📝 President Santokhi returns to Suriname with nine signed agreements

while teachers strike due to unpaid salaries

De Brief
April 22, 2024

President Chan Santokhi had a successful visit to China, meeting President Xi Jinping and signing nine agreements to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The president is optimistic about the future relationship between Suriname and China, believing it will contribute to Suriname's prosperity and well-being.
Minister Albert Ramdin confirms the completion of debt rescheduling with China at a technical level and awaits formal signing after political approval.
China has canceled older debts dating from before 2013, relieving Suriname from repayment obligations.
During the visit, discussions were held with 13 companies and provincial-level administrative units, aiming to foster increased employment, trade, and investment.
Efforts were made despite logistical challenges, with the entire team contributing to successful discussions with the Chinese government and businesses.
Suriname's increased attention from China is expected to bring benefits such as employment opportunities, enhanced trade, and investment, ultimately boosting the economy.

The Association of Teachers in Technical Education (Bond van Leraren bij het Technisch Onderwijs - BLTO) has escalated their actions due to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture's failure to pay financial compensation to its members.
BLTO members did not report to work this week, demanding the payment of owed compensation of six months.
Minister Henry Ori has not responded to letters sent by BLTO, focusing only on new teacher salaries while neglecting compensation for overtime and part-time work.
BLTO leaders remain undeterred by the threat of legal action from the minister, vowing to continue their actions until all members receive their owed compensation.

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (minOWC) clarified at a press conference that payments have been made from February, but some lesson timesheets arrived late or were incomplete.
Minister Henry Ori responded, stating that the ministry is prepared to address concerns if necessary, even through formal procedures.
Robby Holband, Director of Vocational Education, highlighted discrepancies in submitted lesson timesheets, including payments for activities that may not qualify for overtime.
Holband mentioned the need for clarification regarding additional payments for administrative tasks and union matters, intending to address these issues in the upcoming school year.
Despite efforts to process payments, the BLTO continues their strike, claiming that many members are still unpaid, as shown by Natasia Benanon, Director of Administrative and Technical Management, during the presentation of submitted lesson timesheets and payment statuses.

The BLTO criticizes MinOWC for misinformation provided during a recent press conference and announces further action due to unpaid financial compensation.
Late payments for teachers' credits, including overtime, are attributed to the dismissal of competent management in Vocational Education by the minister, leading to delays blamed on other entities such as the Ministry of Finance.
Specific schools like Praktijk Centrum Drambrandersgracht are excluded from lists for payment eligibility without justification.
Contradictory statements between ministry staff regarding payment timelines, with discrepancies noted for NATIN funds and other schools like Waaldijk College and Tata Collin School.
BLTO highlights broader issues beyond finances, including concerns about permanent employment, unqualified school director appointments, and inadequate security measures.
Director of Vocational Education's comments on bond hours are challenged, with discrepancies noted regarding resolutions and promises of BLTO representation in administrative working groups.
Misrepresentation of workload and payment status for technical and service teachers, with discrepancies in class timesheets and payments not matching claims made by ministry officials.