🗳️ Brunswijk opposes improvements in the voting system

Happy Monday!

This week we cover Brunswijk antics protesting the initiative to improve the voting system, the government’s unwillingness to amend the law on casinos, Minister Jubithana’s letter of resignation, and Suriname’s status with the IDB.

Brunswijk refuses to accept proposal for more representative democracy

• ABOP chairman and vice-president Ronnie Brunswijk dismisses the VHP party's proposal that presidential and vice-presidential candidates must not have a criminal record to be elected because he is an indicted criminal himself.

• Brunswijk is determined to achieve his goal of becoming president in 2025 and is not deterred by the initiative proposal.

• The ABOP party believes that the focus on criminal records in the proposal is a targeted attack against them, following the amendment of the electoral regulation.

• Obed Kanape, the group leader of ABOP/PL, rejects the VHP's proposal and argues that the constitution allows all Surinamese, regardless of criminal record, to run for the highest office.

• VHP leader Asis Gajadien states that the proposal is not targeted at any individual and is meant to represent the will of the people who do not want candidates with criminal records as heads of government or vice presidents.

• Brunswijk expresses his strong opposition to the proposed changes and highlights that he and Paul Somohardjo fought to restore democracy during a challenging period.

• He emphasizes that voting was previously impossible but thanks to their contributions, people can now participate in elections again.

• Brunswijk remains committed to his cause but leaves the final outcome to the will of a higher power.

Government and Parliament dragging feet to review new casino law

• Parliament unanimously decided to withdraw and resubmit the Casinos Act, the Gambling Supervision and Control Act, and the Lottery Act due to doubts about their legality after significant changes were made by the government in the second round.

• Lack of quorum for the earlier consideration of the laws was seen as a political signal against the state of affairs.

• If the government did not agree to resubmit the laws, the NDP group would participate in the debate under protest.

• Parliament is prepared to work diligently on handling the laws, but there should be no doubts about their lawfulness.

• The National Assembly appointed a committee, led by VHP party leader Asis Gajadien, to consider five initiative laws related to the amendment of the Electoral Regulations and the constitution.

• The committee will sit down with the government to discuss the changes, and the correct procedures must be followed.

• The committee consists of nine members from different parties and will meet to discuss the amendment to the law.

• The amendment of the Electoral Regulations and the Constitution requires a qualified majority of 34 (two thirds).

Minister of transport, Jubithana, hands in letter of resignation

• Minister Albert Jubithana of Transport, Communication, and Tourism has made his portfolio available to the president, but he clarifies that it is not related to the announced reshuffling.

• Jubithana decided to write his letter of resignation to the president on August 1, but the reason for his resignation is not disclosed.

• He denies any pressure from his political party, the ABOP, and states that he has always been open to making room for a replacement when necessary.

• Jubithana does not comment on speculation surrounding his resignation and maintains that it was a well-considered decision for personal reasons.

• During his tenure, Jubithana worked to develop the country, particularly in the tourism sector, and he believes tangible results have been achieved with the available financial resources.

Suriname has 14 loans and 4 donations from IDB

• The General Manager of the Caribbean Country Department of the IDB, Tariq Alli, had positive discussions with the government and business community in Suriname.

• Suriname has 14 loans and 4 donations from the IDB used for sustainable projects, totaling over US$375 million in funding and over US$8.5 million in grants.

• Suriname and the IDB focus on the development vision, with the IDB's policy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• The IDB supports investments in governance, capacity, and production reconstruction in Suriname, in line with the IMF program.

• A USD$10 million project is being prepared to strengthen the National Development Bank, and a USD$30 million program is in the works for the Ministry of Planning and the Environment, while the PURP program is being expanded.

• The IDB aims to support Suriname in accelerated capacity building and building sustainable institutions.

• The IDB also plans to support the private sector in Suriname to increase sustainable impact in the country.

Drama during festival as political leaders get upset at singer

• A video of Surinamese-Javanese singer Maroef Amatstam's performance during the Javanese New Year celebration has sparked discussions on social media.

• The video was edited to make it appear as if Maroef had to stop singing the song 'Lobi Sranan-Libi kon Tranga now' immediately, but in reality, he sang two verses and two choruses before stopping.

• Maroef confirms that his performance was indeed stopped and explains that he intended to say something positive during the performance, not directed towards the government.

• Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bronto Somohardjo, asked him to stop singing the song in its original version, and Maroef complied.

• Several artists have reacted, criticizing the censorship and asserting that artists do not care about political colors.