FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014 Attaining new heights in sustainable development Suriname is investing in its future and strengthening its regional relationships

creation of a just society,” says President Bouterse. “Economic policies should lead Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname to long-term social development, and for Desiré Delano Bouterse, this to happen we need to invest in prior- President of Suriname. ity areas such as health, education, hous- ing and the security of the environment.” In recent years legislative initiatives and programs on national health insurance, By Katrina Lamb pensions, affordable housing and univer- sal access to primary education provide A Social Contract to Fulfill tangible examples of the Government’s Suriname is a country of striking commitment to its social contract. human diversity: a country where musi- cal traditions of Java and India, age-old An Influential Regional Presence rhythms of Ghana, poems of indigenous While focusing on its own national folk tales and the prayers of Jews and development, Suriname is also actively Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname Muslims alike blend into a surprisingly improving its ties with regional neigh- harmonious national voice. This diver- bors. President Bouterse currently sits Environmental sustainability is a matter of utmost importance for Suriname, where sity is at the heart of a vision of human as Chairman of UNASUR, the Union of more than 90 percent of the country is covered by rainforest. dignity and equality, which in turn drives South American Nations, and has used a national commitment to develop and this position to promote and contribute implement socio-economic policies in to regional cooperation in areas such as which the welfare of the individual natural resources, the strengthening of a dialogue around democratic principles that we are not only able to chair the or- human being is paramount. democratic institutions and the estab- and a shared vision of our joint future.” ganization, but also to share some of our The Government of Suriname, under lishment of South America as a nuclear Here again Suriname is able to draw virtues with the rest of the continent.” the leadership of President Desiré Del- weapons-free zone. from its own national experience to serve Suriname’s geography places it not ano Bouterse, has embarked on a strategy Succeeding in these initiatives is not as an example of how diversity can be just in South America but also as a pres- for national and regional development without challenges, as Mr. Bouterse a strength and differences celebrated. ence in the Caribbean, and it sees itself as to fulfill what it sees as a social contract notes: “We do encounter challenges in “Respect for each other’s differences and playing an important role linking these with each and every Surinamese citizen. getting all our partner Member States to tolerance are the guiding forces in our two regions. In addition to UNASUR, “We are guided by the belief that hu- a common view. As an organization we development,” says President Bouterse. man-centered development advances the try to overcome differences by building “I am very proud on behalf of Suriname » see NEW HEIGHTS | D2

legislation as a means to bring adequacy levels higher still. Managing economic growth Alongside these measures, CBvS Gov- ernor Hoefdraad notes that the Bank has adopted a risk-based approach to its su- through financial stability pervision activities. “We are conducting more intensive onsite examinations and By Katrina Lamb posed by changes in the global financial offsite monitoring geared to the trend system and the increasing complexity and level of perceived risk in each bank’s Suriname’s economic trajectory for of our own system, and its linkages activity,” he says. The Bank is using the past ten years boasts impressive to the world,” according to Governor the Basel Core Principles for Effective headline numbers. Per capita GDP has Hoefdraad. Banking Supervision as guidance for risen from about $4,500 in 2005 to a A key aspect of financial stability managing liquidity, market, operational projected $10,200 for 2014, while year- is the health, strength and transpar- and other key risks faced by financial on-year inflation as of June 2014 was just ency of the intermediaries which facili- institutions. This guidance extends as 2.2 percent. The country’s strong track tate financial flows between public and well to stricter standards of corporate

suriname record and favorable intermediate term private sector lenders and borrowers. governance, such as new “fit and proper” growth prospects, led by development Commercial banks have traditionally standards by which to evaluate signifi- opportunities in the natural resources been the major players in Suriname’s cant owners, directors and management. sector as well as increased diversity in financial system, currently managing Despite the traditional dominance of the revenue base, have raised Suriname’s Gillmore Hoefdraad, about 70 percent of the country’s total the commercial banking sector, non-bank global credit standing. Both Moody’s Governor of Central Bank. financial assets. intermediaries such as pension funds, in- and Standard & Poor’s, the leading in- In 2011 the CBvS promulgated legisla- surance providers and investment com- ternational rating agencies, have raised tion, through a new Banking and Credit panies have been gaining recently in their their credit ratings for Suriname four have been characterized by a stronger Supervision Act, aiming to bring Suri- share of the total pie. “We welcome the times in the past seven years (currently focus on reform.” name up to international best practices financial deepening brought about by the Ba3/BB-). Charged with the responsibility of in key areas such as minimum capital increase in activity by these institutions Suriname’s economic and financial being Suriname’s monetary authority requirements, risk-asset classification, and the resulting greater availability of policymakers, however, are anything but and guardian of its financial system, the provisioning for non-performing loans, financial services for the Surinamese complacent in assessing their environ- Central Bank is a key driving force in exposure concentrations and insider population,” Governor Hoefdraad says. Suriname pledges to stay ment. “The period from 2000 to 2010 the country’s growth. It sees stability- activities. While risk-adjusted capital Anticipating this continued growth, ‘green’ as it rampup its was characterized by stability-oriented oriented reforms as inherently necessary adequacy ratios for Suriname’s banking and in the interest of protecting the policies,” says Gillmore Hoefdraad, Gov- for an economy increasingly intertwined system are above the prevailing inter- interests of the public as they become mining and oil industries ernor of the Central Bank of Suriname with global trade and capital markets. national minimum level of eight per- (CBvS). “But since 2010 our policies “We have to address the challenges cent, the Central Bank is using the new » see GROWTH | D8 Suriname and the OAS: economic diplomacy through multilateral engagement Suriname calls for action

Newmont starts at U.N. Climate Summit $1 billion gold-mining project By P.D. Paulin “Suriname is providing a key ecosys- tem service to the planet and the global Addressing the United Nations Cli- community,” noted Parmessar. mate Change Summit 2014, Suriname “Our forests annually absorb 8.8 Security and beyond: pledged that it would continue embrac- million tons of carbon while our an- ing its green policies, and called on the nual emissions are 7 million tons of Suriname and the U.S. world’ community to join the battle carbon,” he explained, adding: “While deepen their bilateral ties against global warming. many countries are striving towards “Suriname is reaffirming its commit- becoming carbon neutral, our current ment to the world today to keep absorb- development path has already made us ing more carbon than we generate,” said carbon negative.” Port of Paramaribo Suriname’s Minister of Public Works, Parmessar’s address came as the Photo: Courtesy Wilderness Explorers serves growing region Rabin Parmessar, at the Summit held in World Bank released a major Declara- The Arya Dewaker Hindu Temple in Paramaribo. the Halls of the United Nations. tion, signed by more than 1,000 busi- Organized to galvanize initiatives nesses and 74 nations, that would set against climate change, last month’s global prices on carbon emissions. The A mosaic of cultural summit gave Suriname an opportunity U.S. has yet to sign, though it is a major to showcase its green policies and, more producer of carbon. importantly, to issue a sober warning Potentially, the agreement would and religious diversity Project Director: about the potentially calamitous impact translate into financial incentives for By Katrina Lamb enormous cruelty. The slave trade Nadira C A Berry of climate change. It was attended by nations like Suriname, whose green brought a large number of Africans [email protected] President Obama and more than 100 policies are helping to combat climate Suriname is a country of excep- to the Dutch plantation colony from, Tel +804 426 7979 Heads of State. change, but whose environment and tional ethnic and religious diversity: a among others, Ghana. Slavery was Situated on the northeast coast of economy, conversely, would be wrecked diversity, which, through the exercise abolished in 1873, but plantation own- South America, the country is covered if global-warming trends continue. of tolerance and co-existence, has ers replaced their involuntary work- Senior Writers: with vast and pristine rain- forests and Referring to the worst climate-change become a national strength. It is a force with indentured laborers from Katrina Lamb rivers. Their protection is a national pri- scenario for Suriname, Parmessar ex- strength born out of hardship. Indonesia (Java), India and China. P.D. Paulin ority. Thanks to those forests, Suriname plained that, “The current atmospheric For many years the Dutch oper- Meanwhile, runaway slaves, - Maroons, absorbs more carbon than it produces levels of carbon - at more than 400 parts ated a plantation system that repatri- as they became known - fled into the from burning fossil fuels; and so it plays per million - have placed Suriname ated large-scale profits back to the an important role in combating global Netherlands, leaving behind scars of » see MOSAIC | D10 warming. » see SUMMIT | D9

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department D2 | SURINAME • R Friday, October 10, 2014

Suriname pledges to stay ‘green’ as it ramps up its mining and oil industries

Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname Aerial view from Voltzberg, in the heart of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve. Suriname’s goal is to use extra revenues from oil and minerals to develop more sustainable industries in the long-term: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism and eco-services.

By P.D. Paulin her rich and diverse population,” said Striking a balance between growth Cedric Nelom, Acting Director of the uriname prides itself National Institute for Environment and on being the “green- Development (NIMOS), who is cur- est” country on Earth rently managing the REDD+ program and it intends to stay and environmental responsibility in Suriname. green as it ramps up Protecting Suriname’s rainforest its oil and mining in- policies and development, the Min- to be instrumental to combat rising shores to protect its capital, where 40 also plays an important role in combat- dustries, say govern- ister of Natural Resources Jim Hok temperatures. Suriname’s diplomats, percent of its inhabitants live. ing climate change. “The Surinamese ment officials. stated : “We are working to maintain both in the United Nations and other Acutely aware of these worst-case forests are currently absorbing more Famous for its pristine rainforest a balance.” Suriname currently has venues, have issued clarion calls to scenarios, Suriname’s officials have carbon dioxide than the country is and rivers, resource-rich Suriname is dedicated 13.7% of its surface to con- combat climate change; Suriname has embraced an international mecha- emitting, effectively making Suriname Swelcoming foreign direct investment servation in order to protect headwa- 239 miles of low-lying coastline. “Su- nism designed to reduce greenhouse one of the few carbon negative coun- to ramp up its oil and mining indus- ters, biodiversity and key ecosystem riname is listed as one of the seven gases. It does this by stopping the de- tries in the world,” he said. tries; they account for more than 40 services. most vulnerable countries in respect struction of rainforests, and hence the Regarding its abundance of fresh percent of GDP and some 94 percent There are good reasons for moving to climate change induced sea-level mechanism’s acronym: REDD+ which water, Suriname also is “seriously of export revenue. The goal is to use ahead cautiously. Suriname has a land rise,” noted Rabindre Parmessar, Su- stands for “Reducing Emissions from looking” for ways to provide fresh extra revenues from oil and mining mass of 63,000-square miles - – about riname’s Minister of Public Works, at Deforestation and Forest Degradation.” water to Caribbean countries suffering (gold mining in particular) to develop the size of Florida - – and is a natural- last month’s UN Climate Summit in Created by the United Nations Frame- shortages of fresh water, John Goed- sectors seen as more sustainable and ist’s paradise. It is South America’s New York. work Convention on Climate Change schalk, Advisor to the President on appropriate in the long-term, namely: smallest sovereign country - yet it If global temperatures keep ris- (UNFCCC), the objectives of REDD+ environment, noted. Ideally, exporting agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tour- has up to eight percent of the world’s ing, Suriname could suffer the nega- are to combat climate change with fresh water would diversify Suriname’s ism and services. Those extra rev- pristine tropical forests, and its rivers tive effects of climate change in as rules for the responsible management economy and benefit water-scarce enues also will fund improvements in carry about 10 percent of the fresh little as 15 years; and rising sea-levels of forests in developing countries. countries by reducing their depen- among others education, health care water of rivers worldwide. would be disastrous for our low-lying Even as Suriname ramps up mining dence on importing bottled water and and housing in the currently upper Rainforests like Suriname’s also coastal area, Parmessar said. “This and oil production, it has pledged to operating desalination plans powered middle-income country. play an important role in keeping the means that Paramaribo - Suriname’s continue adhering to REDD+, which by carbon-producing fuels - activities The four-year-old government of global ecosystem healthy; they absorb capital of which the Inner City has it regards as an important tool for sus- that “suppress development” because President Desiré Bouterse has a “so- carbon dioxide from man-made activi- been proclaimed as a UNESCO World tainable development and a planning of their high costs and negative envi- cially motivated agenda” and considers ties and produce breathable oxygen. Heritage Site -– would most likely mechanism for the responsible use of ronmental impact, Goedschalk said. these policies vital to the South Ameri- These absorbed greenhouse gases disappear, unless we spend an inordi- its natural resources. “The develop- He added, “We are moving forward can nation’s long-term sustainable contribute to global warming, a phe- nate amount of our current and future ment of Suriname’s REDD+ strategy and are striving to do all that we can development path, explained Minister nomena that could cause havoc in low- GDP to protect ourselves against the is currently in full swing, and will be locally to ensure that we do in fact of Natural Resources Jim Hok. lying coastal nations like Suriname. inevitable impacts of sea-level rise.” In brought about by an inclusive, par- remain the greenest country on Earth.” Referring to potential conflicts Suriname has environmentally this regard, Suriname has already built ticipatory process that respects the between long-standing environmental friendly policies, which now prove embankments on Paramaribo’s river traditions, livelihoods and cultures of

