GranMorgu project well underway

and Indigenous communities petition for land rights after violence in Pikin Saron.

De Brief
October 26, 2025

Staatsolie director Jagesar reported that the project is 23 percent realized, fully on schedule, and within budget.
There are "very positive developments" in local content, with two Surinamese ports and multiple local companies already involved in the preparations. Jagesar noted that Surinamese companies are currently "a step ahead" compared to those in Guyana.
President Simons stressed that the oil sector must serve as a catalyst for broader national development. She urged authorities to proactively anticipate the future demand for food, services, and logistics from the oil industry, ensuring that sectors like agriculture and tourism benefit immediately.
Jagesar agreed, emphasizing the need for immediate policy and not waiting for the first oil. He specifically called for the strengthening of agriculture and vocational training now.
He highlighted a significant challenge: only 7 percent of the workforce has a higher vocational or university education.
An example of proactive measures is the plan to train welders from among the youth and people from disadvantaged areas via the Foundation for Labor Mobilization & Development, to support local content requirements.

The donation agreement was signed by Minister Melvin Bouva and Chinese Ambassador Lin Ji.
The ambulances aim to provide faster and more efficient emergency response across the country.
Minister Bouva highlighted the donation as a sign of China’s ongoing solidarity with Suriname’s development.
Ambassador Lin Ji said the gift symbolizes the protection of lives and national resilience.
The vehicles will be officially handed over after logistical and technical preparations are completed, reaffirming strong bilateral cooperation.

The petition highlights that the PG should be dismissed under Article 142 paragraph 2 of the Constitution for "culpable negligence and dereliction of duty" in the execution of her office, and demands a criminal investigation against her.
The allegations of the petition cite malpractices such as:
- Alleged political motivations in the prosecution of figures like Robert van Trikt and Gimardo Kromosoeto, and the prosecution/detention of Chairman Adhin.
- Failure to properly handle high-profile cases like the "liquidation of two defenseless, handcuffed men" at Pikin Saron.
- Failures related to major financial and public issues (SLM, Central Bank theft of SRD 60 million, New Surfin, Panam Project, HPSG).
ABOS also demands a mandatory response from the Public Prosecution Service, the recognition of a People's Tribunal, and a serious discussion about land rights.
National Assembly Chairman Adhin acknowledged that all issues raised have "caused social upheaval" and assured ABOS that the matters are being addressed in both government and parliamentary settings.

They demand:
- Immediate Release or Clemency for the five Indigenous men currently facing an eight-year sentence (pending appeal) for their involvement in the Pikin Saron incident, where civil servants were taken hostage and property was set on fire.
- A fully independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of Martinus Wolfjager and Ivanildo Dijksteel during the subsequent police operation, and to hold the responsible police officers accountable (a separate case against seven police officers is also ongoing).
- Establishment of a Ministry of Indigenous Affairs.
- A thorough police investigation into the missing third Indigenous man.
- Review of the proposed 5 km buffer zone around Indigenous villages.
- Formal recognition of demarcation maps and full recognition of the right to self-determination and cultural heritage.
- Immediate investigation into environmental pollution and tensions related to mining operations (Grassalco) in Pikin Saron, Bigi Poika, and Maripaston.
In response to this, the government has reacted by acknowledging the complexity of land rights issues, but suggested the need for a temporary law to immediately stop or strictly regulate the issuance of land in Indigenous and Maroon living areas to prevent future incidents like Pikin Saron.