The election results have been officially accepted by all political parties in Suriname and President Bouterse will have to thoroughly instruct and inspire his new government which is facing major challenges.
Nationally the demand for measures to curb corruption and nepotism is sounding loud and clear, while the gap between poor and rich is widening . After his 2000-2005 government made huge investments in gold and mining industries in Suriname, we have seen a decline in the price of the precious mineral ore on the global markets. Suriname's economic climate is troubled by steep uncontrolled rise of prices for commodities such as vegetables, meat, housing and transportation, while salaries have not been raised at the same pace. During the election campaign all parties involved promised austerity measures and agreed that the Surinamese economy needs to be revised and upgraded to live up to international standards in terms of local and international production and export achievements.
It is hard for the poor sections of Surinamese society to feed , clothe and send the children to school on a small or minimal budget, especially if transportation to the education centers is so costly.
It is even harder for a minister, who supports a clique of corrupted officials, to explain to the workers and the Surinamese people in general that austerity measure are justified.
Given the small scale of Surinamese society, with only half a million people inhabiting only 20% of the national territory, any wrongdoing by officials will be known pretty easily and is hard to cover up.
At the same time the doom scenarios which oppositional politicians have been predicting, leading up to the elections, have to be taken with a pinch of salt. The election results show that the majority of voters have faith that with the leadership of President Bouterse a change is possible. The voters have faith that the corruption and nepotism ,which are historical characteristic of any post colonial Caribbean political system, can be tackled to the advantage of the Surinamese people.
It is extremely important to keep the momentum of change which has taken over, after the bitter and irresponsible political mudslinging episode of the final election days. The moment of change is offering breathing space. We already notice that the ugly downward spiral which was so characteristic of the past six months of political debating has changed and is turning towards collective positive approach of the many problems that need to be tackled. It will be a great achievement if the new government can mobilize the majority of our politicians to get the job done. Bouterse has to inspire the Surinamese people to collectively and massively put their shoulders under the big tasks ahead. The biggest of which will be the task of cleaning up a stilted and polluted political climate and the creation of a newsocial order which is democratic and educates the people on what needs to be done to improve our living conditions. Any new government that fails to get economic progress on the map and keeps corruption going, will be unacceptable to Surinamese voters who have noticed that through hard work change on the political front is possible here in Suriname.
maandag 15 juni 2015
vrijdag 12 juni 2015
Samenwerking voor ontwikkeling
De opdracht aan elke Surinamer is het tot stand brengen van duurzame ontwikkeling door de natuurlijke hulpbronnen middels samenwerking te exploiteren ten voordele van alle Surinamers.
Mooi gezegd maar met een geschiedenis die verdeeldheid en uitbuiting ten grondslag heeft gehad is het niet verwonderlijk dat juist de samenwerkingsopdracht een zeer moeilijke blijkt te zijn voor de Surinamer. Natuurlijk geldt dit niet alleen voor Surinamers, maar in feite wordt de beleving van Surinamer zijn pas sinds 1975 opnieuw gedefinieerd. Hoewel 'trots zijn op je land' hoog in het vaandel staat bij de meeste Surinamers lijkt de Surinaamse praktijk van klaagzangen, corruptie en kritieken anders uit te wijzen.
Natuurlijk is het niet alleen zwart wit en natuurlijk wordt er samengewerkt op vele nivo's anders was Suriname niet geklommen op de wereld ranglijst van landen waar honger en armoede met succes worden bestreden. Wie in Suriname goed oplet zal inderdaad niet kunnen ontkennen dat de vele bouw- aktiviteiten, toenemende productie en het groeiend aantal schoolgebouwen en opleidingsinstituten aangeven dat er wel degelijk ontwikkeling op gang is gebracht.
Wie zich verdiept in de Surinaamse realiteit in stad en district, zal niet kunnen ontkennen dat er in de meeste districten een inhaalslag gaande is op organisatorisch, bestuurlijk en economisch nivo. Het invulling geven aan de opdracht om samen te werken is niet alleen voor de verschillende ministeriele disciplines, maar ook regionaal in de verhouding tussen stad en district een levensgrote uitdaging voor de bewoners van ons land. We kunnen ook toegeven dat, hoewel ons land een geschiedenis van hard werken kent, wij nog steeds worstelen met de last van de koloniale verdeel en heers erfenis die ons afhankelijk hield van Nederland.