city of Paramaribo is the closest South the capital city. President Bouterse and NEW American capital to Europe and Africa. his Government see this as changing; An open, transparent approach sup- indeed, much of the continuing build- HEIGHTS ported by business-friendly policies and out in affordable housing is taking place regulations has resulted in a number of further and further away from the city From page D1 strategic partnerships between Suriname center, including heavily forested areas. and international private and public sec- This build-out has to be supported by Suriname is also a member of CARI- tor enterprises. modern roads, utilities pipelines and COM, the Caribbean Community, and For example the Newmont Mining communications networks. The Govern- fully engaged in betterment initiatives Corp. project has a multi-year time frame ment is actively promoting infrastructure with its neighbors to the north. Initiatives and makes the United States the larg- development in these areas and facilitat- such as development of air and sea ports est foreign direct investor in Suriname. ing jobs growth in previously uninhab- and CARICOM Enterprises – a project Canada and Dubai are also major sources ited territory. to collectively use natural resources – of FDI. A partnership with Dubai’s DP Another initiative currently under offer potential ways to achieve national World to upgrade the quality of Paramar- way is the improvements of Suriname’s development goals for Suriname and its ibo’s sea port led to that port winning the road connections with its geographic partners. Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) neighbors: Guyana to the west, French Port Award three years in a row. And one Guyana to the east and – eventually “The Greenest Country on Earth” of the fastest-growing sectors – offshore and perhaps most auspiciously – Brazil Environmental sustainability is a mat- Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname oil exploration and development – is to the south. Improved transportation ter of utmost importance for Suriname, President Bouterse at the United Nations being spearheaded by Suriname’s own links could lead to new opportunities to where more than 90 percent of the coun- state-owned oil company, Staatsolie NV. develop yet-untapped resources. try is covered by rainforest. From an early Diversification of Suriname’s eco- “Since we came into office my Gov- stage Suriname realized that it would nomic base is something the Government ernment and I have promised the people have to be diligent in pursuing policies sees as a high priority for the coming of Suriname that we would live up to our that balance economic development with years. “Our focus on developing our non- social contract to improve their lives protection of the environment. Securing renewable natural resources potential through meaningful gains in the stan- land as nature reserves is one approach; now is strategic in nature: it provides dard of living,” says President Bouterse. currently over 11 percent of the territory the means by which we can invest and “Infrastructure is a necessary means belongs to nature reserves, including the develop the sustainable sectors of the to this end, and we will continue to Central Suriname Nature Reserve which economy like agriculture, tourism and invest in it.” sits in the heart of the interior country. services,” says President Bouterse. “The President Bouterse hopes that more Currently the Government is working supply of energy for the expansion of in- people from other nations will come to on a program to ‘Reduce Emissions from dustries and consumption of our growing experience for themselves the unique- Deforestation and Forest Degradation’ population that should accompany such ness of Suriname and the benefits of (REDD+) with the Forest Carbon Part- development, is therefore also of strate- its model of inclusive development. nership Facility to evaluate the potential gic importance for our socio-economic “Visitors to our country do indeed tell for expanding rainforest conservation growth. Open sky agreements, including us that it was a unique experience for areas. one recently concluded with the United them,” Mr. Bouterse says. “They are At the same time, natural resources States, improved port facilities and other impressed by our pristine rainforests, are a source of wealth and well-being means of upgrading connectivity with the hospitality of our people and, most for Suriname, so there must be a bal- Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname the rest of the world are all part of significantly, the diversity and peaceful ance between conservation and resource The Government negotiated price caps for a package of daily basic needs products as our long term goal of prosperity and co-existence they encounter at so many development. “Our abundant natural part of the Social Contract. well-being through diverse, sustainable levels – ethnic, religious, culinary and resources, such as bauxite, gold and dia- economic channels.” so on. These are strong assets we want monds, contribute to economic growth to maintain, nurture and grow for the and a more diverse, balanced economy,” are busier than ever,” says Mr. Bouterse. natural resources has put Suriname on Building a National Infrastructure benefit of our future and the future of says President Bouterse. To that end “But we have to conduct this business in the global map for investment, trade Part of improving the standard of the generations to come. To that end, he notes the signing last year of two a way that safeguards and protects our and partnership opportunities. Other living is increased investment in public sustainable and inclusive development multi-million dollar gold contracts, with precious natural ecosystems.” geographic features also enhance the infrastructure. That challenge is com- is not just a phrase for us. It is a deep- IAMGOLD Corp. and Newmont Mining country’s desirability as a partner in pounded by a geography dominated seated commitment at the heart of ev- Corporation, and the increased pace of Opportunities for Trade commerce. Suriname sits on a major by vast stretches of rainforest. Over 90 erything we – as a Government and as development in Suriname’s oil industry. and Investment sea and air transit route connecting percent of Suriname’s economic activity a people – do to improve our lives and “Commerce is growing and our ports Not surprisingly, the abundance in South and North America. The capital is concentrated in the coastal area around those of our neighbors.”

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department Friday, October 10, 2014 • R SURINAME | D3 Small states speak with moral authority U.N. and regional groups vital to Suriname’s development, says Suriname U.N. Representative Henry Leonard Mac Donald

By P.D. Paulin Nations (UNASUR) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and its representatives have supported ike the proverbial canary in the coal its strengthening during stints as chairperson. mine, small and developing coastal na- Mac Donald said his Surinamese heritage has tions and island-states are singularly served him well when engaged in “consensus build- qualified to identify the world’s prob- ing” in regional and international bodies; or as he lems – and help mobilize solutions. explained: “As the Representative of a relatively They are, after all, leading clarion small, Dutch-speaking, multicultural and religious calls about the negative impacts of country in South America with a Caribbean history, climate change; and when beset by it’s rather easy for me and the staff at the Mission social ills, they suffer more profoundly than rich to intimately connect with colleagues from all and more resilient countries suffering those same over the world. I view multilateral diplomacy as Lproblems. Their experiences serve as a warning important vehicle for small states to be successful in siren to developed nations. international negotiations; consequently, consensus These small states thus speak with a distinctive building is my main focus and the most important moral authority when identifying and shaping solu- goal of my work.” tions to global problems. That message was delivered In advancing “South-South cooperation,” Mac earlier this month by Henry Leonard Mac Donald, Donald said that he anticipates a busy agenda dur- Suriname’s permanent representative to the United ing the next 12 months, including to help call inter- Nations, during the Third International Conference national attention to the critical areas of concern on Small Island Developing States in Apia, Samoa. of the Fourth Conference on Women (the Beijing Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname Small nations like Suriname, he observed, are “highly Declaration and Platform for Action). important to the global community,” because they Suriname plays an active role in the United Nations and other regional and international bodies, such as At the same time, he expressed pride that “function as microcosms of global phenomena.” UNASUR and CARICOM. CARICOM was instrumental in spurring the United Suriname is one of 52 members of the Small Island Nations to adopt a landmark General Assembly Development States (SIDS) – a group recognized resolution on the Prevention and Control of Non in June, 1992, by the United Nations Conference Today, Suriname’s political leaders and diplomats Suriname’s development strategy revolves around Communicable Diseases. The resolution will mar- on Environment and Development. Though not an are working to overcome similar challenges unique a human-centered policy. At home, Suriname has shal resources to fight heart disease, strokes, many island, Suriname is similarly affected by a low-lying to small island-nations – low-lying coastal areas; launched programs to improve education and cancers, and diabetes, among others. They are coastline and it accompanying challenges. small economies; and vulnerable ecosystems. Re- health care and provide more housing, in addition among the biggest killers in the Caribbean, yet Mac Situated on South America’s northeastern coast, cently, Suriname has cautiously ramped up gold and to improving the legal framework for social benefits. Donald noted that combating the diseases was not the country of 570,000 is bordered by French Guiana oil production with an eye toward using revenues Above all, it is seeking to get the most out of addressed in the U.N.’s Millennium Development to the East, Guyana to the West, and Brazil to the from those enterprises to boost social development foreign direct investment and trade for its strategic Goals. South. The former Dutch colony has a land mass and to eventually transition to a more sustainable sectors. To do this, Mac Donald and other emissar- Said Mac Donald: “Suriname is a proud member of 64,000 square miles, making it slightly larger economy revolving around industries like agricul- ies play active roles in United Nations and other of the United Nations communities and we are than the U.S. state of Georgia. It is South America’s ture, forestry, fisheries, services and tourism. regional and international bodies. Suriname is par- eager to share our virtues of peaceful co-existence smallest country. Mac Donald, during an interview, explained that ticularly focused on the Union of South American in multicultural diversity with the world.” Indigenous people redefine conservation South Suriname Conservation Corridor engages local communities

