🏦 IMF approves second tranche of loans for Suriname

Happy Monday!

This week we cover the announcement of IMF’s approval of the second tranche of loans, false passports being sold by government officials, and the ministry of health issues warnings on possible wave of Dengue

IMF approves second tranche

• The IMF board has approved the second tranche of Suriname's reform program, providing financial support. A formal statement from the IMF on the approval is yet to be issued.

• Suriname will receive approximately US$53 million from the Special Drawing Rights.

• The first tranche was followed by a year and a half of standstill because the government adjusted the program due to societal pressure and the burden it imposed.

• Approval from the IMF Executive Board strengthens Suriname's creditworthiness.

• The IMF acknowledged the sacrifices made by Surinamese society and the potential risks if measures were unbalanced.

False Surinamese passports being sold by government officials

• Fraudulent passports are being sold at the Central Bureau for Civil Affairs (CBB) in Suriname.

• Buyers are willing to pay up to $10,000 USD for these passports, which are issued by the state but involve bribes.

• Some passports even have fake visas attached to them.

• Recent arrests at the airport suggest the existence of an underground network involved in this activity.

• The CBB director acknowledges allegations of officials accepting bribes but says evidence is lacking for a criminal investigation and is denying any involvement.

• The phenomenon is particularly common among Chinese individuals although Surinamese emergency passports have also been issued to Dominicans without Surinamese nationality.

• The Border Management System in Suriname lacks biometric verification capabilities, making it vulnerable to identity fraud.

Possible wave of Dengue infections in Suriname

• Dengue infections in Suriname have seen a slight increase since January, according to Health Minister Amar Ramadhin.

• Dengue is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes species, which are active during the day.

• The Ministry of Health urges society to clean up areas where dengue mosquitoes can breed and lay eggs.

• General practitioners are required to report dengue cases to the Bureau of Public Health (BOG), but not everyone complies.

• The BOG targets "hot spots" for mosquito control through spraying, and individuals are encouraged to clean their surroundings to eliminate potential breeding sites.

• Additional preventive measures include using mosquito nets and applying repellent.

• The ministry plans to create a prevention video to raise awareness and engage the public in efforts to combat dengue.