🛩️ President visits Colombia on private jet

while rumors of protest spread

De Brief
January 12, 2026

President Jennifer Simons and Health Minister André Misiekaba traveled to Bucaramanga, Colombia, at the invitation of the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) to discuss medical cooperation.
HIC is a key partner for Suriname, providing highly specialized care to Surinamese patients referred abroad.
The visit focused on expanding existing cooperation and securing continued access to specialized medical treatment.
Suriname aims to develop a similar integrated healthcare model, emphasizing strong primary care and prevention alongside quality secondary care.
HIC agreed to share its expertise and results, with a Colombian delegation scheduled to visit Suriname in February and Surinamese providers visiting Bucaramanga in March.
Joint procurement of medicines and medical supplies was positively received, potentially lowering costs through access to Colombia’s larger market.
A bilateral working group has been formed to further develop and deepen healthcare cooperation in the coming weeks.
Controversy rose on the lack of transparency of this trip as well as the financial costs to the taxpayer.

President Simons urged the population to help overcome the economic decline of the past five years and to avoid street protests.
She suggested that any near-term protests would likely be instigated by other actors rather than arising organically from the people.
Simons acknowledged hardship but warned that large pay raises would drive up the exchange rate and worsen the economy.
She called for cooperation, patience, and mutual support, stressing that government help should focus on the most vulnerable.
Former NDP MP Rashied Doekhie disagreed, arguing that all protesters are part of the people, even if political actors fuel unrest.
Doekhie said reforms will take longer than three years, warning that hunger and rising prices can quickly trigger social unrest.
He cautioned against repeating mistakes seen in oil-rich countries and urged prioritizing food, income, healthcare, and education costs.
Doekhie acknowledged political opportunism around protests but defended citizens’ right to sincere and honest expression.
Critic Bennie Miranda accused the NDP of breaking election promises on wage increases, price reductions, and reversing prior policies.
Miranda criticized the lack of tangible results after months in office and questioned the government’s priorities amid ongoing social and economic pressures.

An investigation has been launched into possible irregularities at the Ministry of the Interior following a report by the Central National Audit Service (CLAD).
The Public Prosecution Service is examining three major financial flows, along with procedures and parties involved over a specific period.
The role of external legal entities, including selection, tendering, payment processes, and administrative controls, is under scrutiny.
Preliminary findings suggest that established regulations and procedures may not have been fully followed, potentially causing harm to the State.
Key individuals have been interviewed, documents secured, and the investigation is ongoing, with no further details released at this stage.