Suriname, nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, is a small country with huge con- servation ambitions. It sits atop the ancient Guiana Photos: Courtesy Government of Suriname Shield formation which stores approximately 10-15 The engagement with communities is a critical element of the South Suriname Project, and it is well under- percent of the global freshwater supply and which way with community meetings in six villages in southern Suriname. is covered with rich Amazonian rainforest. Recognizing the global importance of these resources, Conservation International (CI), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Amazon agricultural lands, locations for extraction of Conservation Team (ACT) are working towards a traditional medicines, logging, cemeteries and broader understanding of how indigenous people cultural activities. Moreover, the villagers could view conservation. share their fears and name the most important “If we take note that the indigenous people threats to their traditional ways of living. have been able to live in and with the forests Laurens Gomes, Country Manager for WWF for centuries, then we would be foolish not to Guianas, explains, “Indigenous people believe listen and learn from our first inhabitants of they borrow the land from their grandchildren. In Suriname,” says CI Suriname Country Director, fact, we, as a country, ought to be doing the same. John Goedschalk. He goes on to explain, “They This government has a serious focus on trying have shown us they know how to preserve the to preserve important parts of our forests and forest, while using it for shelter, food, water and protect our river’s headwaters, and so I am con- cultural activities.” fident we will find a Surinamese way to deal with A multidisciplinary team, spearheaded by Indigenous girl in Apoera (West-Suriname) studies conservation in the interest of all our peoples.” social scientists, travelled to indigenous villages a plant. The engagement with communities is a critical The eventual aim of the South Suriname Project is across the South, which are only accessible by element of a broader South Suriname Project to do to safeguarding the headwaters of Suriname’s most canoe or small plane. There they were able to en- just that and with the eventual aim of safeguard- important rivers. gage in discussions with communities about what local discussions about sustainable development ing the headwaters of Suriname’s most important the global term ‘conservation’ means to them, how in their own languages. rivers. The project is already well underway with they describe their relationship with the environ- As a part of this process, communities were local community meetings in six different villages are being engaged in discussions, trying to create ment and how they envision a sustainable future. able to map different habitats and indicate the in the South taking place. At the same time, people common ground for each other’s views to forge With the help of interactive tools provided by whereabouts of self-defined important areas in the more-populated coastal area, including civil agreement on future steps. the team, community leaders were able to lead including villages, hunting and fishing areas, society, the business community and government, “We are a small nation of only 542,000 people, we know our indigenous peoples were here first and there is a general respect towards their traditional ways of living. But at the same U.S. Ambassador upbeat about Suriname’s business opportunities time our country is rapidly evolving,” says John Goedschalk. Suriname’s largest industries are gold mining Mining is fastest-growing sector and oil refining, constituting around 36 percent of the government’s annual budget. “But this must be By P.D. Paulin million is now under construction in Paramaribo, considered as short term revenue, we need to be the capital whose population is 250,000. The learning how to take care of our next generations. Suriname has embarked on an ambitious de- construction is part of routine plans in the State I think indigenous knowledge and experience velopment program – and it is welcoming foreign Department’s embassy replacement program. combined with research, will hand us the key direct investment to pay for it. U.S. companies will As for traveling to Suriname, Anania noted a towards an inclusive and effective conservation find a business-friendly climate in the tiny and recent Open Skies agreement should improve policy that balances the need for economic growth resource-rich nation, situated on the northeast travel between the United States and Suriname, with the desire to retain our natural heritage.” corner of South America. thereby improving trade and tourism links. Cur- The South Suriname Project is undertaking re- “Mining is Suriname’s fastest growing sector, rently, flights to Suriname depart from Miami and search to identify the critical headwaters, to better but several U.S. firms are currently conducting New York via Surinam Airways, Delta, Caribbean understand freshwater production, distribution offshore oil exploration, with drilling likely in Airlines, Insel Air, and US Airways. and demand as well as the threats of land use and 2015,” observed U.S. Ambassador to Suriname What is life like for an expatriate businessman climate change on Suriname’s fresh water system. The ultimate goal is to make a compelling Jay N. Anania. “Agriculture offers additional in Suriname, a former Dutch colony where Eng- case to have approximately 2 million hectares of opportunities, and Suriname’s government en- lish is widely spoken? “Expat businessmen will pristine tropical forest (an area roughly the size courages foreign investment in this and other find life in Suriname comparable to other middle of New Jersey), and the headwaters of Suriname’s commercial sectors.” income developing countries,” said Anania. rivers, formally protected. This area will act as a Anania, a veteran foreign service officer, noted “The people of Suriname are notably friendly, conservation corridor linking up with protected that the U.S. Embassy’s website provides advice and life in Paramaribo is generally pleasant and areas in neighboring Brazil and French Guyana. on doing business in Suriname. “Companies relaxed. Suriname is one of the world’s most Moreover, the team is developing a financial can also request a meeting with the embassy ethnically and culturally diverse countries, and mechanism to allow this long-term conservation to discuss investment plans, and the embassy the large expanses of unspoiled rainforest offer effort to be self-supporting. Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname advocates on behalf of U.S. firms doing business numerous opportunities for nature lovers. Busi- Said Laurens Gomes, “Water is life and our goal U.S. Ambassador Jay Anania (left) with Minister of in Suriname,” he said. ness and cultural ties to the U.S. are longstanding is to protect the nation’s water, land and forests Trade and Industry, Mr. Don Tosendjojo. A new U.S. Embassy building costing $164 and positive.” for the benefit of all the peoples of Suriname and for the good of their children, and the world.”

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department D4 | SURINAME • R Friday, October 10, 2014 Will development plans succeed? Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Jim Hok, explains why Suriname Country Profile will avoid the ‘resource curse’ Republic of Suriname

socially motivated agenda that will use the wealth with IAMGOLD and Newmont, the government Location: South America, bordering Guyana, generated from the gold, oil and bauxite to invest in actively participates in the exploitation of its French Guyana and Brazil. among others education, health care and housing. natural resources via state-owned companies. Jim Hok, Minister of Natural Resources From the perspective of foreign investors, this a Area: 163,820 sq. km. (63,251 sq. miles), Suriname wants to ramp up mining and stabilizing factor. In the case of IAMGOLD, the slightly larger than the state of Georgia. Over oil production – yet it also is committed to government has a 30 percent participation in the 90% of the land is rainforest. protecting its status as the world’s “greenest” project’s expansion, and in the case of Newmont By P.D. Paulin country and respecting indigenous and tribal participation is 25 percent. Climate: The country is located outside the people in its interior. Please explain how Suri- The State’s participation in the exploitation hurricane zone, making it immune to natural uriname, a resource-rich and de- name intends to stay “green” while developing of our own natural resources is an important disasters. Temperatures range from 21-32C veloping nation, has embarked on its natural resources. issue in the policies of the current Government, (70-90F). an ambitions long-range develop- We are convinced that Suriname’s future is not because we believe that every Surinamese ment plan. Foreign direct invest- in mining and oil but in more sustainable sectors citizen should own a part of their country’s Capital: Paramaribo ment is being welcomed. The two like agriculture, forestry, fisheries, tourism and wealth. So these are joint operations, with joint most prospective sectors: minerals eco-services. But to develop these sustainable sec- responsibilities. Languages: Dutch (official). English, Sranang and oil. The four-year-old govern- tors, the government made a conscious decision Tongo, Sarnami, Chinese, Javanese, and ment of President Desiré Bouterse to accelerate the development of mining and oil. Suriname now has two large gold mines, plans to boost revenues from those sectors - now 40 We are trying to maintain a balance. We have different tribal languages of the Amer-Indians and there is room for six more. But what and Maroons. percent of GDP – and plow them into development over 10 different tribes living in the rainforest. about independent gold miners? Sprojects that benefit the population of 542,000. They have their villages, hunting areas and cultural “Currently, more than 20,000 people are Specifically, extra revenues from mining will be places that we are committed to respect. We are directly or indirectly involved in the small-scale Population: 541,638 used to boost quality-of-life indexes – including in also committed to preserve our primary tropical gold sector, and earnings from these small-scale 73 percent of the population education, health care, and housing, while simul- forest of which we are proud to be co-guardians. gold miners are 60 percent of total gold earnings. is younger than 45. taneously developing industries like agriculture, To protect this world heritage, we established the The government established the Gold Sector forestry, fisheries and tourism. Those industries are Central Suriname Nature Reserve, which is one of Reform Commission to restore public order Adult Literacy: 94.7% considered more sustainable than gold and oil and the biggest of its kind in the world with 1.6 million and reform this sector into a stable industry eventually more suitable to a tiny South American hectares. In total, we have preserved 13.7 percent environment. Instead of fining or penalizing Gateway to world economies, especially South nation of vast and unspoiled rainforests and riv- of our total land surface. We are very proud that workers, the government made the choice to America and the Caribbean. Preferential ers. Suriname prides itself for its “green” policies. researchers still find new species of insects, fish educate them first. As a result they at least have market access to Europe and Caribbean. Two multinational gold-mining companies and mammals in our protected areas a chance to develop into a more sophisticated 2011/2012 Chairman of CARICOM (Caribbean nations)

2013/2014 Current Chairman of UNASUR (South-American nations)

Currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD)

Ethnic Groups Creole (including Mixed) 29% East-Indian (Hindustani) 27% Maroon 22% Javanese 14% Amerindian 4% Chinese 2% European 0.3% Other 2%

