Happy Monday!

This week, we look back at Suriname’s celebration of its 50th year of independence, the King and Queen of the Netherlands’ visit to Suriname, and Suriname’s national team coach's departure from the squad before a crucial World Cup qualifier next year.

Suriname celebrated its 50th year of independence last week on November 25th, 2025

• At Suriname’s 50th Srefidensi celebration on Independence Square, a festive crowd enjoyed the parade, military display, and a parachute show.

• President Jennifer Simons was warmly received, with special appreciation for the many women leaders in the armed forces and other veterans.

• During a packed reception, Simons called for unity, dignity, and stronger international relationships, urging citizens to build a prosperous future for the next generation.

• The moment was also a time for the Surinamese president to urge unity over division and to emphasize building a positive future.

• At a special parliamentary session marking 50 years of independence, President Jennifer Simons urged Surinamers to unite across political and ethnic lines to create a long-delayed national roadmap.

• She called for reflection on the past five decades and emphasized that the next phase requires shared responsibility, social justice, and realistic navigation of global power dynamics.

• Simons argued that Suriname must achieve not only political, but also economic and psychological independence, entering a new phase of national awareness (Srefidenki).

• She concluded that the country’s true struggle is internal—overcoming what holds society back—and that only by bringing out the best in themselves can Surinamers build a just and prosperous future.

The king and queen of the Netherlands visit Suriname for the first time in 47 years.

• King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have arrived in Suriname for a three-day state visit—the first by a Dutch monarch in 47 years.

• Suriname’s foreign minister, Melvin Bouva, has described the visit as a key moment for strengthening bilateral ties.

• The monarchs are accompanied by four Dutch ministers and a large business delegation, and both sides aim to expand cooperation in economics, climate and water management, health, and innovation. The 15-member Dutch business delegation accompanying the monarchs represents major sectors including water management, infrastructure, energy, logistics, agriculture, innovation, and health technology.

• The group includes leading Dutch companies like Boskalis, Fugro, Royal HaskoningDHV, Koole, KLM, Philips, and Invest International.

• Their presence signals a broad Dutch push to deepen cooperation with Suriname in areas including coastal protection, dredging of the Suriname River, climate resilience, transport modernization, technology, and agrifood.

• At least three cooperation agreements—and a major €50+ million dredging donation—are expected, reflecting an expanded economic partnership between the two countries.

Suriname’s national football team coach has resigned after Suriname didn’t directly qualify for the World Cup

• Stanley Menzo has resigned as Suriname’s national football coach just months before the crucial March World Cup play-offs.

• This comes after Suriname lost 3-1 to Guatemala and lost out on direct qualification to the World Cup in 2026.

• His departure, described as a personal decision, comes despite strong achievements under his leadership—including Nations League and Gold Cup successes and securing Suriname’s place in the play-offs.

• The SVB praises his work but now faces urgent pressure to appoint a new coach, as the team enters the most important phase in its history in hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time.