Land scandal at Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing

Happy Monday!

This week we cover the land scandal at the ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, the new police headquarters set to be built by 2026, and the India Food project

Plot of land provided to Minister Landvreugd without SoZaVo permission

• Social Affairs and Housing approved making the Blauwgrond plot available to the Excellence Topsport Talentschool, but it later emerged that the plot was allocated to Minister Landvreugd on a 40-year ground rent basis.

• Minister Uraiqit Ramsaran stated he cannot be held administratively responsible for actions that occurred after his transfer on December 11, 2023.

• President Chan Santokhi is set to meet with Minister Landvreugd and has requested all documents concerning the 1,000 m² plot on Habib Chandweg.

• When selected as Minister of the Interior, Landvreugd assured the President that no issues or undisclosed problems would cause political complications.

• The controversy arose amid speculation of a possible land sale, which Landvreugd denied, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, honesty, and integrity.

• Investigations revealed that SoZaVo purchased the land in 2014 for SRD 1,075,289, while Landvreugd’s foundation received the plot free of charge from Minister Dinotha Vorswijk.

• The VHP faction leader urged a thorough investigation into potential corrupt practices, noting that this issue is particularly sensitive given the upcoming elections.

• Ramsaran explained that communication with the GBB ministry regarding the land’s status is ongoing, and the responsibility for its allocation now rests with that ministry following his transfer.

• Marinus Bee protected Minister Landvreugd from explaining an integrity issue concerning land received by his foundation, alleging that it is not fair that a minister from ABOP is being questioned.

• Bee maintained that the minister is not obligated to provide an explanation since accountability rests with the president to the National Assembly chairman.

• VHP faction leader Asis Gajadien requested that the minister clarify the issue during a session in the National Assembly.

• Gajadien had previously called for the minister to disclose his portfolio and initiate an investigation into everyone involved.

• Bee announced that he is in communication with Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk regarding the issue.

• Bee also indicated plans to reach out to President Santokhi for further clarification.

Completion of the Police Headquarters in 2026

• President Chan Santokhi officially launched the construction of a new Police Headquarters on his birthday, commemorating the building destroyed in the 1980 military coup.

• The new project replaces an earlier 2010 attempt that failed due to technical flaws and political reluctance to complete the building.

• The reconstruction aims to restore police authority and strengthen the rule of law, with completion scheduled for April 2026.

• The initiative is intended to help police officers, particularly the younger ones, regain pride, integrity, and heal past traumas.

• Recent groundwork at the site on the corner of Gemenelandsweg and Johan Adolf Pengelstraat included a symbolic ceremony with officials taking part.

• During the ceremony, President Santokhi, Minister Kenneth Amoksi, police chief Bryan Isaacs, and Chinese contractor Li Zhigu helped mix cement and sprinkled beer on the future pillar locations.

• The project, costing US$7 million and funded by the government, follows the demolition of the flawed building that had already consumed 3 million euros in Dutch donor funds.

• A minute’s silence was held for officer Mohamed Soeltan, who was killed during the coup, highlighting the project's historical and emotional significance.

Ambassador Gupta: India Food Project to Cost US$10 Million

• The US$10 million food project from India is a donation to Suriname, announced by Ambassador Suhash Gupta.

• The initial 21 containers will produce 80,000 food packages, with another 68 containers scheduled to arrive.

• The project offers a selection of 28 food products, and further details on how to obtain a package will be shared soon.

• The donated food has been guaranteed safe for consumption, though much uproar has occurred on social media.

• President Chan Santokhi distributed the first 9 food parcels to the needy as part of the launch.

• Alongside the food distribution, Santokhi inaugurated a fitness trail in Lelydorp and launched a markoesa (passion fruit) project with Indian support.

• Plans include building a juice factory at Melk Centrale Paramaribo, with local cultivation of markoesa encouraged by the Ministry of Agriculture.

• The initiative, requested by the Surinamese government last year, underscores the strong friendship between Suriname and India and aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s "world is one big family" philosophy, involving a total of 89 containers.