Wanneer de Surinaamse inheemse arbeider , de afrikaanse academicus, de hindoestaanse landbouwer, de creoolse verpleegster, de javaanse kunstenaar en de chinese winkelier de opdracht krijgen van hun partijleiders om samen te werken om vrije en geheime verkiezingen te organiseren, kunnen ze dat heel goed. Dit betekent niet dat de verdeeldheid op grond van ras en religie niet aantoonbaar storend tot uiting kan komen. Integendeel blijkt bij de samenwerking dat botsingen tussen traditioneel gescheiden bevolkingsgroepen tot de dag van vandaag merkbaar zijn. Toch is elke Surinamer anno 2015 zich ervan bewust dat samenwerking de enige optie is voor de tot standkoming van welvaart en ontwikkeling in ons geliefd land.
Wie zich verdiept in de Surinaamse realiteit in stad en district, zal niet kunnen ontkennen dat er in de meeste districten een inhaalslag gaande is op organisatorisch, bestuurlijk en economisch nivo. Het invulling geven aan de opdracht om samen te werken is niet alleen voor de verschillende ministeriele disciplines, maar ook regionaal in de verhouding tussen stad en district een levensgrote uitdaging voor de bewoners van ons land. We kunnen ook toegeven dat, hoewel ons land een geschiedenis van hard werken kent, wij nog steeds worstelen met de last van de koloniale verdeel en heers erfenis die ons afhankelijk hield van Nederland.
Samenwerking veronderstelt het vermogen om onderscheid te maken tussen het 'ons' en 'wij' gevoel en dit te laten overheersen boven het 'ik' en 'zij' gevoel.
De traditionele Surinaamse 'zij in Holland' en 'wij in Suriname' focus krijgt steeds meer een 'zij in Suriname' en 'wij in Holland' invalshoek voor vele duizenden Nederlandse burgers met Surinaamse roots die zich identificeren als Surinamers in de Diaspora. Het valt niet langer te ontkennen dat behalve de door de Nederlandse overheid als 'ongewenste vreemdeling" aangemerkte Surinaamse repatrianten, ook steeds grotere aantallen Nederlander van Surinaamse komaf remigreren naar hun geboorteland, na jarenlang verblijf in Nederland.
De exodus uit Suriname van jonge en opgeleide arbeidskrachten in de zeventiger ,tachtiger en negentiger jaren van de vorige eeuw, heeft een groot gat geslagen in de Surinaamse bevolkingssamenstelling. Anno 2015 zien wij dat het gat tussen de jonge en oudere Surinamer weliswaar niet helemaal gedicht is, maar niet langer verlammend werkt op de economische ontwikkeling. De opgeleide oudere repatriant uit Nederland die zich weer heeft gevestigd in Suriname, merkt dat er een nieuwe Surinaamse generatie jonge arbeiders, wetenschappers, verpleegkundigen, landbouwers, kunstenaars en winkeliers is die haar plek opeist en intussen geleerd heeft om samenwerking als positief te ervaren.
Vanuit een koloniaal perspectief nam men vroeger aan dat de Surinamer uit de Diaspora beter in staat zou zijn de Surinaamse problemen op te lossen. Nu blijkt steeds meer dat wie de kennis van de lokale situatie ontbeert, grote moeite zal hebben om samen te werken en te voldoen aan lokale behoeften op basis van lokale inzichten. De oplossingen voor ontwikkeling in Suriname komen van de lokale bevolking die samenwerking door vallen en opstaan heeft eigen gemaakt.
De opdracht om samen te werken om ontwikkeling tot stand te brengen veronderstelt besef dat samenwerken geven en nemen is op basis van gelijkheid en op basis van kennis en inzicht in de te bereiken doelen. Surinamers zullen onze toekomst veilig stellen door inzicht in onze werkelijkheid te vertalen in projecten, plannen en systematische realisatie van gemeenschappelijke doelen. Zonder samenwerking is dit een onmogelijke opgave. Wanneer er sprake is van samenwerking is niets onmogelijk, integendeel blijkt meer gerealiseerd te worden dan men ooit voor mogelijk hield in Suriname.
