👨‍⚖️ Vice President Brunswijk in hot water after statements on Bouterse's whereabouts

Happy Monday!

This week we cover the police and authority’s response to Brunswijk’s comments on Bouterse’s whereabouts, and the start of the Safe City Project in Suriname

Police want to hear VP about statements in contact with Bouterse

• Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk revealed he knew the hiding place of former Surinamese president Desi Bouterse, who had been evading justice for nearly a year.

• Brunswijk admitted to being in contact with Bouterse, receiving photos from him just days before his death, but did not disclose this information to authorities.

• Bouterse, sentenced to 20 years for the 1982 murders of 15 political opponents, died shortly before Christmas at his home, despite it being heavily monitored.

• Police are investigating how Bouterse’s body appeared at his home without official knowledge, and Brunswijk’s revelation has brought scrutiny from judicial authorities.

• Brunswijk claimed he had visited Bouterse’s family after his death and maintained good relations with him until his passing.

• The state prosecutor’s office sent a letter to Brunswijk on January 6, requesting an explanation of his statements, but he has not yet responded.

• Brunswijk, who previously served as Bouterse’s bodyguard before becoming his political rival, said he was surprised authorities didn’t know Bouterse’s location in such a small country.

• Despite wanting to attend Bouterse’s funeral, Brunswijk stated he did not receive a formal invitation from the National Democratic Party.

Start of “Safe City Project” with 650 monitoring cameras with support from China

• Suriname will install 650 monitoring cameras at 100 locations as part of the China-aid Road Monitoring Project, with a Command Center overseeing the system.

• President Chan Santokhi emphasized China's role as a key development partner and highlighted the project’s alignment with government priorities for public safety and order.

• The project builds on the earlier Safe City initiative and involves broader investments in police vehicles, maritime, and air safety.

• Minister Kenneth Amoksi stressed the government's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents through a structured and coordinated safety policy.

• The system aims to enhance public safety and police efficiency without compromising individual privacy, focusing on prevention and enforcement tasks.

• Chinese Ambassador Lin Ji, police chief Bryan Isaacs, and other officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring international collaboration.

• Director Prewien Ramadhin described the project as a milestone in Suriname's pursuit of improved security through advanced technology and global partnerships.

• Implementation involves extensive planning and preparation, with the installation of 99 additional poles to make the system fully operational across all districts.

Government tackles Weg naar Zee problem: Mangroves as a rescue plan

• The government is urgently addressing the critical situation in Weg naar Zee caused by rising sea levels and climate change.

• President Santokhi emphasized the need for immediate action, stating improvements must be made quickly.

• The government has supported Professor Sieuwnath Naipal’s mangrove project, which aims to protect the coastline through sustainable mangrove-based solutions.

• Satish Mohan of the Ministry of Public Works presented plans for a structural and sustainable solution, targeting a 4-kilometer stretch from Henri Fernandesweg to Brantimakkasluis.

• The ministry has been preparing extensively to make the coastal area more resilient to climate change impacts.

• The issue requires technical solutions and collaboration across sectors, with the government prioritizing partnerships with local and international entities.

• The meeting highlighted the importance of the project and reinforced the government’s commitment to protecting the coastline and ecosystem.

• There is optimism for Weg naar Zee through ongoing support for the mangrove project and planned sustainable measures, symbolizing Suriname’s fight against climate change.