Religion Protestant 26.8% Hindu 22.3% Roman Catholic 21.6% Muslim 13.9% Other 15.4% Photo: Courtesy Wilderness Explorers Government: Suriname gained independence Suriname works to balance respect for the tribes living in the rainforest (villages, hunting areas, cultural places) with resource development and ecotourism. from the Dutch on November 25, 1975. In 1987 This lodge for tourists is well integrated into its environment. a Constitution was adopted that established a 51 member National Assembly, an executive presidency, a Council of Ministers and a non- are now involved in major joint ventures with the Our mining area, known as the Green Stone- sector. We handed them the tools needed to government: IAMGOLD Corporation of Toronto, belt, accounts for about 15 percent of our surface. create a prosperous future for themselves. And I elected State Council. and Newmont Mining Corporation of Greenwood This presumes we would use all of it for mining, mean this in terms of a financially savvy future, Village, Colorado. Investments of $1.1 billion are an- which we of course would not do because part along with a healthy lifestyle in which they have Ruling Party: Multi Party Coalition ticipated. Suriname estimates that there is enough of our population and vulnerable ecosystems are respect for their environment. (NDP, Abop, Palu, Nieuw Suriname) gold for six more medium-sized or large gold mines there; and you won’t mine effectively by just min- One part of gold-sector reform was to get a and is currently establishing a medium-sized gold ing everywhere. So we need a balanced policy: better grip on small-scale production. To restore Time Zone: EST +2; GMT -3 mine through its fully state-owned mining com- where do we mine, and which areas do we protect order to the sector and make sure it developed pany, Grassalco. and preserve? responsibly, the gold commission mapped all Principal Exports: Gold, Alumina, Rice, As for oil, Suriname has 80 million barrels of mining areas and made a database of miners Bananas, Shrimp, Fish and Fish Products, proven reserves, much of it off-shore. Several U.S. Has Suriname’s effort to ramp up its oil and machines. They are educating people village Timber, Wood and Wood Products, Crude Oil firms are now involved in offshore exploration with and mining sector been done in a transparent by village, miner by miner, to inform them on and Petrol drilling likely in 2015. Some of the biggest players manner? how to work with waste water; how to explore are: California’s Chevron, Houston-based Apache All agreements that the government makes with more efficiently; and how to avoid working with GDP (2014): US$ 5,627 million Corporation and Dallas-based Kosmos Energy, foreign investors are accessible to the National mercury. Now, almost 3 years later, they have as are Norway’s StatOil and Britain’s Tullow Oil, Assembly (Parliament) and the public. When cleared an almost improbable job. They restored GDP Per Capita: +/- US$ 10,000 (2014) who are implementing a joint off-shore exploration contracts would extend beyond the provisions of public order and brought government services project, among others. the law, Parliament must be involved to amend the closer to the miners. They made entrepreneurs GDP Growth: 3.5% (2014) Will Suriname’s development plans work? appropriate laws, which transpired, for example, out of these forgotten young Surinamese men Other developing and resource-rich nations un- for the recent large mining contracts. As a result, that work hard searching for gold. Government Debt to GDP dertook similarly idealistic projects, yet achieved nationwide discussions and research take place to The royalties on small-scale production also Domestic: 8.5% (April 2014); outcomes that were disappointing or abject fail- make sure that nobody is left out. were increased from 1 to 2 percent. Thanks to update 10.3% (July 2014) ures. Why will Suriname succeed? the registration process, the government can, Minister of Natural Resources Jim Hok explains How will the increase in mining activity for the first time, send tax forms to small-scale why in an interview. miners, concession-holders and machine own- Foreign: 15.1% (April 2014); translate into jobs and opportunities for ordi- update 15.5% (July 2014) The so-called “resource curse” or “para- nary people not working in the mines? ers to increase its income. In 2012, independent dox of plenty” has negatively affected more In our recent mining contracts, the government miners produced 740,753.20 ounces of gold worth than a few developing countries, which had negotiated a community fund that the companies $1.1 billion, with $27 million going to Suriname’s Inflation Rate: 0.6% (e.o.p. 2013) sought to use their rich natural resources to will finance, and this allows a district manager to treasury. boost their economies. Their outcomes were fund projects in local communities. As for jobs: A lot of work remains to be done. But our Unemployment Rate: 6.9% (Q1 2012) often disappointing and even abject failures. local workers are hired; local entrepreneurs deliver goal is to keep communicating with the people agricultural products to mine workers; local trans- and balance everybody’s interests. Labor Force: 144,735 (Q1 2012) What is Suriname doing differently to en- portation companies are utilized; and management sure that it wisely exploits its natural re- positions are gradually transferred to people with Would you please discuss the status of oil Merchandise sources and, thus, meets its development goals Surinamese nationality. We try to educate our own production in Suriname? Exports: US$ 2,394 million (2013) for the benefit of all its citizens? people about how to open and own a mine that will Staatsolie, Suriname’s state oil company, is Imports US$ 2,174 million (2013) Suriname is not known for having the world’s be owned 100 percent by Suriname in the future. designated by the government to deal with third biggest mineral reserves. What makes our mineral One very good example of how government parties. As such, Staatsolie has signed several Trade Balance: US$ 220 million (2013) and oil sector attractive are other things – like earnings promote social equality, may be found production-sharing agreements with several political stability; an educated work force; a rela- in recent Laws that Parliament approved to guar- companies. In general, foreign companies oper- Desired cooperation through tively good infrastructure; and a friendly climate antee social security. The government ensured ate off-shore and Staatsolie operates on-shore, Public-private partnerships in: in general. Plus, we are known for keeping our that minimum wages shall be paid to workers; that although Staatsolie recently started preparations • Production facilities end of a bargain. This may explain why the U.S. every worker should be insured against illness and to also drill in shallow sea waters. multinational Alcoa has been in Suriname for al- hospitalization and that workers should be in the A refinery built by Staatsolie is expected to • Energy most one hundred years, and why Toronto-based position to save for their pensions. come into production by the end of 2014 and • Construction of transport IAMGOLD Corporation re-invested in its mining early 2015. This refinery will be capable of pro- infrastructure (like a deep sea port) operation even though gold prices had declined. Would you please discuss Suriname’s agree- ducing all of the country’s diesel consumption • Agricultural technologies A fair amount of the government’s annual ments with IAMGOLD and Newmont, the two and most of its requirements for unleaded fuel. budget is made up of royalties and taxes from multinationals now operating the two biggest (This interview was edited and condensed.) • ICT large investors in the gold-mining industry and gold mines? our national oil company. This government has a As is evident in our recent Mineral Agreements

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department Friday, October 10, 2014 • R SURINAME | D5 Suriname and the OAS: economic diplomacy through multilateral engagement An interview with Ambassador Niermala Badrising, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Suriname to the Organization of American States

economic, political and cultural systems, which we expect will reduce poverty levels and con- tribute to long-term development. To give you some tangible examples of this: Suriname has embarked on an expansive so- cial housing project aimed at providing decent and affordable housing to low-income groups, the elderly, persons with disabilities and young families in need of government assistance. The Government established a housing construction Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname fund together with the private sector to finance Niermala Badrising, Permanent Representative of this project. Suriname to the Organization of American States The National Health Sector Plan for 2012-16 provides health services free of charge for chil- dren between 0 and 16 years of age and persons over 60. Another subsidized program targets the By Katrina Lamb improvement of nutritional health for newborn babies. he Organization of American States The Government has abolished tuition for (OAS) is the oldest multilateral primary education, making it universal and free institution in the Americas, and of cost. Other educational programs we support its membership includes all in- include the After School Program, aimed at dependent countries of the West- providing after-school care such as homework ern Hemisphere. It is a forum in assistance and meals to children from disadvan- which Suriname’s active engage- taged groups. ment with its regional partners I would also like to draw your attention to an has increased markedly in the past few years. “In historic transformation of our society brought the last few years, there has been a noticeable about by the adoption of three laws – on Mini- Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname Tenhancement of Suriname’s engagement at the mum Wage, National Pensions and Basic Health OAS, within the Councils of the Organization Insurance. The political process through which For Suriname, unity lies in the acceptance of cultural diversity. and its interactions with the General Secretariat. this legislation was achieved underscores the Su- There is a renewed activism among its delegation, rinamese Government’s commitment to equality manifested in the leadership role it has taken on and social justice. literary history. with rich natural resources and exemplary bio- A source of particular pride for me, and an diversity. In fact we are the greenest nation on image I believe the world would find riveting, earth, with forests covering over 90 percent of is that Suriname is the only nation in the world our territory. “Our foreign policy reflects our specific national development where a Jewish synagogue stands right next to Our Government has put great emphasis on an Islamic mosque. The advent of social media developing these natural resources for economic goals, and our economic and social interests drive these goals. and the growing global literacy of the world’s benefit, while at the same time being mindful of The diplomatic tool to advance these interests is economic citizens – especially among the younger genera- the critical importance of environmental sustain- diplomacy, by embracing national development policies to tions – perhaps affords us a natural megaphone ability to safeguard our future. through which Suriname can engage the world We are a nation with steady economic growth achieve socio-economic well being.” Ambassador Badrising in cultural diplomacy. and open to international cooperation. We are committed to regional integration, multilateral- a number of issues. With Suriname’s assump- The implementation of these and other socio- What else would you like a reader of this ism and many levels of diplomacy. I am of the tion of the Chairmanship of the OAS Permanent economic programs in Suriname dovetails with article to know about Suriname? view that my country is gradually coming of Council on January 1, 2015, I anticipate that this the commitments we have made as a country There is much for Suriname to share with the age not only in regional politics but also on the renewed commitment to multilateralism will at the different multilateral engagements. Each world in terms of our cultural diversity and how world stage. We are on a path to have a greater, only increase,” says José Miguel Insulza, current country should develop the model that is most as a nation we have been able to further our quest increasingly engaged presence within the Ameri- Secretary General of the OAS. appropriate for its own demographic, social and for long-term development. We are endowed cas and beyond. economic circumstances. International and re- How does multilateral engagement within gional developmental frameworks can guide this the Organization of American States (OAS) development, create more synergy in cooperative help to promote Suriname’s foreign policy, efforts and promote regional equality. particularly with regard to the notion of “economic diplomacy”? How do Suriname and its OAS partners col- My Government is committed to contribute to laborate to learn from each other’s national a peaceful and harmonious world order. It is our and regional development experiences? belief that through the use of negotiated solutions Suriname’s collaboration with the OAS is a for regional and international conflicts, we can reflection of deepening Inter-American solidarity contribute to the promotion of peace and order and cooperation. This provides, in my opinion, within our society, our region and beyond. Now, ample opportunities to complement our national multilateralism is an important pillar of the for- efforts for our development agenda. Within the eign policy of my country, and this is the context OAS, countries cooperate closely with each other in which we engage with the OAS. through activities in sub-regional groups (for Our foreign policy reflects our specific na- example CARICOM, SICA and ALADI). Through tional development goals, and our economic and these sub-regional groups, country-specific ex- social interests drive these goals. The diplomatic periences, circumstances and positions are con- tool to advance these interests is economic di- tinually shared among participating members. plomacy, by embracing national development For example Suriname collaborates and policies to achieve socio-economic well being. negotiates within the 14-member sub-group The OAS, the oldest multilateral institution in CARICOM (Caribbean Community). Out of this collaboration come opportunities for stra- tegic alliances and cooperation in areas like public-private partnerships (PPPs). I find that “I am certain that Suriname this coalition-building at the diplomatic level creates enormous advantages in safeguarding can be a prominent voice on our national, regional and sub-regional interests the world stage for cultural with a strong and common voice. Dialogue, in diplomacy. We offer a model for fact, has proven to be the strongest instrument for effecting positive change. how a healthy diversity can bring about a peaceful and accepting Perhaps you could share your thoughts society.” Ambassador Badrising on the evolution of the role of women in Suriname’s socio-economy, in particular the experience of women in diplomacy? the Americas, is a forum within which economic Women in Suriname fulfill an important role diplomacy can function as a catalyst for the in supporting the development of our country. interests of my country. In particular integral The participation of women in decision-making development – one of the four pillars on which environments has progressed over the past two the work of the OAS is based – provides a broad- decades; for example, the Speaker of the National based framework to build on my Government’s Assembly is female as is the Minister of Social developmental objectives. Affairs and Housing. Women also hold the lead position of Permanent Secretary in various min- How do you see the effects of this mul- istries and departments. I am confident that the tilateral engagement on Suriname’s goal of numbers of female ambassadors will grow. It is “development with social inclusion,” specifi- an exciting time to be engaged in diplomacy and cally with reference to key areas like health development! care, education and housing? I see multilateralism as a key instrument Suriname’s unusually diverse culture – for regional, sub-regional and national socio- ethnically and religiously – offers a poten- economic development, in which the overall aim tially compelling example to the world that is to promote economic development, national “diversity works.” Is there a way for Suri- prosperity and human well-being. The OAS in- name to be a prominent voice on the world tegral development pillar aims to reduce poverty stage for cultural diplomacy? and promote social and economic development I am certain that Suriname can be a prominent through political dialogue. This objective draws voice on the world stage for cultural diplomacy. in turn from the Social Charter of the Americas We offer a model for how a healthy diversity can and the Draft Plan of Action, which encapsulates bring about a peaceful and accepting society. the areas you mentioned of health care, education For Suriname, unity lies in the acceptance of and housing as well as water and sanitation, sci- our cultural diversity. You can see this in many entific and technological development and others. tangible, visual ways. Suriname is actively engaged in helping to For example, the Ala Kondre Dron (trans- shape the regional integral development agenda lated as “All-Country Drum”) is a percussion through the sharing of our own programs and and dance tradition that showcases the musical policies. My Government sees the human being styles of Suriname’s different cultures – Maroons, as at the center of all development activities. So Hindustanis, Javanese and Amerindians. Unity is we focus on policies for social inclusion for our celebrated in the poetry of Robin Ravales, also people to gain greater access to relevant social, known as Dobru and a leading light of Suriname’s

