Happy Monday!

This week we cover the trial of the 8th of December murder case against former president Desi Bouterse, continuing inflation increases in the country, attempts by the government to support vulnerable groups through the economic crisis, and more.

The 8th of December murder case goes in front of the judge today July 31, 2023.

• Former President Desi Bouterse’s lawyer Irvin Kanhai is confident of an acquittal in the December 8 trial, where his clients, are defendants.

• The case involves appeals against a 20-year prison sentence which was handed down by the Military Court and will be heard later today, on July 31, 2023. The co-defendants will be allowed to make their final statements and arguments will once again be presented by the Public Prosecutor.

• Kanhai argues that proving premeditation is challenging and cites previous rulings to support his stance.

• On the other hand, the relatives of the deceased, and their counsel strongly believe there is compelling evidence of premeditation. They state that they have been validated by numerous testimonies and evidence that has entered the court.

• The court is expected to take time to study the documents before delivering the verdict, likely in the last quarter of the year.

An update on Inflation in Suriname:

• We continue to cover Suriname’s economic crisis and its recovery.

• In June 2023, consumer prices in Suriname increased by 2.3% compared to May 2023, with an annual inflation rate of 54.7%.

• The previous year saw inflation reach 54.6%. Although the current inflation is still high, it is lower than the significant increase from May 2022, which was 64.9%.

• Suriname has been boosted by support from the International Monetary Fund which has predicted a lower inflation rate for this year. This has led to skepticism from experts.

• At the same time, construction in Suriname has become increasingly difficult with many people unable to finish construction. 

• The General Bureau of Statistics reported that in construction, average prices have increased by 8.1% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of this year.

• If we compare that to the second quarter of 2022, prices have increased by an average of 71.3%.

The Government attempts the implementation of social programs for vulnerable groups.

• The government has achieved a significant milestone by approving crucial social increases and improving purchasing power for vulnerable groups.

• Subsidy rates for child and resident-related care will go from SRD 27 to SRD 70 per child/resident per day.

• Additionally, a purchasing power boost will be provided to senior citizens, aiming to alleviate financial burdens.

• The government will extend SRD 1800 increase in purchasing power to all senior citizens.

• This social program should benefit thousands of households with monthly support and subsidies for essential goods and services, such as fuel, electricity, water, gas, basic food, transportation, and medication.

The government presents new proposals for electoral reform.

• The government has presented three draft laws to amend the Electoral Regulations, proposing variations in seat allocation. Other political parties such as ABOP/PL, VHP, and NDP have also submitted their own proposals for changes, as well as the ABOP/PL submitting proposed constitutional changes.

• The government aims to achieve broad societal support and plans to consult with various stakeholders.

• The proposed variants involve allocating fixed seats at the district level based on different criteria, while the remaining seats will be assigned through nationwide proportional representation.

• The approved draft laws have been sent for advice to the State Council and the National Assembly due to the urgent nature of the matter. The government seeks to find a consensus that aligns with the Constitutional Court's decision.

The FAO continues to support Surinamese agriculture

• The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) continues to provide strong support for Suriname’s agricultural development.

• FAO's Chief Technical Advisor, Erick Zeballos, who is also advising the Suriname Agriculture Market Access Program (SAMAP), mentioned that farmers and processors recently received agricultural materials with support from the FAO and the EU.

• By December 2022, the aim was to distribute 14,000 items, and as of now, 5,000 items have been distributed, alongside a US$2.8 million investment in Surinamese agriculture.

• The focus has been on the interior regions, with 23 out of 42 projects concentrated there. Research indicates that the SAMAP/MGF program has improved production for many beneficiaries.

• The materials are expected to help farmers increase production, enhance product quality, meet market demands, and generate higher income, contributing to food security and the country's development.

• This assistance will help Suriname’s agricultural sector continue to reform as the country recovers economically.