✈️ Surinam Airways announces new airplane

Happy Monday!

This week we cover Surinam Airways’ new airplane ‘the Pride of Suriname’, a looming hike in energy prices, and updates on the cyanide situation in the interior.

Surinam Airways will return to the Mid-Atlantic route after a 3-year hiatus

• The Pride of Suriname, an Airbus A340-300, was inaugurated as the largest aircraft flown by a Surinamese company.

• SLM aims to independently operate long flight routes, particularly between Paramaribo and Amsterdam.

• The government is committed to saving and maintaining SLM as a major regional player, despite challenges.

• Efforts have been made to regain confidence and improve the company's image.

• The SLM seeks to balance attracting tourists and providing affordable travel for compatriots.

• SLM has seen steady growth and invites people to fly with them to support Suriname's prosperity and well-being.

• The Pride of Suriname is a leased aircraft, and a third plane is expected in June.

• The date for the first official flight of the Pride of Suriname is yet to be announced, but it is expected soon.

The Energy Authority of Suriname (EAS) announces an energy price hike effective June 1.

• New electricity rates will be implemented from 1 June based on advice from the EBS Rates Committee and in line with IMF agreements.

• Discounts for household customers will be reduced by SRD 260 over 6 months and will end for everyone in December.

• Commercial customers' discount of SRD 150 will be discontinued from 1 June, and the bridging rate will permanently end on the same date.

• Base rates and consumption rates for all customer categories will be adjusted, with a 30% adjustment for large-scale consumption.

• The EAS, an independent authority, oversees the energy sector, implements IMF measures, and monitors service quality and performance.

• Tariff adjustments aim to balance the government's budget, reduce subsidies, and allocate more funds to production, healthcare, education, and social programs.

• The changes ensure the continuity of electricity supply, promote sustainable sector development and address current challenges for economic growth.

• The EAS will continue its role in monitoring, regulating, and providing advice to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

Residents of the district Brokopondo are furious over lax regulation on the use of chemicals near drinking water

• Residents of Brownsweg demand an immediate stop to the use of cyanide in their area and the surrounding habitat.

• A boat carrying a large amount of cyanide capsized in the reservoir, causing concern among the residents.

• Bags of calcium oxide, believed to be cyanide, are piled up near a landing site close to the bank, raising fears of contamination.

• The water in the area has turned greenish, and there are concerns about the harm it may cause to people, plants, and animals.

• The residents demand the government cease cyanide transport, halt operations using cyanide in the goldfields, provide safe drinking water, and compensate for the damage caused.