De traditionele Surinaamse 'zij in Holland' en 'wij in Suriname' focus krijgt steeds meer een 'zij in Suriname' en 'wij in Holland' invalshoek voor vele duizenden Nederlandse burgers met Surinaamse roots die zich identificeren als Surinamers in de Diaspora. Het valt niet langer te ontkennen dat behalve de door de Nederlandse overheid als 'ongewenste vreemdeling" aangemerkte Surinaamse repatrianten, ook steeds grotere aantallen Nederlander van Surinaamse komaf remigreren naar hun geboorteland, na jarenlang verblijf in Nederland.
De opdracht om samen te werken om ontwikkeling tot stand te brengen veronderstelt besef dat samenwerken geven en nemen is op basis van gelijkheid en op basis van kennis en inzicht in de te bereiken doelen. Surinamers zullen onze toekomst veilig stellen door inzicht in onze werkelijkheid te vertalen in projecten, plannen en systematische realisatie van gemeenschappelijke doelen. Zonder samenwerking is dit een onmogelijke opgave. Wanneer er sprake is van samenwerking is niets onmogelijk, integendeel blijkt meer gerealiseerd te worden dan men ooit voor mogelijk hield in Suriname.
zondag 7 juni 2015
Climate of change in Suriname
Suriname's new dawn is rising and new hopes are soaring sky high. The victorious party in Suriname's May 25th election is definitely the National Democratic Party led by President D. D. Bouterse. Recent election results show that the V7 coalition led by C. Santokhi has lost while V7 coalition is said to fall apart after internal tensions started surfacing.
Understanding Surinamese politics is easy if one understands the workings of a post colonial political system traditionally based mainly on divide and rule, and ethnic affiliations to politics and power. Suriname was colonized by the British, French and Dutch for more than three centuries and the process of decolonization has only recently begun in 1975, when Suriname became an independent republic.
Today's generation of young post revolution politicians in Suriname wants to be part of global developments and presents Surname as an independent nation. Suriname's young voter generation wants to connect with the economic, social and political advances made by newly independent nations who finally control their own natural resources. South-South cooperation and BRICS oriented development will replace the traditionally European focus in Suriname. Expectations are high and the refusal to accept any delay in progressive development and sharing of wealth, puts a lot of pressure on any to be formed next government .
After all, voters expect that the promises made during the election campaign trail will materialize. In spite of attempts by the opposition to belittle the political awareness and choice of the majority of Surinamese voters, it is clear the majority vote given to Bouterse to reign five more years, has a lot to do with expectations people have that his new approach might lead to satisfactory results.
Suriname is going through a period of transition in which fundamental changes in education, economics and production are geared towards shaking off heavy burdens belonging to our colonial past. In an attempt to reinvent our own values, the Surinamese voters have said yes to policies of change and modern development .
Most Surinamese voters understood that investment must be given time to yield results. Increase in productivity and development of workers, teachers, nurses and owners of factories, offices and companies is expected to result in change both nationally and internationally. Surinamese voters after all want better living conditions and greater wealth for all Surinamese.
Madamme Jeanette fresh peppers
The fact remains however. that identification of more than 300.000 Dutch Surinamese in Europe, with Surinamese in the Caribbean, will continue to affect the Surinamese decolonization process. New media and global village awareness will make the decolonization of Surinamese minds a dynamic and life changing experience.
There are many ways to interpret the election results, but general view is that a definite breech has been made with the way politics were done in the past. It is up to the next generation to do better and to give the voters what they need. A one party controlled parliament with an increased number of women is expected to deliver top notch laws and must represent voters who gave them the chance to do their job.
In a few months it will become clear if the voters were right and if the new government is able to do the many jobs that lay ahead. For now everyone in Suriname is trying to get used to the new political climate of change and young energetic expectations.
Indigenous Surinamese in festive dress
19th century painting of Dutch slaveship in Paramaribo
Surinamese young men from Saramacca district
Surinamese youths in Saramacca District
Capital Paramaribo view of H.J.Arron street
Madamme Jeanette fresh peppers
Export quality Surinamese Ocra
The choice to unite and profit from all cultural and ethnic skills and knowledge available in our
population was the best choice and the voters who are mostly young voters have definitely made that choice .The historic first ever win of one party with a multi-ethnic and pro-Caribbean/Latin American orientation has left the traditional coalition of ethnically based Europe focused parties without weapons to fight the new situation. The first ever newly elected parliament with a record number of women is another victory for the advocates of change in Suriname.
