⛽️ Government increases tax on fuel

and use of chemicals in gold mining get restricted

De Brief
June 05, 2023

Unannounced fuel price hike

Unleaded fuel's government take has increased by 50 cents from SRD 3 to SRD 3.50 per liter.
Diesel fuel's government take has also increased by 50 cents.
Super unleaded fuel's government take has increased from SRD 3.60 to SRD 4 per liter.
Despite the drop in international fuel prices, the government's additional increase has made fuel more expensive for consumers.
Shocking to many was the lack of announcement following the price hike

Government has officially banned any use of suspect chemicals in small-scale gold mining

The government has announced a prohibition on the use of certain chemicals in the small-scale gold sector, specifically in the mining process known as 'Heap Leaching'.
Small-scale gold sector users of the 'Heap Leaching' method must immediately cease its use and register with the Ordening Small-scale Gold Sector and NIMOS within a week.
Non-compliant users will face consequences, and increased inspections will be conducted by authorities in and around gold fields.
The government's action follows concerns over the use of cyanide and other chemicals in Brokopondo, where a boat carrying these substances capsized in the reservoir.
The public is urged to cooperate by reporting any observed use of these chemicals and sharing information about storage locations through provided contact numbers.

Vice president Ronnie Brunswijk has also addressed this in Parliament

Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk assured the National Assembly that drinking water in Brokopondo is safe and no cyanide has been found in the reservoir.
Brunswijk clarified that the initial notification regarding high cyanide levels in the water was a misunderstanding, as the samples were taken from a mine where cyanide products are stored, not from the lake.
The water from the lake is used for drinking water supply in two locations in Brokopondo after being purified by SWM and regularly tested for cyanide occurrence by both SWM and BOG.
Despite the water being monitored, there are still doubts among the community, but no official records or reports of cyanide poisoning or deaths have been received by the Bureau Openbaar Gezondheidszorg (BOG).
The government is working on reducing mercury use in the small-scale gold sector, and Brunswijk expressed concerns about fake messages causing panic and urged the government to investigate such offenses.
Critics and members of parliament raise questions regarding Brunswijk’s personal and financial connection to the small-scale gold miners in the region.

Members of Parliament concerned about settlement of Mennonites in Suriname

Concerns were raised by several DNA members regarding a possible settlement of Mennonites in Suriname and the government's intention to issue domain land to this group.
Rabin Parmessar of the NDP requested clarity from the government, citing the constitutional prohibition on alienation of territory.
Iona Edwards of the NDP expressed alarm over the reported purchase of land in Apoera by Mennonites for establishing a new settlement, emphasizing deforestation and environmental concerns.
The matter was deemed serious, and questions were raised about the government's deliberate provocation and potential risks associated with bringing in fanatical groups without proper research into their background.
Patricia Etnel of the NPS highlighted the lack of clarity in the government's migration policy and called for a response to the raised concerns. The discussion will resume on Thursday.
Additionally countless international and national NGO’s have raised concerns about the government’s actions and the implications of this decision
Multiple members of parliament also noted that Suriname is not unique in raising concern as countless other countries in South America have expressed difficulty with the Mennonite communities regarding integration and societal relationships.