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department D6 | SURINAME • R Friday, October 10, 2014 IDCS: Bringing partners in investment to Suriname

By Katrina Lamb

ustainable economic growth is a key pillar of Suriname’s me- dium and long-term develop- ment strategy. Recognizing the important role that foreign di- rect investment (FDI) plays in building long term growth, the Government of President Desiré Delano Bouterse established the Investment De- velopment Corporation of Suriname (IDCS) on SApril 18, 2014. “The IDCS is intended to be a one-stop window for foreign investors looking to invest in Suri- name,” says Astra Singh, Chief Communications Officer at IDCS. This includes guiding foreign investors through the process of dealing with various governmental decision-making entities, providing access to local projects and entrepre- neurs, and conducting outbound delegations and marketing initiatives to raise awareness of the op- portunities in Suriname to international investors. Attracting Private Sector Know-How One of the ways IDCS is playing a lead role in facilitating sustainable growth is through its mandate to privatize a number of state-owned en- terprises in the agricultural sector and to develop some 30,000 hectares of land into a foundation for increased agricultural exports. Agriculture Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname represents about 11 percent of Suriname’s total export base at present – far behind the leading River view of the Wijdenboschbrug. Sea boats enter Suriname through here. export sectors of gold, oil and bauxite. A more diversified agro-industrial export base will include some areas where Suriname, through IDCS, has already made a promising start, are also being developed to create an attractive Ms. Singh also notes that Suriname, by way of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of including palm oil, rice, cocoa, fruits, vegetables environment for private sector investors. its membership in various political and economic Finance and Planning, and the entities with over- and aquaculture. This is squarely in line with the organizations, has access to various investment sight responsibilities for some of the main sectors, Government’s stated intention to transition over Promoting Suriname’s Natural Advantages windows active in the region including the Inter- including the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry, time from non-renewable extractable commodi- As the public face of Suriname’s investment American Investment Bank (IDB), International Natural Resources, Trade and Tourism. Aligning ties like gold, bauxite and petroleum to sustainable strategy, IDCS seeks to capitalize on the abundant Finance Corporation (IFC), European Investment the activities of these and other stakeholders is resources. Suriname’s President stated several natural advantages the country possesses. Other Bank (EIB) and Islamic Development Bank. a key operational pillar of IDCS’s mandate. “Our times that he envisions his country to be the food than its close neighbors, Suriname is blessed not 2016-2021 Development Plan envisions something basket of the region when agricultural invest- to be struck by major natural disasters. It has one Coordinating and Aligning for Growth in the order of $400 million of investments needed ments take off. Especially Caribbean islands – that of the best reputations in the region for safety Achieving a successful investment outreach annually” says IDCS’s Singh. “An ambitious goal are mostly rocky and therefore lack the needed and security. There is no history of asset sei- program requires a considerable amount of for a country that is only now trying to diversify land- and water resources – could benefit from a zures or nationalizations. Together with a sound coordination among many moving parts both its economy. It is therefore of strategic importance cut in distribution costs when its close neighbor macroeconomic position and recent favorable within the Government and in the private sec- to identify the right investors for the country’s starts producing crops on its ample available ar- international credit ratings, these aspects of our tor. The policies set out by the President need to purposeful sustainable development plans; in able land. Legal reforms to support tax incentives country should bring about greater FDI flows in be implemented by several players in Suriname other words, to match the opportunities of Suri- and business-friendly legislation and procedures the years ahead.” which include the Office of the Vice President, name with the right partners.” Production-sharing deals spur offshore oil exploration Drilling to start in December on first well

By P.D. Paulin minimized its financial risk while retaining the option to participate in the development and ome of the world’s top oil com- production of commercially exploitable wells, panies are betting that the next usually with stakes of up to 20 percent. big oil discovery will be in the Among the companies that have joined Staat- offshore waters of Suriname – a solie in the search for an offshore “El Dorado”: small former Dutch colony on the U.S. giant Chevron Corporation; Britain’s Tullow northeast coast of South America. Oil; Spain’s Repsol S.A and CEPSA; Japan’s Inpex Billions of barrels of crude are Corporation; Malaysia’s Petronas; Murphy Oil thought to be buried beneath Suriname’s shallow Company of El Dorado, Arkansas; Dallas-based Scoastal waters and offshore in deep water. Where Kosmos Energy; and Houston-based Apache is it exactly? Somewhere within a 93,000-square- Corporation. Altogether, Staatsolie has some mile area of the Atlantic Ocean just offshore from ten production-sharing agreements. Suriname. Exploratory activities by several oil Staatsolie’s own exploration surveys were not companies started a few years ago – and some the only thing that piqued the interest of these are now poised to drill wells under production- oil companies, however. Geologists in the oil- sharing agreements with Suriname’s state oil industry have long regarded Suriname’s offshore company Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. area as potentially rich with oil. In 2000, for (Staatsolie). instance, the United States Geological Survey The offshore area thought to hold a vast res- estimated that up to 15 billion barrels of recov- ervoir of oil is virtually unexplored, with only erable oil might lie beneath the coastal waters some two dozen exploration wells having been of Suriname and neighboring Guyana. And in drilled there. Though the results were disap- 2011, an oil discovery in the waters off French pointing, anticipation is nevertheless building Guiana was described by oil-industry experts over the possibility of a big discovery, now that as a potential “game changer” for the region’s some drilling is about to start following extensive oil-producing landscape. exploration and analysis. “The planned offshore drilling activity is part Staatsolie has long believed a mother lode of of Staatsolie’s long-term strategy for discovering crude oil was buried offshore. In the past few new reserves,” noted Marc Waaldijk, Managing years, it devised production-sharing agreements Director of Staatsolie. Oil is one of the hot sectors to attract private and state-owned oil companies in the four-year-old government’s ambitious de- to Suriname; they subsequently came from every velopment plans for the nation of 542,000 people. corner of the world, making bids for the right to In next year’s Q2, shallow-water drilling is explore and drill in vast offshore blocks mapped projected to start in a coastal area of mud, man- Photo: Courtesy Staatsolie Public Relations out by Staatsolie. By doing this, Staatsolie has groves, and water running 80-feet deep. Nine In 2000 the United States Geological Survey estimated that up to 15 billion barrels of recoverable oil might lie beneath the coastal waters of Suriname and neighboring Guyana.

wells will be drilled to a depth of 2,000 feet in invested $25 million to drill at least one explor- a project involving Staatsolie, Well Services atory well and conduct a three-dimensional Petroleum Co. Ltd. of Trinidad & Tobago, and seismic survey. If Petronas makes a commer- Paradise Oil Company, a Staatsolie subsidiary cially exploitable discovery, its exploration that is managing the project. The site is near an costs will be reimbursed, and Staatsolie will oil field that has provided heavy crude since the have the option to participate with a 20 per- 1980s. Offshore blocks in deep water, however, cent stake. are where it’s thought a game-changing oil dis- • Britain’s Tullow and Norway’s Statoil are in- covery may be found. Some drilling is expected vesting $35 million to explore a block located to begin in those areas in 2015. some 124 miles off Suriname’s coast. The part- Among production-sharing projects in deep- ners will gather three-dimensional seismic water sites: data and study it along with data from Sta- • Chevron Global Energy Inc. has a 50 percent atsolie. If a commercially exploitable well is stake in two blocks with Kosmos Energy. found, Staatsolie has the option to participate Kosmos is operating the blocks during the ex- in development and production with a stake ploration phase. If commercially exploitable of up to 20 percent. Tullow is operating the discoveries are made, Chevron will acquire block; it also has stakes in two other offshore the remaining 50 percent interest and operate blocks. the site. “This agreement enables us to explore • Apache invested $230 million to explore a for new resources in this frontier basin,” said block some 80 miles off Suriname’s coast. It George Kirkland, vice chairman of Chevron will be reimbursed if commercial production Corporation, in a news release. “These blocks begins; Staatsolie has the option of taking up are on trend with new deep-water Cretaceous to a 20 percent stake in the project’s develop- discoveries in the region.” ment stage. Early next year, Apache expects to • Malaysia’s Petronas has a production-sharing start exploratory drilling. A CESPA subsidiary agreement with Staatsolie in an offshore has a 25 percent stake in the block. block 80 miles off Suriname’s coast. Petronas

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department Friday, October 10, 2014 • R SURINAME | D7 Oil industry heats up State oil company bets on ‘game-changing’ offshore discovery