Indigenous Surinamese women in festive dress
The fact remains however. that identification of more than 300.000 Dutch Surinamese in Europe, with Surinamese in the Caribbean, will continue to affect the Surinamese decolonization process. New media and global village awareness will make the decolonization of Surinamese minds a dynamic and life changing experience.
Colonial buste in Presidential palace gardens
There are many ways to interpret the election results, but general view is that a definite breech has been made with the way politics were done in the past. It is up to the next generation to do better and to give the voters what they need. A one party controlled parliament with an increased number of women is expected to deliver top notch laws and must represent voters who gave them the chance to do their job.
Javanese and Carib inhabitants of Suriname
In a few months it will become clear if the voters were right and if the new government is able to do the many jobs that lay ahead. For now everyone in Suriname is trying to get used to the new political climate of change and young energetic expectations.
woensdag 3 juni 2015
Beads and mirrors
The 'beads and mirrors bargain' at the time of slavery which was taught to me at elementary school in the Netherlands seemed so silly at the time. I always wondered why people would accept beads and mirrors in exchange for human beings.
The idea of African stupidity and ignorance was pumped into my educational package which comprised western racist depiction of Africans as sub-human, incapable of intelligent enterprise and physically only fit to be used like cattle or as servants to white men and women. I vividly remember how my classmate in Amsterdam once looked at me in surprise when I told her I saw myself as Surinamese and not as Dutch. Her answer still rings in my ears, 'but you speak Dutch so fluently" implying how could you be Surinamese if you speak Dutch so well. The cultural awareness of a 15 year old black girl in the Netherlands before independence and before the revolution was basically colonial.
The Egyptians used metal coins and beads made of bone and glass and later the famous Venetian beads with the floral patters also known as mille fiori were accepted forms of payment and are even today considered highly valued treasures. Traders in African markets today still sell colorful glass beads.
The idea of western commerce as the seat of civilization is no longer valid but it must be said that the boost in glass bead production in Italy and England had much to do with slave trade and the way slave traders paid for their human cargo. The large quantities of beads were used as ballast in slave ships and used to trade with Africans. The culture which considered beads a treasure was trading its people for beads. The mirrors which linked humans with that other magical spiritual world were used to trick aristocrats into arms deals. The African continent still feels the aftermath of this beads and mirrors trading era in which western traders made good use of cultural values of African leaders and traded beads for people . The beads were not so silly after all, the value of mille fiori glass beads in African history is immeasurable. African royals who wore the expensive beads and adorned their homes with precious beads have paid a high price.
Today the cultural and political awareness of a descendant of Africans who were transported to the Americas is raised a little by information found about the rich and influential bead history of many nations on the African Continent. More information about African Trade beads can be found on the website: www.ezakwantu.com
My father pointed out to me what independence and decolonization meant for Suriname by being a political activist in the Party National Republic which opposed Dutch colonialism in the sixties and seventies of the 20th century. My parents also taught me about their love for Suriname when they sang for me and my sisters. 'Sranan mi kondre abra watra, mi lobi mi lobi yu fu tru'. Suriname my country overseas, I love you, I truly love you.
The mirrors and beads which were a history book item for me have today come alive in a different way. They have become a matter of recognition of African history before colonialism invaded the continent and destroyed whole generations and depleted vast areas of west African territory of its population.
The beads suddenly come back to life as authentic and legitimate elements of African culture and civilization long before a white colonial greedy trader ever used beads to buy slaves.
As it turns out Africans from the North to the South of the continent have used beads as valuable objects to pay for goods or to decorate themselves or as ornaments.
The Egyptians used metal coins and beads made of bone and glass and later the famous Venetian beads with the floral patters also known as mille fiori were accepted forms of payment and are even today considered highly valued treasures. Traders in African markets today still sell colorful glass beads.
