2019 Crime and Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in .

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Suriname at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Suriname-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is considerable risk from crime in Paramaribo. Government statistics indicate a modest increase in personal and property crime in 2018, following an overall reduction in 2017 and elevated rates in 2016. Street crimes, including theft of backpacks, purses, jewelry (particularly necklaces), and cell phones are regular occurrences. Reports indicate criminals often use weapons against victims in the commission of street crimes, particularly when victims resist. Perpetrators often escape by moped or motorbike, and evade police capture. Armed robbers targeted several expatriates walking in close proximity to popular hotels and near Combe Market.

No areas of Paramaribo are completely safe. Criminals move without restriction into and out of neighborhoods where expatriates live, often using scooters or motorcycles to evade police. In one reported case in 2018, a burglar tied up a guard in an affluent neighborhood, while in another instance two burglars violently assaulted and robbed a guard attempting to deny gate access.

Robberies are concerns in Albina and cities, District, along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina, and along the Afobakka Highway in .

Criminals often carry firearms or other weapons, and will use them, especially if victims resist. Handgun permits are very difficult to obtain, but many criminals have handguns anyway. Shotguns, the only firearms normally owned by civilians, are also frequently used in the commission of crimes. Although illegal, hunters use gun traps in the interior.

Multiple private security companies operate in Paramaribo. Several specialize in providing middle and upper class neighborhoods sharing service costs with uniformed mobile patrols using guards with marked vehicles or bicycles. Static security guard posts are much less pervasive than neighborhood patrols, with only the highest-income residences employing 24/7 fixed-position guard services. Cost remains the primary determinant of residential security guard service.

Suriname 2019 OSAC Crime & Safety Avoid using debitR and credit cards because of identity theft concerns. Keep your card in your sight at all times. Consider using prepaid credit cards with limited funds when traveling. Exchange currency at banks, hotels, and official exchange houses (cambios); doing so outside of these locations is illegal and can be dangerous.

Organized crime does exist in Paramaribo, but on a smaller scale than other cities in the region.

Other Areas of Concern

Avoid walking in downtown Paramaribo and the Palmentuin (Palm Garden) after dark; criminals often target foreigners in these areas.

Travel to the interior of the country requires caution. Anyone venturing into the interior should have a seasoned guide and some form of communication. Services offered through major hotels and tourist agencies are usually safer and more reliable. There have been reports of robberies of tourists and foreigners in the countryside, and occasional reports of bandits on rural roads. Criminals attacked and robbed a group of Dutch tourists in April 2018 on the road to , in district. An incident targeting employees of a gold company in Para district in June 2018 ended with a young woman dying from gunshot wounds.

Transportation Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Cars drive on the left side of the road. Vehicle accidents are a very real safety hazard. In general, road conditions, particularly outside Paramaribo, are well below U.S. standards. Drivers should be very cognizant of mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles, especially when making left turns; they are common and always have the right of way, as local law considers them pedestrians.

The East-West Highway stretches from in the west to Albina in the east. Parts of the road are not in good condition. During the rainy season, sinkholes develop along the road. Roads in the interior are sporadically maintained dirt roads passing through sparsely populated rain forest. Bridges are in poor condition. Check with the police station in Albina for the latest safety information regarding travel between Paramaribo and Albina.

Police only sporadically enforce local traffic laws, so locals drive recklessly. Driving while talking on a cell phone is illegal, and is one of the few traffic offenses the police enforce. On the other hand, drivers might openly consume alcohol from labeled containers while operating their vehicles, particularly during the holidays, with a low likelihood of police regulation.

Older traffic cameras in select locations are unused or unserviceable. Paramaribo reportedly installed 300 new security cameras for the December 2018 launch of its “Safe City Project.” The digital network, centrally monitored from a command center in , consists of police, firefighters, and national security officers. Strategically positioned throughout Paramaribo, the cameras employ license plate-reader technology and infrared video capability.

Suriname 2019 OSAC Crime & Safety Until recently, Rdrivers had to leave a vehicle involved in an accident exactly where the accident occurred, and stay at the scene until the police arrive to take a report, even though the wait could be hours. If the driver left the scene before police arrive, police may have charged them with leaving the scene of an accident.

