act as a catalyst to drive diversification across Suriname’s broader economy, rather than serving as an end goal in itself. His vision positions the emerging energy industry as the foundational base to nurture local entrepreneurship, upskill national workforces, and incubate entirely new domestic industries across other sectors.

    “The success of our energy sector will not be measured solely in barrels of oil produced or cubic feet of gas extracted,” Bouva emphasized. “Its true success will be counted in the new local businesses it spawns, the marketable skills it builds for our people, and the lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships it forges with the global community.”

    International partnerships stand as a core pillar of Suriname’s new economic strategy, according to the minister. In today’s interconnected global economy, he noted, modern diplomacy is no longer limited to political engagement; it is increasingly focused on advancing economic cooperation that delivers mutual benefits. That means connecting untapped regional opportunities to global investment capital, pairing innovative development ideas with financial resources, and aligning Suriname’s national development ambitions with the expertise and scale of international partners.

    A key priority of this approach is ensuring natural resource development delivers sustainable, long-term value creation that benefits all Surinamese people, Bouva said. The government is committed to creating space for robust local participation in the energy sector, supporting the growth of domestic Surinamese businesses to compete and thrive alongside large international investors.

    To back this strategy, Bouva outlined a series of targeted policy reforms the Surinamese government has already implemented to strengthen the country’s investment climate. These reforms include the enactment of a modern, investor-friendly national investment law, enhanced regulatory capacity for the Suriname Investment and Trade Agency (SITA), and the development of a balanced local content policy designed to maximize the economic spillover benefits of energy development for domestic stakeholders. Through these changes, Bouva said, Suriname is working to establish itself as a transparent, reliable, and open partner for global trade and investment.

    In closing, Bouva reiterated that while energy development can serve as a powerful engine for Suriname’s economy, sustained and shared progress ultimately depends on investment in people, collaborative governance, and a clear long-term vision. He called on all attendees and stakeholders to seize the current momentum of the region’s energy boom, and work collectively to build a sustainable, inclusive future for Suriname and the entire Caribbean.

  • Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: ‘Santokhi heeft Suriname met oprecht hart gediend’

    Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: ‘Santokhi heeft Suriname met oprecht hart gediend’

    Global spiritual leader and peace ambassador Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation, has shared a heartfelt tribute following the passing of former Suriname President Chan Santokhi, praising the late leader’s decades of dedicated service to the South American nation.

    In his statement, Sri Sri highlighted Santokhi’s legacy of leadership, noting that the former president served Suriname with courage, dignity, and unwavering sincerity throughout his time in office. Even amid periods of significant national crisis and political challenge, Sri Sri said Santokhi remained steadfast in his principles, clear in his policy vision, and deeply compassionate toward the Surinamese people, working tirelessly to advance national stability and improve living standards for all citizens.

    The bond between Santokhi and the Art of Living Foundation dates back years, with Sri Sri making his fourth visit to Suriname in 2022 at the personal invitation of the then-president. During that trip, the renowned peace advocate brought his global peace campaign to Suriname, an initiative rooted in the vision that global peace can be achieved by building violence-free, low-stress communities around the world. Santokhi made history as the first head of state to publicly commit to the campaign’s flagship online pledge, “I Stand for Peace,” adding his official signature to the movement.

    Sri Sri emphasized that Santokhi’s legacy of selfless service will endure long in the memories and hearts of everyone whose life he touched during his years of public service.

    The Art of Living has operated in Suriname since 1998, offering a range of programs including breathwork and guided meditation courses designed to help practitioners cultivate lasting inner peace. Beyond his public role, Santokhi maintained a strong personal interest in spiritual practice, and completed a full AOL training course in 2023 to deepen his practice. Even with the heavy demands of his presidential schedule, Santokhi made consistent effort to integrate the breathing and mindfulness techniques he learned into his daily routine.

  • Verdachten in Vaco-brandstichtingszaak in hoger beroep

    Verdachten in Vaco-brandstichtingszaak in hoger beroep

    More than a year after a devastating arson attack destroyed a beloved historic bookstore and damaged three adjacent city-center buildings in the Netherlands, two men convicted in the case have formally launched an appeal against their convictions and sentences. The appeal hearing got underway Monday, marking the next chapter in a case that has shaken the local community. At the original trial, defendant N.J. was sentenced to 10 years in prison, while co-defendant H.S. received a six-year custodial sentence. N.J. has long contested his conviction and sentence, arguing that he received disproportionate punishment because he was neither the mastermind nor the lead organizer of the arson plot, a claim he has reiterated throughout the legal process.

    According to N.J.’s statements to police, he was approached by H.S. to participate in the plan to set fire to one of the city center’s iconic green-and-white listed buildings. The pair were promised a payout of €10,000 for the attack from a figure identified only as “Lori,” who is alleged to be the person who ordered the arson. Lori and another man, identified as rapper K., were taken into custody in 2024 in connection with the plot, but were quickly released by the examining magistrate and will not face any further prosecution for the crime.

    N.J. also told investigators that he had only been released from prison for three months when he agreed to take part in the scheme. He initially claimed he had only been asked to provide a taxi ride for the group, but admitted under judicial pressure that he had thrown an oil-soaked rag into the fire to help the blaze spread more quickly.

