Simons to visit Brazil and the Dominican Republic.

Iran-US war to impact oil prices in Suriname and wider region.

De Brief
April 26, 2026

President Jennifer Simons will visit Brazil (end of May) and the Dominican Republic (June 1–2) to strengthen international partnerships.
She will meet with Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Luis Abinader.
The visits aim to deepen bilateral cooperation and produce concrete agreements.
Minister Melvin Bouva has already conducted preparatory talks, including signing a cooperation declaration with the Dominican Republic.
Key themes across both partnerships include economic cooperation, trade, and investment.
Border management and tackling cross-border crime are specific priorities in talks with Brazil.
Food security is a major concern for Suriname, with Brazil seen as a strong agricultural partner.
The Dominican Republic offers opportunities for tourism growth and export expansion (e.g., maize, soybeans, and cacao).
Improving connectivity (transport, infrastructure, and logistics) is crucial for trade, tourism, economic growth, and security.
Both partnerships also emphasize regional and international cooperation, including energy and food security, with both countries viewed as strategic allies.

Rising global aircraft fuel costs are increasing airline expenses and driving higher ticket prices and surcharges worldwide.
In Suriname, airlines like Gum Air and Surinam Airways have introduced fuel surcharges on passengers and cargo.
These measures are considered necessary to maintain airline operations amid escalating fuel prices.
However, higher travel costs are putting pressure on tourism and increasing the financial burden on consumers.
The global fuel crisis is linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the United States and Iran.
While many countries are taking action (e.g., subsidies, price caps, and alternative energy investments), Suriname is responding cautiously.
The government has introduced a fuel price cap in collaboration with Staatsolie and financial authorities.
Fuel prices are temporarily fixed at SRD 53.27 for diesel and SRD 48.32 for unleaded to prevent sudden increases.
This policy aims to protect citizens, control inflation, and maintain economic stability while allowing flexibility for future adjustments.
Authorities continue to monitor global developments and will update policies as needed to balance economic impact, government spending, and public welfare.

The Bureau Openbare Gezondheidszorg (BOG) received chemicals and equipment from Brazil to combat chikungunya and spraying operations began at the Sint Vincentius Hospital.
The donated supplies are expected to last between six months and one year, with more shipments coming.
There had been public criticism over shortages of chemicals during the chikungunya outbreak since the start of the year.
The Health Minister stated that future shortages should be prevented through maintained stockpiles for epidemics.
BOG staff were trained by Brazilian experts in using new spraying equipment and chemicals.
Spraying is first being carried out in hospitals, targeting areas like waiting rooms, basements, and corridors.
Large residential areas in Nickerie will be covered during evening spraying hours (17:00–21:00), weather permitting.
Residents are advised to take precautions such as covering food and water, protecting vulnerable persons, keeping windows open, and securing pets and belongings during spraying.

Three separate robbery incidents occurred, including a taxi robbery, a business heist, and a home invasion.
In the taxi case, a passenger was robbed by the driver on Ladesmastraat without the use of a weapon.
The taxi victim lost USD 4,000 and €2,000 but was not physically harmed.
The most serious incident involved five masked, heavily armed men robbing a construction materials store.
The attackers stole large sums from two safes, totaling millions in SRD and thousands in USD and euros, along with mobile phones.
During that robbery, the business owner was restrained and a worker was injured.
The suspects fled in a white Toyota Vitz, and police launched an investigation.
In a separate case, three masked and armed suspects robbed a home on Magentaweg.
The homeowner was threatened into handing over a bag containing €2,000, USD 1,800, and SRD 18,000, but no injuries occurred.
Police responded quickly in all cases, and investigations are ongoing, with indications that some attacks may have been targeted.