PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – Suriname is observing its 49th anniversary of political independence from the Netherlands with both the coalition government and the opposition giving differing views on the socio-economic development of the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
In a statement, the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) of President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, said the coalition government has significantly improved the relations between Suriname and The Netherlands which had become increasingly worse after the coup of 1980 by former military strongman, Desi Bouterse.
“Fortunately, after the inauguration of the Santokhi government in 2020, a turnaround has occurred in the relationship between Suriname and the Netherlands. The diaspora community has an extraordinary value for Suriname in economic, social, cultural and educational areas, among others.
“Both countries have immense bond with each other. Politically, the relationship between both countries is good. We are now two equal countries and sovereignty is the symbol of national independence.
“With oil & gas production in 2028, Suriname is taking big steps forward. We are at the crossroads to bring prosperity and well-being to the population so that they no longer have to live in poverty. It is our responsibility to give our future generation a prosperous and balanced nation,” the VHP said in its statement.
The National Party of Suriname (NPS), which is also a member of the coalition, also commented on the 1980 coup, saying it is “a moment in the history of our country that was initially experienced as positive by society, but soon had increasingly far-reaching disastrous consequences for monetary stability, the economy of Suriname, the investment climate and the development of our country and people”.
It said Suriname is now on the eve of making an important choice in the direction that should positively influence the economy and the development of the country, a reference to the May 25, 2025 general election.
“Do we go for stability, improvement of the economy and progress of the country and its people or do the people choose for further deterioration in living, working and living conditions.“ We are at a crossroads! From its position at the beginning of the current government, the NPS has tried to make a positive contribution to the development of the country, based on a clearly presented development vision.
“Insufficient cooperation and questionable actions within the government have forced the green party to leave the government. The observation was and still is that the current government policy does not serve the general interest.”
The NPS said that as a result, as the country enters its 50th year of independence “an important phase will be entered to learn from the mistakes of the past 49 years and in which corrective action must be taken.
“Where Surinamese people left for the Netherlands in 1975 because of political and economic uncertainty, we will more seriously than ever start the process whereby citizens want to return to their own country. The NPS will strongly advocate for this in the coming period. “Let us work on what unites us and not what divides us,” it added.
The main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) said that independence reminds the people of Suriname “of the complexity of the path we have walked since then”.
It said after centuries of colonial rule by the Netherlands, “our country still bears the heavy legacy of division, imposed by a divide and rule policy that hinders our development.
“The Netherlands, unlike other colonial powers, was known for deliberately sowing divisions between population groups in its colonies. This divide-and-rule strategy was intended to weaken resistance and strengthen the power of the colonizer. Unfortunately, we still feel the aftermath of this to this day in the form of social tensions and structural inequality,” said the NDP, whose leader, Bouterse has had public confrontations with the Dutch.
The party said that it is important to recognize that the Netherlands used this tactic not only in Suriname but also elsewhere, such as in South Africa where it “introduced the “Act 9 Reserve,” the policy of which was to set aside separate areas for the black population, systematically excluding them from economic opportunities and isolating them from the political process.
“This was a subtle but destructive form of divide and rule that left deep wounds. Our struggle for independence and the subsequent process of decolonization was not only a struggle against colonial rule but also against the divide-and-rule practices that have sought to divide our country.
“Today, 49 years after our independence, it is time to reiterate that working towards the creation of ‘One Nation with One Destiny’ is essential for our future. The recovery of our country depends on our collective efforts to advance racial, social and economic equality,” the party said, adding that this independence day should be used “to reflect on our past, but above all to focus on a future of cooperation, peace and progress.
“The lessons of our history, both in Suriname and abroad, should encourage us to continue building our beloved country stronger, wiser and united.”
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Marinus Bee, in a statement, said he wanted to use the occasion to remind the Surinamese how valuable unity is in the pursuit of progress.
“Although we still have a long way to go, we must never lose sight of the fact that growth involves trial and error. The trick is not to give up,” he said, adding that a permanent task is building a harmonious society, “in which the diversity of our unique population manifests the hidden power of Mama Sranan.
“Every Surinamese should realize that the construction of our country is a joint effort, which can only be victorious if we all show collective responsibility. If every Surinamese is guided by the spirit of solidarity, then our future can only become better by the grace of the Almighty.” Bee said.
Meanwhile, the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping has extended congratulations to Suriname, commending the country’s commitment to sustainable development, its vibrant cultural tapestry and its role in CARICOM.
CARICCOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett in a message to President Santokhi, said that the country can proudly reflect on the steady progress and the development it has achieved since 1975.
“Excellency, the Caribbean Community places great value on the role played by the Republic of Suriname to the regional integration movement, particularly in community development and cultural cooperation.
“Suriname’s motto and core values of justice, faith and loyalty have shaped its unique national identity and spirit. You can proudly reflect on the steady progress and development achieved since 1975, which is a testament to Suriname’s commitment to sustainable development,” she added.