Since 2018, however, drivers involved in a collision where there is only material damage and the vehicles are movable without great effort may work directly with their insurance provider(s), and no longer have to wait for the police. The police will still respond to collisions in which there is serious vehicle damage and the cars cannot move. Police will also respond in cases of grievous bodily harm, driving without a driver’s license, or driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants. Some international firms operating in Suriname provide their employees medical support, including medevac services, in case of serious vehicle accidents.

Public Transportation Conditions

Visitors unfamiliar with the country should not use public transportation (minibuses), especially outside of Paramaribo; it can be very dangerous. The three highways leading out of Paramaribo are often the sites of horrendous accidents, usually due to speeding, and often involving buses or vans transporting passengers. The use of reputable taxis, however, is generally acceptable.

The U.S. Embassy prohibits its employees from using Fly All Ways, an airline based in Paramaribo, for official travel due to safety concerns.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Suriname’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Suriname’s air carrier operations.

Terrorism Threats

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Paramaribo. Media reported the 2017 arrest by Surinamese police of two individuals for ties with ISIS. The suspects stood at court in November 2018 with another session scheduled for January 2019.

There are no known indigenous terrorist groups operating in Suriname. As a non-aligned country, Suriname is not the target of any known radical groups.

While there have been criminal threats against U.S. private-sector organizations in Suriname, no terror threats have been reported.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is minimal risk from political violence in Paramaribo. Protests organized by anti-government groups and labor unions occur occasionally, but are generally non-disruptive and not well attended. The likelihood of demonstrations could increase closer to the 2020 national election.

Suriname 2019 OSAC Crime & Safety Post-Specific RConcerns

Environmental Hazards

Flooding occurs regularly in Paramaribo during the rainy seasons (May-August, November- February). Driving can be difficult or dangerous in some areas. Paramaribo’s canals occasionally flood past street-level, leaving some drivers unable to determine where the road ends and canals begin. Due to poor drainage, floodwater can last several days. Telephone and internet service can be problematic, especially during periods of heavy rains. Parts of the country’s interior do not have reliable cell phone reception.

Over 80% of the country is largely uninhabited rainforest, which yields related dangers such as hazardous flora and fauna, vector-borne diseases, gun traps, insufficient medical infrastructure, difficulty of extraction/rescue conditions, and drug-trafficking and other criminal enterprises, often associated with the illegal gold mining occurring in the interior. For more information, review OSAC’s reports, When Wildlife Attacks and What’s Bugging Your Staff: Mosquito-borne Diseases - Mitigation Tactics.

Privacy Concerns

There is concern among some media professionals and others that their communications and movement may be monitored in Suriname. State-owned entities administer the major telecommunications systems.

Personal Identity Concerns

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBT events in Suriname. The law prohibits hate speech and discrimination in employment and the provision of goods and services based on sexual orientation.

Sidewalks throughout Suriname do not adequately accommodate persons with disabilities. Taxis and other public transportation do not provide proper assistance to individuals with disabilities.

Drug-related Crimes

Suriname is a transit zone for cocaine, primarily en route to Europe and Africa. In 2016, there was also a significant increase in narcotics trafficking to the U.S.

There have been sporadic instances of narcotics-related violence between individuals associated with competing drug trafficking organizations. These have included assassinations and drive-by shootings.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping is a relatively rare occurrence. Of the instances known, many relate to personal or business conflicts. There have been no recent kidnappings involving foreign victims reported to the U.S. Embassy. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Suriname 2019 OSAC Crime & Safety Police ResponseR

Inadequate resources, limited law enforcement training, the absence of a law enforcement presence in the country’s interior, and a lack of government aircraft or sufficient numbers of patrol boats limit the capacity of the government to control its territory or borders.

Police officials frequently cite lack of resources, staff, and basic equipment, as well as low morale as reasons for law enforcement’s unsolved crimes and widely varying response times. Police response, especially at night, is a rarity for all but the most serious crimes.

If you are in an accident and suspected of driving under the influence, the police might take you to the nearest medical center to measure your alcohol level. They will hold you for up to six hours until the results of your blood alcohol content are available.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

Report incidents to the U.S. Embassy’s Duty Officer as soon as possible. Arrested or detained U.S. travelers should ensure the police understand your citizenship, and ask them to contact the U.S. Embassy (556-700) during working hours, or the U.S. Embassy Duty Officer (710-1112) after hours.