    The targeted building on Domineestraat, which housed the well-known Vaco Bookstore, was set on fire on January 15, 2024. The blaze quickly spread beyond the original structure, leaving three other nearby buildings also damaged by fire. In the wake of the attack, Vaco has offered a $50,000 reward for any information or witness statements that can lead to the identification and prosecution of the actual mastermind behind the arson. The appeal case is scheduled to resume in June, with no further updates on proceedings expected before that date.

  • Herinneringen aan Santokhi: Toewijding aan democratie en regionale samenwerking

    Herinneringen aan Santokhi: Toewijding aan democratie en regionale samenwerking

    The international community is united in grief following the sudden passing of former Surinamese President Chandrikapersad ‘Chan’ Santokhi at age 67. Leaders across the Americas and beyond are commemorating his legacy as a dedicated statesman, bridge-builder, and champion of democratic values and regional cooperation.

    Regional tributes highlight Santokhi’s profound impact on Caribbean unity. Representatives from Bonaire’s Human Rights Organization praised his “tireless advocacy for democratic governance and the dignity of his people,” noting his active engagement in CARICOM meetings demonstrated deep commitment to regional solidarity. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) officials emphasized his distinguished service as Conference Chair of CARICOM Heads of Government in 2022, where he decisively addressed critical issues including skills certification expansion, the Haiti situation, and industrial policy development.

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley recalled Santokhi’s profound understanding of regional partnerships, noting he worked “with warmth and purpose” to strengthen Caribbean community ties. She revealed his last communication was a heartfelt congratulatory message following her recent electoral victory, calling this gesture emblematic of his “courteous, attentive nature and dedication to friendship in public life.”

    Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten underscored Santokhi’s role in strengthening bilateral relations, acknowledging his “unceasing efforts to enhance ties between the Netherlands and Suriname.” The Dutch Royal House recognized his contributions to democratic order and security, noting his work strengthening Netherlands-Suriname relations remains a “warm memory.”

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Santokhi’s cultural connections, noting his “affection for Indian culture” and role in strengthening India-Suriname relations. Modi observed Santokhi “won countless hearts” by taking his presidential oath in Sanskrit, calling his passing “an irreplaceable loss for the global Indian diaspora.”

    French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste expressed that “France has lost a friend and reliable partner” who significantly deepened bilateral relations. The U.S. Embassy in Suriname honored Santokhi as an alumnus of their International Visitor Leadership Program, recognizing his contributions to the Surinamese people and broader Caribbean region.

  • NPS eert Santokhi als toegewijde leider en bouwmeester van Surinames democratie

    NPS eert Santokhi als toegewijde leider en bouwmeester van Surinames democratie

    Suriname’s political landscape is in mourning following the sudden passing of former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi on March 30. The esteemed leader, who also chaired the Progressive Reform Party (VHP), died at age 67 after suddenly falling ill, with medical assistance proving unable to save him.

    The National Party of Suriname (NPS) issued an official statement honoring Santokhi as a dedicated statesman whose entire career was committed to Suriname’s development and progress. The NPS leadership and membership recognized his pivotal role in strengthening democratic institutions, fostering international relations, and promoting sustainable growth throughout his tenure.

    Santokhi’s profound involvement in parliamentary processes and his strategic leadership within the VHP established him as a highly respected figure within Surinamese politics. The NPS acknowledged the significant void his death creates for both his political party and the nation’s broader society.

    Gregory Rusland, NPS Chairman, expressed the party’s solidarity with Santokhi’s family and loved ones during this difficult time, extending wishes for strength and comfort. “May the memory of his dedication, leadership, and contributions to Suriname continue to inspire all those working toward our nation’s welfare,” Rusland stated on behalf of the NPS executive board and membership.

    The NPS emphasized that Santokhi leaves behind an impressive legacy characterized by unwavering commitment, integrity, and public service—qualities that provide a foundational blueprint for future generations to build upon in continuing Suriname’s development journey.

  • VHP-Nederland prijst Santokhi als bruggenbouwer en toegewijd leider

    VHP-Nederland prijst Santokhi als bruggenbouwer en toegewijd leider

    Suriname and its diaspora communities are mourning the unexpected passing of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who died on March 30 at age 67. The Netherlands branch of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) has honored him as a statesman of exceptional caliber whose visionary leadership fundamentally redirected Suriname’s political trajectory.

    Santokhi’s presidency was marked by his relentless campaign against criminality and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, which guided the nation through multiple crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe financial downturn. His administration established critical foundations for economic recovery and future stability through successful implementation of an IMF program and the landmark investment decision by TotalEnergies that positions Suriname as an emerging energy producer.

    The late president revolutionized Surinamese politics by transcending traditional ethnic boundaries, opening his party to all citizens regardless of background. This inclusive approach earned overwhelming voter confidence in the 2020 elections, resulting in VHP emerging as the largest political party.

    Beyond economic reforms, Santokhi demonstrated profound social engagement through initiatives like the National Fund for Community Development (RVI) that ensured national wealth benefited all segments of society. His intellectual depth and connection to the diaspora were evidenced through ongoing engagements including the annual Jagernath Lachmon lectures.

    VHP-Netherlands has expressed deepest condolences to the family and all affected, urging continued dedication to Santokhi’s vision of “a just, united, and prosperous Suriname” according to board representative Lachman Soedamah.