Today the cultural and political awareness of a descendant of Africans who were transported to the Americas is raised a little by information found about the rich and influential bead history of many nations on the African Continent. More information about African Trade beads can be found on the website: www.ezakwantu.com
vrijdag 29 mei 2015
Israeli and Fifa corruption and football
Israel's corruption of United Nations officials with respect to international donations for Palestinian reconstruction materials could easily be compared to Sepp Blatter's corruption as Fifa Chairman. In both cases crimes are committed with impunity. Lies are building a separate reality in which corrupted officials adopt extra-legal status to the benefit of a handful of filthy rich who violate international laws.
There is no way the international Football Federation can justify the rigged Fifa elections which not only illustrate the lack of decency but more than ever lay bare the distance between the sportsfans, football players and the organizations which claim to promote football sports.
The call for a new approach at Fifa, after the arrests of several high ranking close associates of Sepp Blatter,has been answered by Fifa with the election of a chairman whose name has been linked to numerous corruption scandals, Sepp Blatter.
Fifa Chairman Blatter is mentioned in football corruption schemes such as rigged bookings, compromised sales of football players, dubious granting of contracts to sponsors in exchange for huge sums of money. The accusations have never led to his arrest or conviction.
When during the last Fifa world championships a number of Fifa officials were arrested in Brazil for corruption with ticket sales including his own relatives, Sepp Blatter managed to stay in power.
Two days after several top ranking officers of his Fifa organization were arrested on accusation of corruption, bribery and racketeering, Blatter was elected in a shameless Fifa charade in which the only candidate who could have replaced him withdrew his candidacy.
What can we expect from an organization led by a man who seemingly is blind to corruption in his own organization but succeeds in getting even relatives arrested for corruption involving gigantic sums of money. While millions of dollars are transferred for players, football stadiums, sports training facilities the so called 'healthy Fifa' world of sports has been tainted by corruption and betrayal.
Given the fact that the international campaign to re-elect Blatter has seen all opponents retreat, the question remains why his power is unmatched and who is the real beneficiary of Blatter's reign in view of the enormous power of the Fifa.
One thing is sure after his re-election the promise of clean leadership is no longer credible.
With Blatter at the helm the distance between Fifa leadership and football sports has become a gaping hole filled with covered up corruption cases which implicate a whole army of football industrials, officials and players on every continent. The Fifa message to young football players is clearly not one of sportsmanship or excellence in football skills but rather a huge lie covered by bribes and decorated by corrupted officials, clubs, companies and corrupting measures in the football industry.
I cannot help asking myself if all this corruption circus and election fraud has anything to do with Israel's increasing grip on the United Nations and now on Fifa's Blatter to increase its own Zionist agenda for bigger Israeli influence on these two largest international bodies. We know both Blatter and Ban Ki Moon have profited considerably from most dubious pro-Israeli deals. I will not be surprised if the attempts to throw Israel out of Fifa have been foiled by the current turn of events. A sports expert described events in Fifa as a common Mafia operation and if Israel can control the UN and Fifa to achieve its goals there is little hope left for real sportsmanship.
The world cannot forget the images of the mutilated bodies of young Palestinian football players on Gaza beach in 2014.
Martha Tjoe Nij
There is no way the international Football Federation can justify the rigged Fifa elections which not only illustrate the lack of decency but more than ever lay bare the distance between the sportsfans, football players and the organizations which claim to promote football sports.
The call for a new approach at Fifa, after the arrests of several high ranking close associates of Sepp Blatter,has been answered by Fifa with the election of a chairman whose name has been linked to numerous corruption scandals, Sepp Blatter.
When during the last Fifa world championships a number of Fifa officials were arrested in Brazil for corruption with ticket sales including his own relatives, Sepp Blatter managed to stay in power.
Two days after several top ranking officers of his Fifa organization were arrested on accusation of corruption, bribery and racketeering, Blatter was elected in a shameless Fifa charade in which the only candidate who could have replaced him withdrew his candidacy.
What can we expect from an organization led by a man who seemingly is blind to corruption in his own organization but succeeds in getting even relatives arrested for corruption involving gigantic sums of money. While millions of dollars are transferred for players, football stadiums, sports training facilities the so called 'healthy Fifa' world of sports has been tainted by corruption and betrayal.
Given the fact that the international campaign to re-elect Blatter has seen all opponents retreat, the question remains why his power is unmatched and who is the real beneficiary of Blatter's reign in view of the enormous power of the Fifa.