Victim Assistance

The general emergency number for police and medical emergencies is 115. Operators may not speak English. Report crimes in person or over the phone during business hours to any of the below police stations:

Inside Paramaribo

Keizerstraat Station (Central Paramaribo), Keizerstraat 23, 471-111 / 477-777 Nieuwe Haven Station (Paramaribo South), Havenlaan, 403-101 / 402-656 Geyersvlijt Station (Paramaribo North), Basitostraat, 451-677 / 451-222 Latour Station, Indira Gandhiweg / Tamanoeastraat, 481-524 / 483-547 Livorno Station, Sir Winston Churchillweg, 481-941 / 483-400 Uitvlugt Station, Kasabaholoweg, 498-537 / 498-045

Outside Paramaribo

Lelydorp Station, 366-785 / 366-116 Nickerie Station, 231-530 / 231-222 Station, 325-222 / 325-144 Moengo Station, 341-321 / 341-280 (via Brokopondo Station, 880-4611 / 324-002 Suralco) Coronie Station, 235-122 / 235-123 Albina Station, 342-080 / 342-077

Crime victims can also contact the Victim’s Assistance Office (Bureau Slachtofferzorg) at the Justice and Police Ministry (Keizerstraat 155, 424-016), Monday-Friday, 0800-1430.

Suriname 2019 OSAC Crime & Safety Police/SecurityR Agencies

There are three major law enforcement/security entities in Suriname. The largest is the Police Corps (Korps Politie Suriname, KPS). KPS is the department responsible for all traditional policing efforts, and has five branches: 1) the Paramaribo Region Police cover the city limits of Paramaribo; 2) the Western Region Police cover Saramacca, Coronie, and Nickerie Districts; 3) the Mid Region Police cover Para, Wanica, and Brokopondo Districts; 4) the East Region Police cover Commewijne, Marowijne, and Sipaliwini Districts; and 5) an investigative and special tasks section takes responsibility for forensics, fraud, and homicide investigations. Military personnel and prison guards routinely ride in KPS patrol vehicles throughout Suriname to provide additional labor.

The second largest law enforcement/security entity in Suriname is the Military Police, a branch of the Surinamese Armed Forces that polices all members of the military and handles border control/immigration functions.

The third largest law enforcement/security entity is the Directorate of National Security, which is responsible for the protection of the president and ministers, and coordinates internal security and intelligence efforts.

Medical Emergencies

The number for medical and police emergencies is 115. Operators may not speak English. Travelers should be aware that medical standards are below those expected in the U.S.

Ambulances can be challenging to call. Do not rely upon ambulance services in case of life- threatening emergencies. Typically, responding police officers will contact the Academic Hospital Emergency Room to send an ambulance; this may take a significant amount of time, depending on the location.

The following diseases are prevalent: Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, Rabies, and Malaria (outside of Paramaribo).

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

The Academic Hospital (Flustraat, 442-222) is the only emergency department in Paramaribo. The Academic Hospital is located about fifteen minutes from downtown Paramaribo, and has equipment and adequately trained staff able to assist in stabilizing patients prior to medical evacuation.

St. Vincentius Hospital (Koninginne 4/ Prins Hendrikst, Centrum, Paramaribo, 471-212) does not offer emergency services.

Diakonessenhuis Hospital (Zinniastraat, Flora, 427-288) does not offer emergency services.

Suriname 2019 OSAC Crime & Safety

Available Air AmbulanceR Services

Gum Air (Tel: 498-760 / 432-057 / 0712-7703) and Pegasus (Tel: 433-000 / 860-1318) operate air services from the (ORG) in Paramaribo. Pegasus can retrieve individuals from anywhere in the country a helicopter can land and transport them to Paramaribo. Companies wishing to use this service should have a guarantee letter on file with the company, or expect to pay in cash before transport.

Insurance Guidance

Organize medical evacuation (medevac) insurance and standard insurance plans prior to travel.

CDC Country-Specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Officials have asked some travelers to show proof of yellow fever vaccination before entering Suriname. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Suriname.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no Country Council in Suriname. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

165 Kristalstraat, Paramaribo Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 0730-1600

Embassy Contact Numbers

U.S. Embassy Operator: 556-700 / Fax (Admin): 410-972 American Citizen Services (emergencies only): extension 2236 U.S. Embassy Duty Officer (emergencies only, after hours): 710-1112 Regional Security Office: extension 2066 Website: https://sr.usembassy.gov/

Embassy Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Suriname should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resource: Suriname Country Information Sheet