💭 Unions still in discussion with the government

and Joel 'Bordo' Martinus arrested in Brazil

De Brief
June 03, 2024

Ravaksur+ (combination of the biggest labor unions in Suriname) and the government have yet to resolve the issue of energy prices, with the next meeting scheduled for June 7.
Government and trade union technical teams discussed cost price calculations per kWh and per phase connection in a recent presentation.
The president stated that any adjustments must align with agreements made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Energy Authority of Suriname (EAS) announced gradual rate increases of 7% per phase in May, July, September, and November.
A one-week period has been set for both parties to propose solutions that align with IMF criteria, aiming to exit the IMF program quickly.
The government proposed switching from object subsidies to subject subsidies, with specific subsidy amounts based on consumption levels.
Both sides noted the rising water level of the Brokopondo reservoir and discussed the potential for increased hydro energy generation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The Labor Inspectorate objected to the urgent dismissal of Marciano Hellings, chairman of the association at Energy Companies Suriname (EBS).
EBS management dismissed Hellings for allegedly taking and sharing photos of company vehicles, which Hellings denies.
Since May 13, work at EBS has been significantly disrupted with employees reporting sick and visiting the outpatient clinic.
Hellings declined to comment on the Labor Inspectorate's decision.
EBS management is dissatisfied with the Labor Inspectorate's objection and will submit the dismissal to the Labor Inspectorate.
Hellings will remain suspended until the Dismissal Committee makes a final decision.
The union initially went on strike, leading EBS management to seek a court ruling to resume work - borrowing from the Minister of Education when he tried to drag the teachers to court.
Despite the court ruling lifting the strike, employees continue to report sick and attend daily meetings.

Various speakers at a meeting in Pontbuiten emphasized that the NDP aims to win the next election, criticizing the current coalition for coming to power through lies and deception.
The party has registered successfully with the Independent Electoral Board (OKB) but must register with the Central Polling Station three months before the election, which could be problematic without a new board.
Current chairman Desi Bouterse cannot sign election documents, potentially preventing NDP participation if a new board isn't elected in time.
The NDP will celebrate its 37th anniversary on July 4, with a mass meeting planned for July 6, where many surprises are expected.
The election committee is working intensively to finalize the new board, aiming for completion before the mass meeting, but it may extend into later July.
Abrahams highlighted that lies during the 2020 campaign and the inability to hold large meetings due to Covid impacted the NDP, but the party has learned from its mistakes.
An information center has been established in Pontbuiten, accessible to the public and providing internet for young people, with coordinators aiming for victory in the next election.

The arrest was based on an Interpol Red Notice issued by Interpol Suriname and carried out by the Interpol unit of the Brazilian Federal Police.
No further details about the arrest have been released.
'Bordo' is suspected of multiple crimes, including murder, manslaughter, criminal organization involvement, and violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Money Laundering Acts.