One thing is sure after his re-election the promise of clean leadership is no longer credible.
Former United States FIFA official Chuck Blazer pleaded guilty to 10 counts and returned £1.5million
photo mail online
photo mail online
I cannot help asking myself if all this corruption circus and election fraud has anything to do with Israel's increasing grip on the United Nations and now on Fifa's Blatter to increase its own Zionist agenda for bigger Israeli influence on these two largest international bodies. We know both Blatter and Ban Ki Moon have profited considerably from most dubious pro-Israeli deals. I will not be surprised if the attempts to throw Israel out of Fifa have been foiled by the current turn of events. A sports expert described events in Fifa as a common Mafia operation and if Israel can control the UN and Fifa to achieve its goals there is little hope left for real sportsmanship.
The world cannot forget the images of the mutilated bodies of young Palestinian football players on Gaza beach in 2014.
Martha Tjoe Nij
vrijdag 22 mei 2015
Identity and identification
I think Surinamese in general know who we are as a Nation, as a People , as individuals or as collectives organized in political or other kinds of organizations.
'In general' is the keyword here, because defining our identity is precisely the most valuable and difficult exercise for people living in former colonies, such as the Republic of Suriname. After almost four centuries of colonial domination we need to make our identity and identification completely our own, suiting our own taste and according to our own views of ourselves.
The former colonized or enslaved inhabitants of Suriname were deprived of their own identity and lost their land, their family, their name and their right to self determination as a people, as a nation and as individuals.
The impact of the period of colonial occupation, transatlantic slave-trade and slavery on our awareness as individuals and as collective of individuals in a nation state, has never been more visible than in today's nationwide election campaign. Suriname's national elections on May 25th, 2015 will determine who will represent the people in its 51st National Assembly.
If aliens were to come from outer space and land in Suriname today, their first questions would be;
Is this one nation or are these several nations?
Are these different peoples or is this one people?
Why are these people trying so hard to drag themselves down to the gutter, while they are all in the same boat?
Fortunately the influence of 'aliens' on Surinamese reality is reduced to continued media presence of Surinamese who live in the Netherlands, Europe, expressing their views on what Suriname needs.
The question remains if Western European standards should apply to Suriname's South American/Caribbean reality ?
The identity of a Surinamese inhabitant of African, Indian, Asian or Indigenous descent in the days of colonization, was determined by the racist views of colonizing authorities. They considered non-whites as servants, slaves or cheap laborers, at the service of white people who adhered to Judeo-Christian worldviews.
Ronny Brunswijk chairing National Assembly
in Paramaribo
My great-grandmother was born in Suriname in 1860 and became the enslaved child Henriette. Less than three years later she was the child Lidia on july 1st, 1863, when slavery was abolished in Suriname and she became a 'free' citizen with a new name and identity. Just for the record, her great-grandchild Martha was born in the colony Suriname in 1953, as a Dutch citizen at the time of Suriname's colonial domination by the Netherlands. Martha was considered an illegal immigrant in the Netherlands in 1995 on the basis of modern foreigner policies towards Surinamese citizens in the Netherlands. The Surinamese identity of two of Martha's children was changed into that of 'illegal' immigrants by the Netherlands. Two of Martha's younger Surinamese children could not stay with their elder sister who had a Dutch passport. Martha and her eldest daughter were separated on the basis of Dutch identification of 'aliens' from the former colony Suriname, a colony which the Netherlands exploited for over three centuries. This example illustrates how the aftermath of colonial and post-colonial relations between Suriname and the Netherlands still influences how Surinamese men, women and children experience identity and identification in the 21st century.
The political coalition which is calling on voters to join them on the basis of anti-propaganda and mudslinging towards the incumbent government, appeals to voters who want a return to the 'good old days' when colonialism and a western vision of governance ruled the waves in Suriname. The most striking characteristic of the 'old politics' approach, is the racial aspect of their campaign and the appeal to voters to trust their party leadership unconditionally. In fact today's politicians of the largest political combination of parties are trying to revive the days when the people were asked to follow and trust unconditionally. Various politicians climb on election campaign platforms to accuse, vilify, and smear the reputation or political achievements of their opponents, debunking all that was done by their opponents and describing them in the most negative manner. What does this say about Surinamese politicians ? It sounds like a repetition of what we were taught about ourselves in colonial days, when we were told that we are worthless, despicable and incapable of anything good.
