⚽️SVB asks for additional USD 1.5 million after lackluster results

while Joel "Bordo" Martinus will be extradited to France

De Brief
January 13, 2025

The Surinamese Football Association (SVB) faces a deficit of over $1.5 million to support Natio's international matches in 2025, rising to $5.2 million if they qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
SVB chairman John Krishnadath has urged the government to help prevent Suriname from losing face and to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Natio's activities are usually funded through revenue, sponsorships, FIFA funds, and the SVB WC Account, but the current gaps are unprecedented.
Seven key events this year, including the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers, will cost $2.18 million, leaving a shortfall of nearly $1.49 million after contributions from FIFA and Concacaf.
If Suriname advances in the qualifiers, additional expenses for 2026 matches could reach $6 million, posing an even greater challenge.
Non-participation would result in fines, reputational damage, and the collapse of Suriname's World Cup aspirations.
The SVB is seeking solutions, including adjusting competitions, negotiating with FIFA for more funds, and appealing to businesses, though expectations are limited.
Krishnadath has appealed to the government to adopt Natio as a national project, suggesting direct funding for specific expenses like charters and hotel costs to bridge the deficit.
Notably many have criticized the SVB for not providing any results the past years even with additional funding and international players from the Netherlands.

Chief of Police Bryan Isaacs plans improvements in the Traffic Department to address ongoing public complaints.
Citizens have criticized the poor service, especially delays in processing driving license renewals often requiring bribes to receive any results.
Isaacs visited the department and found many citizens frustrated after multiple unsuccessful visits.
The Surinamese Police Union (SPB) requested an emergency meeting with Isaacs over his behavior during the visit.
The SPB criticized Isaacs’ conduct as unprofessional and contrary to the force's mission, vision, and core values.
The union highlighted Isaacs’ prior emphasis on mutual respect within the force, calling his actions contradictory.
The SPB demanded immediate action and rectification from Isaacs and awaits his response.
Citizens have commented on social media against the union leader and praising Isaacs for his promise to improve the department
Comments criticize the unions laziness and for protecting their own at the cost to society

In 2024, Suriname spent SRD 5.4 billion on subsidies and contributions to state-owned companies, with nearly SRD 4 billion allocated to healthcare.
Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing of Finance and Planning emphasizes better use of funds over increasing healthcare budgets, with SRD 350 million added for 2025.
Total subsidies in 2024 amounted to SRD 15.3 billion, covering utilities, hospitals outside state ownership, and education.
Inflation in Suriname dropped to 9.7% in 2024, significantly lower than the IMF’s projections of 14-17%.
In 2023, Suriname's inflation was 32.6%, also beating the IMF’s estimate of 41%.
Raghoebarsing credits the inflation control to collective efforts, including businesses, exchange offices, and banks, stabilizing the market and avoiding panic-driven price increases.
The minister highlights that achieving single-digit inflation offers citizens stability, predictability, and low prices.
Raghoebarsing celebrates Suriname’s ability to surpass IMF expectations, expressing pride in the collaborative success of the nation.

Joël 'Bordo' Martinus will be extradited to France, as decided by Brazilian judicial authorities, over Suriname's competing request.
The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court unanimously approved France’s extradition request on December 6, 2024.
Suriname submitted additional information in November 2024, but its request was rejected on December 9, 2024.
Martinus remains in custody and will be transferred at a time coordinated by Brazilian and French authorities.