🏙️ Suriname in danger of losing UNESCO Heritage Site

Happy Monday!

This week we cover the controversial new parliament building and Suriname’s UNESCO status, 170 years of Chinese immigration, and the president’s recent visit to Canada

Suriname in danger of losing UNESCO Heritage Site as building of new parliament building continues

• Cultural director Roseline Daan has distanced herself from potential consequences related to the construction of the new meeting complex of the National Assembly.

• Resignations have occurred, with UNESCO site manager Stephen Fokké and the secretary general of the National UNESCO Commission Suriname, Vidya Narain, stepping down in response to concerns about the construction project.

• Despite objections, the construction of the new meeting complex, located in Paramaribo (a UNESCO World Heritage site), is proceeding without meeting UNESCO requirements.

• Daan, as an executive officer, issued timely warnings, called in the Archaeological Service for research, and conveyed findings from ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) to the relevant authorities.

• After widespread national and international criticism, the government is taking action to address the complications surrounding the construction project.

• UNESCO has expressed concern about the negative and irreversible effects the construction will have on the Outstanding Universal Value of the site and recommended exploring alternative options and respecting the master plan and prior technical assessments. Minister Henry Ori will hold an emergency meeting with stakeholders to address the situation.

Suriname and China recognize the 170th anniversary of Chinese settlement in Suriname

• Chinese associations and President Chan Santokhi participated in wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments in Paramaribo and New Amsterdam to mark the 170th anniversary of Chinese settlement in Suriname.

• The Chinese community's arrival in 1853 marked the beginning of their settlement in the country.

• The monument in New Amsterdam is located where the first Chinese contract workers landed in Suriname.

• Representatives of both the Surinamese and Chinese governments emphasized the friendly relations between the two countries during the ceremony at the Friendship Park monument.

• Minister Chen Xu highlighted the importance of people-to-people interactions in fostering friendship between nations and encouraged the Chinese community in Suriname to actively contribute to the country's development and the relationship between Suriname and China, a sentiment echoed by President Santokhi.

  The President also met with Minister Chen Xu

  

• Minister Chen Xu of Overseas Affairs of China visited Suriname for the celebration of 170 years of Chinese Immigration.

• President Chan Santokhi expressed appreciation for China's participation in the festivities and highlighted the historical ties between the two nations.

• The Chinese community in Suriname contributes to the country's diversity and integration into society.

• Both countries have strong government-level ties and have exchanged senior delegations for mutual working visits.

• In November, Suriname's Foreign Affairs Minister will travel to China to discuss debt restructuring.

• The relationship between China and Suriname is based on mutual respect and trust, with China seeing Suriname as a strategic partner in the region, promoting cooperation and the integration of the Chinese community.

President Santokhi returns from the Caricom-Canada Summit

• President Chan Santokhi participated in the Caricom-Canada Summit in Ottawa from October 17-19, which was a significant event for Suriname.

• The summit focused on establishing a strategic partnership for a resilient future, addressing crucial issues such as climate change, and finding solutions.

• President Santokhi emphasized the importance of channeling climate finance directly to vulnerable Caribbean countries, including Suriname, to combat climate change-related challenges like flooding and coastal erosion.

• He stressed the need to keep promises on climate financing and expressed appreciation for Canada's commitment to addressing climate change, with a goal of building a resilient and sustainable future in collaboration.