The political identity of Suriname's voters is expressed by colors of their party flags, racial affiliations and support for political party programs. Society is still divided on the basis of those who belong to either the political or ruling, mostly white- ,asian or colored elites or to the majority of poor or less fortunate Indigenous, African, Asian , Hindu and Creole inhabitants.
The importance of surinamese identity grows drastically when the time to vote has arrived and identification as legal voter becomes crucial for the ruling elites in their various political configurations.
The chance to gain political power not only depends on the trustworthiness of the government which organizes elections, but more so on authorized legal voters who actually come to the ballot box and vote.
There is a double standard in place for Surinamese with voting power and the 'alien' Surinamese who may rule the media waves via internet, but do not have the right to vote to effectively determine the outcome on election day. The Surinamese identity and the voter identification are discussed in every corner of the nation, during meetings in the capital, towns and villages, in offices and homes. government and party officials will man election poll stations to ensure free and fair elections. Surinamese democracy is alive and kicking in the 21st century and the Surinamese population of 500.000 people succeeds in having peaceful elections. Incumbent president Bouterse and his political and governing body are accused of corruption, racism and dictatorship by his opponents but the voters who go to the ballot box during free and fair elections on May 25th, 2015 will determine the fate of his government and party.
The young generation of Surinamese voters was raised on the basis of post 1980 revolutionary ideas of self determination and self respect as a nation with a Caribbean/Latin American focus. This new generation of young Surinamese no longer feels they need approval of Western Europe for their plans and policies.
Surinamese politics are on the cross roads and a new identity and a new identification will be the result of the May 2015 elections.
'In general' is the keyword here, because defining our identity is precisely the most valuable and difficult exercise for people living in former colonies, such as the Republic of Suriname. After almost four centuries of colonial domination we need to make our identity and identification completely our own, suiting our own taste and according to our own views of ourselves.
The former colonized or enslaved inhabitants of Suriname were deprived of their own identity and lost their land, their family, their name and their right to self determination as a people, as a nation and as individuals.
Art Moengo Magic
in Marowijne district
If aliens were to come from outer space and land in Suriname today, their first questions would be;
Is this one nation or are these several nations?
Are these different peoples or is this one people?
Why are these people trying so hard to drag themselves down to the gutter, while they are all in the same boat?
Fortunately the influence of 'aliens' on Surinamese reality is reduced to continued media presence of Surinamese who live in the Netherlands, Europe, expressing their views on what Suriname needs.
The question remains if Western European standards should apply to Suriname's South American/Caribbean reality ?
The identity of a Surinamese inhabitant of African, Indian, Asian or Indigenous descent in the days of colonization, was determined by the racist views of colonizing authorities. They considered non-whites as servants, slaves or cheap laborers, at the service of white people who adhered to Judeo-Christian worldviews.
Ronny Brunswijk chairing National Assembly
in Paramaribo
River side bar at Atjoni in Brokopo district
The political coalition which is calling on voters to join them on the basis of anti-propaganda and mudslinging towards the incumbent government, appeals to voters who want a return to the 'good old days' when colonialism and a western vision of governance ruled the waves in Suriname. The most striking characteristic of the 'old politics' approach, is the racial aspect of their campaign and the appeal to voters to trust their party leadership unconditionally. In fact today's politicians of the largest political combination of parties are trying to revive the days when the people were asked to follow and trust unconditionally. Various politicians climb on election campaign platforms to accuse, vilify, and smear the reputation or political achievements of their opponents, debunking all that was done by their opponents and describing them in the most negative manner. What does this say about Surinamese politicians ? It sounds like a repetition of what we were taught about ourselves in colonial days, when we were told that we are worthless, despicable and incapable of anything good.
Government Ministers in National Assembly
The political identity of Suriname's voters is expressed by colors of their party flags, racial affiliations and support for political party programs. Society is still divided on the basis of those who belong to either the political or ruling, mostly white- ,asian or colored elites or to the majority of poor or less fortunate Indigenous, African, Asian , Hindu and Creole inhabitants.