By P.D. Paulin

uriname’s State Oil Company, Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., is generating excitement and buzz in the oil industry, now that some offshore drilling is expand- ing after many months of deep- water exploration. Next year, if predictions from geologists and sophisticated seismic studies are borne out, Suriname could be a major oil producer Searning new dollars along with a number of part- ners, both private and state-owned oil companies. They came from every corner of the world to sign production-sharing agreements with Staatsolie. Staatsolie has ten such agreements with com- panies both large and small: U.S. giant Chevron Corporation; Britain’s Tullow Oil; Spain’s Repsol S.A. and CEPSA; Japan’s Inpex Corporation; Ma- laysia’s Petronas; Murphy Oil Company of El Do- rado, Arkansas; Dallas-based Kosmos Energy; and Houston-based Apache Corporation. Staatsolie has the option to participate in the development and production of commercially exploitable wells. Photo: Courtesy Staatsolie Public Relations How much oil is out there? Tout Lui Faut refines about 7,350 barrels per day of diesel fuel, fuel oil, and asphalt bitumen – about half of the country’s needs. In 2000, the United States Geological Survey estimated that up to 15 billion barrels of recover- able oil could lie beneath the coastal waters of needs. To increase that output, however, Staatsolie revenues; and in 2013 that amounted to $284 mil- environmental guidelines, rules and regulations, Suriname and neighboring Guyana. And in 2011, launched a major upgrade and expansion of the lion. Staatsolie’s taxes, however, can only pay for say officials. And to prepare for the possibility of an oil discovery in the waters off French Guiana refinery a little over two-and-one-half years ago. a fraction of Suriname’s ambitious development offshore oil spills, a National Oils Spill Contin- was described as a potential “game changer” for The $760 million project is being handled by Ital- plans now being undertaken by the four-year-old gency Plan has been developed, operating under the region’s oil-producing landscape. ian contractor Saipem S.p.A. government of President Desiré Bouterse. Suriname’s Director of National Security within For its part, Suriname already has an estimated Work will soon be completed and then produc- Oil is now one of the hot sectors in the resource- the Office of the President. 73.7 million barrels of onshore proven reserves. tion will be ramped up to 17,000 barrels per day, rich country. “This government has a socially If the quest for an offshore “El Dorado” proves thereby keeping up with crude production and motivated agenda that will invest in education, elusive, Suriname still will have plenty of oil for meeting most of Suriname’s needs. Also, the output healthcare and housing,” noted Minister of Natural At a glance the development of its oil industry. of the new refinery will be more varied, producing Resources Jim Hok. oil-production Staatsolie has been contemplating the pos- diesel, various grades of fuel oil, bitumen asphalt, Staatsolie, for its part, plays an important role sibility of a big offshore oil discovery for years. and other products. Staatsolie expects to meet in that vision. In 2013, it reported revenues of “The planned offshore drilling activity is part of 100 percent of Suriname’s diesel consumption; more than $1 billion; and for years it has been in Proven Reserves: Staatsolie’s long-term strategy for discovering 70 percent of its gasoline consumption, and 100 a forward-looking investment mode. From 2009 73.7 million barrels new reserves,” noted Jim Hok, Minister of Natural percent of bitumen asphalt needs. Above all, the to 2013, for instance, it carried out a $1.3 billion Resources. refinery will significantly decrease Suriname’s investment program. In March 2014, it announced Current Refining Capacity: He explained, “There have been exploration dependency on imported fuels, while adding $100 that it had secured a $275 million loan for invest- 7,350 bpd drilling projects offshore in Suriname since the million annually to the government’s budget. ments through 2018. This was the second mega ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The most recent activity were With the refinery online, Staatsolie also can loan Staatsolie had secured on the international Total Consumption: four offshore exploration wells drilled in the last ramp up the retailing of gasoline and diesel fuel, capital market. 14,520 bpd seven years by three international oil companies having three years ago acquired the retail outlets As Suriname has ramped up its oil industry, it under production-sharing contract arrangements operated by Texaco and Chevron. has taken precautions to ensure that it retains its Total Crude Production: with Staatsolie. The results of some wells were Staatsolie also provides “bunkering services” status as one of the world’s “greenest” countries, 16,500 bpd encouraging but there has not been a commercial using specialized ships to transfer oil to visiting say officials. Much of the country is covered (Suriname’s upgraded Tout Lui Faut refinery discovery to date. “That said, expectations are high ships. The Port of Paramaribo is thought to have with pristine rainforests and rivers. Projects will boost oil production to 17,000 bpd) that there will be a game-changing discovery in the potential to become a major international are thus carried out in accordance with strict the coming year.” shipping hub. Consequently, the demand for Besides oil exploration, Staatsolie has for years services like bunkering are bound to grow helped to make Suriname energy sufficient. Three with the port. of its land-based oil rigs pump about 16,500 barrels Staatsolie has come a long way since the of heavy crude per day; and about half of that is government founded it in 1980. Back then it was processed at Staatsolie’s Tout Lui Faut refinery, a self-described “grass roots” operation. Now a and then sold in Suriname. mature and growing company, Staatsolie is in- A 17-year-old facility, Tout Lui Faut refines about volved in the exploration, drilling, and refining 7,350 barrels per day of diesel fuel, fuel oil, and as- of crude oil. phalt bitumen, which is about half of the country’s Staatsolie produces about 25 percent of national

Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname The Government of Suriname is building bridges to connect remote communities to economic and social life. Suriname buzzes with infrastructure construction Bridges and roads reach remote communities

By P.D. Paulin of Suriname’s population living in Paramaribo, the creation of suburbs (and roads to them) will New bridges, new roads, and upgrades of aging roads take pressure off the capital. and infrastructure – all are underway in Suriname • By next year over 20 bridges will have been built as the small South American nation undertakes an in the interior. This will improve connectivity ambitious development plan. between Paramaribo and more remote districts Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent, benefitting social and economic life. with financing coming from state coffers and outside • A vital highway called ‘Oost-West Verbinding’ financing. Hundreds of miles of roads and bridges (East-West Connection) runs throughout the are being laid or upgraded to accommodate more coastal area and connects to over six districts and traffic and heavy trucks. to neighboring Guyana and French Guiana. “This “Suriname is investing heavily in its infra- is an important road that is being maintained structure,” noted Minister of Public Works, Rabin and improved on a continual basis,” Parmessar Parmessar. noted. “This route is used for transportation of Construction and improvements of various kinds persons and goods in the coastal area, servicing reflect Suriname’s ambitious development plans, the population that lives in the historically remote officials say. Policies to boost economic activity are areas. In the future the road could serve as the geared towards improving quality-of-life indexes key connection to the South American grid. and funding social programs in the former Dutch • Interconnectivity between Paramaribo and Su- colony of 542,000 people in the northeast corner of riname’s international airport is improved by South America. ambitious plans to upgrade the highway con- Highlights of wide-ranging infrastructure are: necting Paramaribo, the international airport • Roads are being paved to connect the capital, and one of the main industrial areas harboring Paramaribo, to suburban communities that have IAMGOLD and Suralco, which will be widened sprung up in recent years. With more than half and re-paved to carry increased traffic.

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department D8 | SURINAME • R Friday, October 10, 2014 Suriname’s macroeconomic developments and outlook

uriname remains one of the fastest percent of GDP and benefit mainly the urban rich. growing economies in the Carib- Suriname’s Exports By Major Product Group: 2013 Measures to enhance revenue have also been bean and South America. The taken, but will only start to have an effect in the economy continues to expand at future due to usual collection lags. “As a small healthy rates and will continue country we have to prioritize our expenditures, that to do so in the foreseeable future is why we are focusing on investments in sectors on account of robust domestic like housing, infrastructure, education, agriculture investments, notably in the con- and healthcare. At the same time, we will need to struction sector, and the large investments in the continue avoiding squander and start working more oil and mineral sectors that will come on-stream efficiently,” said President Desire Bouterse in his Sin 2015 and 2017. recent Annual Address to parliament. In the oil sector, the start of operations of the Inflation fell to less than one percent in 2013, new refinery will all but eliminate oil imports, the lowest inflation in more than 25 years. As the improving the foreign exchange net inflows by an Central Bank continues its careful management of estimated five percent of GDP from 2015. The new supply and demand in the economy, it has managed gold mining project in the Merian area in the East to maintain inflation at levels of Suriname’s trading is rapidly taking shape and involves investments partners and managed to defend the exchange rate of almost one percent of GDP per month until the peg through a period of falling commodity prices end of 2016. After that, gold exports will increase by and increased fiscal spending. around eight percent of GDP. And the government The Central Bank of Suriname states it “will is directly involved in both projects, as the refin- not hesitate to further tighten monetary policy if ery is owned and operated by the state-owned oil needed”. To render monetary policy more agile, the company, while the government—through one of its Central Bank is broadening its policy toolkit, and Source: ASYCUDA & CBvS Survey. state-owned companies—will own 25 percent of the modernizing the domestic payment system and the money and capital markets. “In the coming months, Government Debt (in % of GDP) gold mining venture that is taking shape at Merian. percent of GDP, compared to 4.7 percent of GDP the introduction of open market operations will Both of these projects will have an extraordinary in the same period of 2013. Such improvement was allow us to better control liquidity,” says a Central effect on the economy, bringing high-tech jobs, entirely due to cuts in expenditure, as revenue has Bank official. knowledge, income, foreign exchange, and eco- stagnated with the continued fall in fiscal receipts Suriname is among the countries in the Ca- nomic diversification to Suriname. “We will have from the commodity sectors. ribbean with the lowest debt to GDP ratio. The to be careful to manage the significant increases in The fall in expenditure is even more remarkable Government’s external liabilities consist mainly of fiscal revenue and foreign exchange inflows result- as the government has been accelerating payments debt to multilateral creditors and official creditors, ing from these projects,” says Minister of Natural to its vendors, which had been lagging in 2013. Most while commercial loans are currently negligible. Resources, Jim Hok. importantly, the government has taken the coura- The government remains committed to a low-debt The government has successfully begun a pro- geous decision to end electricity subsidies over policy to avoid the scourges of high debt burdens cess of fiscal consolidation following the slippages time. These subsidies now amount to more than two befalling countries in the region. of 2013 that coincided with a significant fall in fis- Sources: SDMO (disbursed loans); ratio July 2014 cal revenue from commodity exports. In the first based on 2014 National Planning Office GDP eight months of 2014, the deficit was reduced to 2.8 Per Capita GDP (US$) Newmont starts $1 billion gold-mining project

By P.D. Paulin Goldberg, Newmont’s CEO, explained in a statement that Merian “marks an important mile- U.S. gold-mining giant Newmont Mining Corpora- stone in our portfolio optimization process – we tion, after years of geological studies and negotia- have divested nearly $800 million in non-core tions with the government of Suriname, has started assets to help fund the next generation of lower work on its Merian Gold Project – a site in the cost projects in our portfolio. Equally important, northeastern part of Suriname. we established community agreements and are The open-pit mining facility is being developed working with experts to minimize our impact on Source: IMF: 2005-2012; National Planning Office: 2013-2014 (July 2014 estimates) about 40 miles south of Moengo, a town of approxi- the environment; getting it right from the begin- mately 10,000 residents in mineral-rich Suriname. ning is critical.” The 1,235-acre project is operating as Surgold Newmont expects Merian to produce an (Suriname Gold Company). It promises significant average of 300,000 to 400,000 ounces of gold riches for Suriname and Newmont, headquartered annually “at competitive costs” over the mine’s near Denver, in spite of a recent downward trend 11-year lifespan. During the first five years output in gold prices. Merian’s gold reserves are estimated is expected to average 400,000 to 500,000 ounces at 4.2 million ounces. per year due to the purity of gold and ease of Costing Newmont up to $1 billion, Merian is ex- mining it; these are factors that will increase pected to be completed and producing gold by the profitability. Newmont estimates average “all-in end of 2016. It will be Suriname’s second large-scale sustaining costs” of $750 to $850 per ounce in the gold-mining project; Toronto-based IAMGOLD first five years, and $825 to $960 per ounce for the Corporation now operates its Rosebel gold mine life of the mine. The mine will consist of three in the mineral-rich country. Bauxite, gold and oil open pits, a processing plant, waste-rock disposal are the main contributors to Suriname’s economy. areas, a tailings storage facility, and a camp for The mining sector accounted for 28 percent of workers. Surgold expects to employ 2,500 people fiscal revenue and 88 percent of exports in 2013. during project development and 1,300 during full “Our team has been on the ground in Suriname operation. for 10 years, shaping Merian into a profitable Fitch Ratings said Newmont’s $1 billion invest-

Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname The Central Bank of Suriname in the heart of the historic wooden city of Paramaribo, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

part of our reform program,” says Central Bank Governor Hoefdraad. “It will bring together the GROWTH payment systems of different financial institutions From page D1 that until now have been separate and encumbered with manual processes and procedures, and make users of a broader array of financial products, the the transfer of funds between accounts at different Central Bank is actively developing and passing institutions more efficient and less costly,” he adds. new legislation in areas such as insurance, capital Governor Hoefdraad views these and other markets, deposit insurance and a credit bureau. current reforms in the context of a coherent, com- Reforms are also underway in monetary policy prehensive modernization effort for the financial operations. Traditionally the Bank has relied on system to support Suriname’s continued growth. Signing ceremony of the mineral agreement between Surgold (Newmont) and the Republic of Suriname for reserve requirements as its key policy tool in car- He notes, for example, that a significant part of this the Merian project, Jim Hok, Minister of Natural Resources (left) Adriaan Van Kersen, Managing Director of rying out its core mandate of providing stability growth derives from natural resources, which make Surgold (right). in Suriname’s currency, with higher requirements up the country’s major export sector. Commodities- placed on foreign currency deposits as a means led growth does not come without risk, however. to encourage a gradual de-dollarization of the “Dependence on oil, gold and other commodities project and securing a solid position in the Gui- ment represents 18 percent of Suriname’s GDP economy. entails volatility in fiscal revenue flows and in our ana Shield,” said Newmont President and Chief and, most significantly, could double gold output Recognizing the importance of an expanded foreign exchange market,” he says. The CBvS is Executive Officer Gary Goldberg in a statement. by the end of 2016. It added that Suriname’s “real toolkit of monetary policy instruments to provide working with other Surinamese economic and finan- Suriname’s government is expected to buy GDP growth could rise to 4.2 percent in 2015 from flexibility in adapting to changing economic condi- cial policymaking entities on mechanisms to bring into the Merian mine with a stake of 25 percent. our forecast 3.7 percent in 2014, driven by new tions, the Bank is spearheading the development more stability to commodity-related fiscal revenues. Newmont, one of the world’s largest gold produc- mining investment.” of a Treasury bill auction system for open market The Bank has been investing heavily as well in ers, is a publicly traded company with significant Suriname’s four-year-old government is wel- monetary policy operations. This will afford the the internal resources needed to bring these reforms operations on five continents. coming foreign investment, including in the min- CBvS with improved capabilities for guiding the to fruition. One initiative has been to establish a Surgold’s managing director Adriaan Van ing sector. It is part of President Desiré Bouterse’s pace of credit creation and managing liquidity. The financial stability department within the Central Kersen said that Suriname was attractive to New- ambitious plans to develop and diversify the Treasury bill system will also facilitate a government Bank to collect financial and macro-prudential data mont because of its “favorable geological condi- economy and, above all, increase social spending securities and interbank market to provide flexible and evaluate systematic risks. This department is tions and stable investment climate.” The Merian and quality-of-life indexes in the heavily forested access to overnight and short-term liquidity for also preparing to publish a periodic financial stabil- project, he added, will give Newmont a foothold nation of 542,000 people. financial institutions. ity report benchmarking progress in key risk areas. in the region, allowing it to more easily expand its Referring to foreign investments in mining and Another area key to financial system stability “We have an all-encompassing strategic plan gold-mining operations there. other sectors, Minister of Natural Resources Jim is the national payment system. Currently a major for the coming years,” says Governor Hoefdraad. There has been strong political support for the Hok said, “This government has a socially moti- effort is under way to automate the payment system “But more importantly, we are putting in place all project. Suriname has been improving roads and vated agenda that will use the wealth generated and improve the efficiency of clearing and settling necessary human, physical and virtual resources to transportation in the area surrounding the mine from gold, oil and bauxite to invest in education, interbank payments. “The ability to use electronic ensure that reform ideas will translate to action, and as work and planning on the project have moved health care and housing.” means of payment, including payment for goods not simply remain ink on glossy paper.” forward. and services in the public sector, is an important

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department Friday, October 10, 2014 • R SURINAME | D9 Security and beyond: Suriname and the U.S. deepen their bilateral ties

By Katrina Lamb

Safest city in the Caribbean Security has been a top-level priority for the United States for many years. A particularly critical security issue in the Western Hemisphere is the drug trade. Here the U.S. has formed a valuable, proactive partnership with Suriname. Cooperation aimed at making the Caribbean and North-South transit routes safer is a cornerstone of Suriname’s bilateral relations with its neighbors to the North. “The Government of Suriname is committed and has been actively engaged in combating all forms of transnational organized crime, including the control of narcotics in all of its manifestations so as to guarantee security in all its dimensions,” says the Director of the Bureau of National Security, Melvin Linscheer. The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) is one forum through which Suriname and the U.S. are cooperating for productive outcomes. Since 2010 the U.S. has contributed over $250 million to the CBSI, whose members include all member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Dominican Republic. The objectives of CBSI are threefold: to reduce illicit drug trafficking through counter-narcotics programs and measures aimed at reducing weapons flows; to increase public safety and security including the strengthening of domestic security forces such as the police, border guards and military; and to promote social justice through anti-corruption measures, protection of marginalized communities and efforts to reduce the lure of criminal organizations. The Automated Fingerprint Identification Sys- Photo: Courtesy Wilderness Explorers tem, at the Nieuwe Haven Police Station, is an Paramaribo is one of the safest cities in South America. example of United States’ efforts to assist Suriname as it builds capacity to combat transnational crime. With respect to human trafficking, technical as- on the State Department’s recent lists of country consumer goods imports, while on the other side long-standing bilateral diplomatic and economic sistance is offered with the Trafficking in Persons reports. In the International Narcotics Control of the trade equation Suriname sees the U.S. as relationship with the United States for more than program, for which the Government has already Reports Suriname was upgraded to a country an attractive market for agricultural exports. half a century now. This was initially related to approved the budget for the implementation of the of low concern, while Suriname is absent from Agriculture is viewed as a sustainable resource. the fact that, since WW-II, Alcoa was the lead- Strategic Plan 2014-2018. the latest Country Reports on Terrorism and the The Government hopes to increase its share of ing company in Suriname’s bauxite sector. This Money Laundering Reports. the total revenue base; investing earnings from the was the main sector of the economy at the time, extractable resources like gold and bauxite that accounting for more than 80 percent of the coun- The various forms of technical Promoting Security at Home are the focus of much of Suriname’s FDI today try’s total export earnings,” said Subhas Mungra, assistance have resulted in These efforts are all very much in line with the into sustainable projects for tomorrow. Making Suriname’s ambassador to the United States. domestic priorities of the Government of Suriname full use of the vast U.S. consumer market will be “Currently our mutual relationship is business positive rankings for Suriname since the 2010 elections which brought President an important pillar of this strategy. oriented, mainly focused in the areas of gold on the State Department’s Desiré Delano Bouterse to office. The overall goal A sound domestic financial system will help fa- mining, offshore oil exploration and trade – some recent lists of country reports. of this Government is to promote inclusive develop- cilitate its development. Recent legislation such as 20 percent of total imports come from the U.S.,” ment and economic growth and make the country the Supervision of the Banking and Credit System Ambassador Mungra added. In the International Narcotics a safer, more secure environment that protects the Act (of 2011) and the Anti-Money Laundering and With both countries aware of these mutual Control Reports Suriname was rights of its citizens. Deepening bilateral ties with the Combating of Terrorist Financing Directive of benefits – an increasingly secure and vibrant upgraded to a country of low the U.S. have helped leverage the Government’s own the Central Bank (of 2012) help promote financial regional partner for the U.S. and a source of invest- concern, while Suriname is domestic means to implement reforms. transparency and confidence in its system for ment and trade opportunities for Suriname – the Supporting these bilateral initiatives takes place foreign investors. pace and depth of bilateral relations are likely to absent from the latest Country through a very high level of cooperation among The business relationship between the continue to deepen in the months and years ahead. Reports on Terrorism and the Government entities in Suriname. The Bureau of two countries is not new. “We have shared a Money Laundering Reports. National Security within the office of the Presidency has the overall coordination of the national security policy of the Suriname. “We meet on a regular basis Training in disaster preparedness and response with all the heads of the security forces and intel- and disaster management, as well as the avail- ligence agencies to strategize and discuss a broad ability of training programs and fellowships for array of security issues and to coordinate their the military and police, have helped strengthen activities,” says Linscheer. Suriname’s institutions. Additionally, the U.S. sponsors study tours to Melvin Linscheer referred to the outcome of America for Surinamese prison guards as part of the recently held Special Assembly of the OAS on a long term project to strengthen the management the Drug Problem of the Americas in Guatemala and security of Suriname’s prison system. The U.S. City, and endorses the statement made by Suri- has also sponsored Suriname’s participation in the name’s Ambassador to the OAS, whereby she em- Container Control Program of UNODC, the United phasized that “The drug issue is a developmental Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, to strengthen its issue. It interfaces with – among others – public port system. Strong port security to defend against security, justice, social development, human rights drug trafficking is an important part of the quality and democratic institutions.” Linscheer goes on proposition. The Coast Guard – established to effec- to note that the Government of Suriname fully tively control and monitor activities in Suriname’s supports the implementation of other anti-drug maritime and territorial waters – celebrated its first initiatives including the 2010 Hemispheric Drug year of operations in September 2014. Strategy and the Hemispheric Plan of Action for 2011-2015. Economic Cooperation Photo: Courtesy United Nations The various forms of technical assistance The increasing competitiveness of Surinamese have resulted in positive rankings for Suriname import-export companies has led to a rise in U.S. Opening ceremony of the United Nations Climate Summit, September 2014.

climate change and rising sea levels during his annual address to Parliament on October SUMMIT 1. “We are in the top seven of most threatened New power plant From page D1 countries worldwide,” he warned. Suriname’s government, meanwhile, is studying the al- squarely on the path to climate departure by ternatives for adaptation, fearing it would be meets rising demand the year 2028.” flooded by the Suriname River as sea levels The consequences, he explained, would rise. River embankments already have been Government committed to produce rising sea levels, setting off calamities built to protect the city. Dikes have been built that would include: in the coastal area. providing electricity to every citizen • Rising sea-water flooding into Suriname’s In an innovative experiment, Suriname capital, Paramaribo, where about half of planted additional mangrove trees along parts By P.D. Paulin part of Suriname’s long-range plans to expand and the population lives; of its coastline, a technique developed by improve its regional electricity program, and to • Sea-water damaging or destroying more Professor Sieuwnath Naipal, a member of Su- It was an important symbol of the government’s com- generate electricity using multiple power sources. than 80 percent of homes; riname’s Climate Change Expert Group. “By mitment to providing reliable electricity – the recent The ultimate objective is to expand power capac- • Coastal ecosystems, including the growing mangroves and replanting them on opening of a modern power plant in Paramaribo. ity with another 152 Megawatts on the short-term. majority our Suriname’s arable land, the coastline, we are using nature to rebuild “Universal access is our guiding principle – or Power supply has been increased from 193 Mega- suffering damage or being destroyed, and its own original coastline to fight the ever electricity for every Surinamese citizen,” declared watts (2010) to 295 Megawatts in 2014 - for which • The loss of 40 percent of Suriname’s GDP. advancing sea,” he explained. President Desiré Bouterse, when formally opening US$ 209 million has been invested in these past A pilot project was successful. In Coronie, the $50 million plant last August 15th before a gather- years – representing an increase of 97 Megawatts. “We are unable to halt the destruction that a coastal district west of the capital, mangroves ing of government officials and employees of state Some of the projects include, the 5 Megawatt climate change is bringing upon us,” said Par- transplanted along the coast held back and electricity company EBS. solar farm at Rosebel Goldmines; the Gunzi energy messar. “To stave off or minimize such calami- dispersed surging seawater and kept it from “With the opening of the new plant, we relieve pilot project aiming to develop a model of hybrid ties, we are being forced to build dikes, revise flooding over a recently constructed dike, the pressure on our electrical demand a little,” said energies for an additional 128 villages in the interior; our water management systems and adapt our thereby reducing the dike’s maintenance costs. Bouterse, whose four-year-old administration is Staatsolie’s Tout Lui Faut thermal power plant with a building codes to the changed climate and By restoring a natural ecosystem, the project undertaking an ambitious development plan and capacity of 62 Megawatts; expansion and upgrading relocate communities.” ultimately benefited local fisherman, farmers, welcoming foreign investment. of the transmission lines and distribution facilities. Suriname’s pledge to maintain its green and a beekeeper. Built by Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Con- Feasibility studies are underway to provide for an polices comes as it ramps up development, Despite its efforts to combat the negative tractor, the 63 Megawatt plant operated by EBS will additional 200 MW on the long-term, using renew- through President Desiré Bouterse’s ambitious impacts of global warming, Suriname knows it help to provide electricity to some 200,000 residents able energy. plan to develop and diversify the economy can’t do it alone. Referring to Suriname’s green in the Paramaribo area, as well as improve electri- “To achieve our goal of electricity for each citizen and increase social spending for education, polices, Parmessar concluded: “We invite the cal service to gold-mining operations in the region. and for our industrial ambitions, our focus will be housing, and health care for ensuring social rest of the international community to assume Powered by three diesel generators, the plant meets on four technical areas, namely: hydro, solar, gas welfare and prosperity. appropriate binding commitments that will World Bank guidelines for noise and emissions – an and the grid,” Bouterse said, adding that Suriname President Bouterse addressed the issue of ensure the Future We Want.” important consideration for Suriname. The plant is needed to “invest in a smarter network.”

