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De Brief
April 21, 2025

This week, we cover a large fire that broke out in the heart of the city, leading to the destruction of historical monuments. We also cover the allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Land and Forest Management.

A large fire has just destroyed multiple buildings on Henck Arronstraat. The flames spread rapidly, severely affecting nearby structures as well. The fire involves a retail store and several commercial properties, and it's producing thick smoke visible from far away.
The fire department worked hard to control the fire, but multiple buildings were engulfed in flames by the time they arrived.
In the meantime, two suspects have been arrested who are suspected of starting the fire. The fire quickly spread through several historic buildings in the centre of the city and damaged buildings that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The damage has been claimed as massive and is beyond monetary value, according to many.
Firefighters faced serious water shortages, which hampered their efforts, but they insist that they did everything to limit the destruction.
During the fire, the fire brigade faced a major water supply issue at a critical moment, with a submersible pump. The pump failed, leaving firefighters temporarily unable to get water.
Fire officer Mario Vismale stated that technical malfunctions contributed to the spread of the fire.

The buildings damaged in the fire were part of a historical heritage site, and so debris cannot be removed without permission from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, and the Monuments Care Commission (CMZ).
There has to be an assessment of whether valuable remnants like foundations, facades, or unique interior elements can be preserved for future reconstruction or documenting. Investigations are being done, and arson was considered as a reason.
CMZ Secretary Imro Smith warns that rushing the cleaning-up process could result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable heritage elements—something that has happened in past incidents involving quick cleanups.
The commission calls on property owners, emergency services, and policymakers to work together and follow proper procedures to request clearance so that necessary records can be taken to prevent prior mishaps.

The allegations have been denied by the Minister, as these are related to the land theft of 400 hectares of agricultural land in Commewijne. Reportedly, 13 newly established foundations received all the land in one month.
A whistleblower has claimed the allocations were made with favoritism toward the minister's relatives, friends, and political allies of the ABOP party.
Party leader Gajadien has called for Minister Vorswijk’s immediate resignation and a formal investigation by the Attorney General. He has pointed out that while regular citizens can wait months or years, these foundations rapidly secured land along with all required documentation, including maps and plot IDs, in just weeks.
Minister Vorswijk acknowledged the land allocation but stated that procedures were properly followed and that the land was unclaimed state property. She has denied any personal ties to the applicants; however, documents suggest involvement of ministry staff and their family members.
Gajadien warned of systemic corruption where bribes are used to speed up land processing and warned of the potential influence of upcoming elections.

The Suriname Fire Brigade Personnel Union (BPBS) has expressed deep concern over the massive fire on Henck Arronstraat, where four buildings were destroyed. In an open letter to President Chan Santokhi, union chairman Jöel Panka has blamed the disaster on the government’s neglect of the fire department.
According to the union, it has been nearly 12 years since the last new fire truck was purchased. Only two batches of 10 used trucks have been acquired in recent years as the union has warned the government, going as far as striking and legal actions to demand improvements.
While agreements were signed between the union and the government in September 2024, none of the promised upgrades, such as fire trucks, protective gear, boots, or basic firefighting equipment, have been delivered. Furthermore, the fire brigade has no ladder trucks or aerial lifts, which limits their ability to control fires in taller buildings or complex structures.
Panka has stressed that this is not an isolated incident but part of years of underinvestment and calls on the government to invest in the tools and resources of the fire brigade.