The importance of surinamese identity grows drastically when the time to vote has arrived and identification as legal voter becomes crucial for the ruling elites in their various political configurations.
The chance to gain political power not only depends on the trustworthiness of the government which organizes elections, but more so on authorized legal voters who actually come to the ballot box and vote.
Senior Surinamese citizen in Saramacca district
Surinamese youth celebrating independence day
Totness in Coronie district
The next generation of politicians has developed new ideas and defines Surinamese identity as part of the Caribbean. Young Surinamese are identifying Suriname as a Caribbean/Latin American nation and
claim their right to choose a Surinamese government on the basis of democratic principles. The next generation of voters and the new policy impact will determine how Suriname sees itself and identifies itself after coming elections on May 25th, 2015.
Suriname river Bakaa Boto rapids
maandag 18 mei 2015
Suriname elections 'new' or 'old' politics?
In less than ten days Suriname will elect a new National Assembly and a new government on May 25th,2015. Competing political parties are throwing all their weight into the mudslinging and accusations aspect of final campaigning days which characterizes any election. A keen observer will however have noticed a significant change in party politics in Suriname since the former Dutch colony gained its independence on November 25th 1975. The big question today is how or if the Surinamese electorate will vote for change or revert to 'old' politics.
A senior voter who describes himself as a staunch supporter of ruling president Bouterse told me that it is thanks to Bouterse's leadership 'we see a clear break away from old politics in the current elections'.
His memories of previous elections include persistent racist and divide and rule strategies aimed at dividing the small population of Suriname (500.000) along ethnic and religious lines.
Catholics and Protestants, Portuguese Jews and High German Jews, African Surinamese in the interior and Creoles in the capital Paramaribo as well as Hindustani and Javanese inhabitants had their political representatives who fought each other tooth and nail to gain political power.
The indigenous Surinamese long house communal traditions were replaced by European top down exploitative and race based divisions during four centuries of colonial domination of the Surinamese from the 16th to the 20th century.
After independence the colonial and neo-colonial traditions not surprisingly, were kept alive by the Surinamese political parties which were mainly catering for their ethnic or religious party members. The international movement for self determination and independence also affected Suriname's political scene. In 1980 a military coup led by Bouterse, forever changed the political climate in Suriname and a new set of national goals aimed at national development and a Caribbean and latin American orientation were introduced.
Not surprisingly this bold break with tradition triggered fierce opposition of the so called 'old ' politicians who were raised to follow the European dictates and clung to Western European definitions of justice and good government. The murder of 15 opponents by the military on december 8th, 1982 to this day is a thorn in the flesh of the Surinamese advocates of justice and a traditional State of Law.
Against all odds and with increasing popular support the dark days of the 80-ies were transformed into the modern days in which freedom of speech and political organization in Suriname are no longer denied or feared. Economic development and political maturity added to the new political scene which today is trying hard to get the majority vote.
The political race for votes is reaching its climax in the many public meetings in all districts, towns, villages, companies, homes and official television debates, has made a striking break with so called 'old' politics, at least at surface level.
The trend to organize and select on the basis of ethnicity and religion is no longer acceptable but every Surinamese knows which parties cater for muslims, hindu and christian voters. It is also no secret that attempts of all party leaders to convince the electorate that they are working for all Surinamese are often taken with a pinch of salt. Four centuries of colonial divide and rule are not shaken off easily.
On a positive note it must be said that in contrast with our neighbor Guyana, the Surinamese political scene sticks to debating content and program rather than openly opting for riots and racist divisions.
A life long friend of the earlier mentioned senior pro Bouterse voter, has been a staunch supporter of the 'old' politicians and fiercely opposes Bouterse. He interestingly accuses Bouterse of resorting to 'old' politics instead of realizing the new change he had promised. He says ' it is time Bouterse goes and someone else gets the chance to lead this nation.' It must be said that bitter memories of the december killings are still motivating the choice of many 'old politics' senior voters against Bouterse.
In spite of senior sentiments the next generation of young voters are all looking at a chance to get their votes in and get their favorites in power to assure their own advance. For the first time in Suriname's history a record number of women have been candidates of their political parties and have presented themselves successfully during the election campaigns. If these women get elected our National Assembly for the first time in history will have a substantial number of female parliamentarians.
Martha Tjoe Nij
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