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department D10 | SURINAME • R Friday, October 10, 2014 Open for business: Suriname looks to grow and broaden its investment opportunities

more focused on Europe, in part due to our cul- partners under the umbrella of CARICOM En- Investing in Infrastructure tural heritage,” says Vice President Ameerali. terprises,” he adds, “His [the President’s] main Growth and development require infrastruc- “Now the vision is more broadly global, and it focus is to enhance wellbeing and welfare in the ture, and here again Suriname is eager to engage is important that the Office of the President and whole region by combining skills and resources.” with foreign experts in mutually beneficial my office work closely with all the government public-private partnerships (PPP). One such departments and mechanisms – for example, the Beyond Mining: Investing in development, a partnership with Dubai com- Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade & Industry Sustainable Natural Resources pany DP World to upgrade the port of capital and Finance, the Central Bank and the Investment Mining may represent the present in terms city Paramaribo, has resulted in that port being and Development Corporation (IDCS) – to ensure of Suriname’s investment environment, but named as the most efficient harbor in the region. that our implementing policies and programs other sectors are driving the future. The Gov- “After the Dubai investment, which increased properly reflect this new vision.” ernment’s long-term strategy is to leverage the cooperation between private and public entities, Mr. Ameerali notes, for example, that the opportunities provided in the mining sector our port won the Caribbean Shipping Association gold mining projects recently negotiated with to create and grow sustainable industries that (CSA) Award three years in a row,” observes Vice Canada’s Iamgold and Newmont Mining of the provide for future generations while protecting President Ameerali. United States required considerable political the environment. “Our main message to interna- China is another country that sees the op- coordination. “We needed to involve our parlia- tional partners in investment is that Suriname is portunity for infrastructure investment. Major Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname ment, the National Assembly, because of the far- Robert Ameerali, Vice President of Suriname. reaching effect of these projects on our economy, communities and natural capital,” he says. “Get- ting public buy-in to the projects resulted, in my By Katrina Lamb opinion, in an enhancement of the terms and conditions of the contracts, which will be to the uriname’s economy offers many benefit of our country.” attractions for foreign investors. Steady real GDP growth (pro- Natural Resources: The Growth Engine jected at a five percent annual Natural resources – principally gold, bauxite average rate through 2016), low and oil are the longstanding engines of Suri- inflation and solid international name’s economy and comprise the lion’s share of credit ratings (Moody’s Ba3, S&P its exports. The Iamgold and Newmont Mining BB-) are among the headline projects mentioned above are both multi-year, numbers that have contributed to a recent uptick multi-billion dollar efforts. Another important in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from the development in the gold sector is the creation SUnited States, Canada and elsewhere. of Suriname’s first refining facility. The Kaloti Since coming into office in 2010, the Govern- Suriname Mint House is an equity joint venture ment of President Desiré Delano Bouterse has between Suriname and Dubai’s Kaloti Group, one been active in promoting investment opportuni- of the world’s largest precious metals refiners ties as a crucial component of a broad strategy and trading houses, and is scheduled to open in of sustainable economic development. In addi- December this year. Its 60-ton operating capac- tion to the traditional mining sectors that have ity could add more than $2 billion to Kaloti’s been the target of most FDI flows to date, the precious metals output and establish Suriname Government is targeting areas like agriculture, as a regional center of excellence for refining infrastructure, tourism and technology to gain operations. share in Suriname’s revenue base. In the hydrocarbon sector there may be near- term opportunities emerging from the offshore Creating An Aligned Vision exploration activities of Staatsolie N.V., the state- Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname To make the most of these opportunities re- owned oil company. “Currently there are more quires close cooperation and alignment of vision than ten international investors working with Growth and development require infrastructure, and Suriname is eager to engage in mutually beneficial among implementing entities. A key figure in Staatsolie to help bring what we believe to be a public-private partnerships. this process is the Office of the Vice President of considerable amount of resources to market,” Suriname. Vice President Robert Ameerali was says Vice President Ameerali. Plans are also chairman of Suriname’s Chamber of Commerce underway for an extensive enhancement of our strongly focused on diversifying and balancing projects for building roads and housing have before assuming his current position in 2010, energy supplies by means of alternative energy our economy,” says Vice President Ameerali. been underway for several years. A Colombian and he has put his business experience to use in like solar farms, hydropower and energy from How this long-term strategy translates to cement company has invested in Suriname to helping coordinate a progressive, global vision waste. “President Bouterse during his CARICOM specific investment policy objectives was spelled supply high quality cement to meet the construc- seeking partners in investment for Suriname. chairmanship introduced a new vision on shar- out recently by President Bouterse. “We want to tion demands associated with a rapid build-out “Traditionally our investment outreach was ing benefits of natural resources with regional meet the needs of all segments of our popula- in affordable housing, one of the Government’s tion, undertake an accelerated exploitation of key development priorities. some of our non-renewable resources, and fulfill our duty towards preserving healthy ecosys- Incentives for Investment Growth tems. Balancing these three objectives will be Suriname is not alone in the region, of course, key,” he says. in seeking to attract profitable investment as One area of focus is agriculture. Agriculture’s a means to economic growth. Vice President contribution to Suriname’s exports is currently Ameerali is well aware of the challenges involved around 11 percent. In the near term the Govern- in making the country’s presence felt on the ment aims to double its rice exports to Brazil and global stage. “Our report card is improved from increase its presence elsewhere in the region, where it was three years ago,” he says. “But we notably the Caribbean where rice is a dietary still have work to do if we truly want to be the staple. Suriname also has quota-free and duty- destination of choice for investors looking at free access to European markets for bananas. opportunities in our region of the Americas.” And Suriname’s IDCS is currently seeking joint To make Suriname a more attractive invest- venture equity partners for development of a ment destination, we need to focus on removing palm oil production and refinery operation. identified weaknesses, for example, by enacting Suriname’s vast rainforest interior holds more business-friendly legislation, increasing many natural assets that could help broaden its transparency, tax incentives and training initia- economic base through investment partnerships. tives for the private sector, as well as improving Eco-tourism, one of the world’s fast-growing the ease of setting up a business in Suriname. “In industries, is an obvious opportunity, interlinked 2010 it took 173 days to open a new company in with abundant fresh water reserves. Suriname is Suriname,” Mr. Ameerali says. “Today it takes only home to many indigenous communities whose 14 days.” There may still be a long road ahead, voices are an increasingly important part of the but Suriname appears to be moving in the right national discourse on economic sustainability direction to becoming an increasingly attractive and conservation of biodiversity. regional destination for investment.

a valuable asset − one that we are proud of and MOSAIC eager to share.” From page D1 Hindustani, Creole, Javanese and Maroons make up the largest groups, accounting for about 83 per- rainforest where indigenous communities, that cent of the population. Suriname’s vibrant tribal had already themselves moved fleeing slavery, col- population of 197 indigenous and Maroon commu- laborated with them, which secured the survival of nities, continue to live mostly in the vast rainforest the Maroons deep in the rainforest. Year after year, areas that make up more than 95 percent of Suri- decade after decade, all these communities learned name’s landmass. In recent years these communities how to carefully collaborate and co-exist against a have become an increasingly important voice in the common authority. Gradually a spirit of unity and national debate over environmental conservation celebration of diversity arose from the ashes of and biodiversity. hardship and forced labor. This cultural and religious mosaic expresses itself This history of being brought together, one by in the country’s political process as well. Suriname’s one, over the course of centuries from different Permanent Representative to the Organization of parts of the world made Suriname a nation of true American States (OAS), Ambassador Niermala Bad- collaboration. “Today the principles of co-existence, rising, observes that “our representative democracy respect and tolerance are deeply ingrained in each counts more than 30 political parties, with coalition- and every one of us,” says Suriname’s President De- building among the parties to take into account and siré Delano Bouterse. “We eat, work, and celebrate give a voice to all our ethnic and religious commu- together. Muslims celebrate Christmas with their nities.” Additionally, Suriname is the only country Christian friends, Jewish people share dinner with in South-America with an Inter-Religious Council Muslims at the end of Ramadan; and all Surinamese (IRIS) consisting of Christian, Hindu, Muslim and traditionally celebrate the Hindu national holiday of Jewish representatives. IRIS operates as an advisory Phagwa,” he adds. In short, “We are multi-ethnic, body to the government. This kind of civic engage- multi-religious, and singularly peaceful.” ment helps promote policies and programs that are This unity can produce visual images scarcely inclusive and focused on the welfare of all citizens, imaginable in other parts of the world; perhaps rather than just those of certain privileged groups. most notably a Jewish synagogue and Islamic President Bouterse also believes that powerful mosque standing next to each other in the capital civic benefits arise from Suriname’s strong sense city of Paramaribo. “Diversity is normal for us – it of national and cultural identity. “It is only when is simply the way things are here,” says President we know ourselves, respect ourselves and feel deep Bouterse. “But we realize how unusual we are in pride for our cultural wealth, that we can confidently this regard every time a Surinamese delegation chart our path in the world,” he says. It is a strength heads overseas, and people try to figure out where he believes Suriname should share with the world. we are from. Not being able to see differences “Connecting to our brothers and sisters in the region based on color, religion or status is the most pre- and beyond can help improve the South American cious gift in life. Suriname regards its tolerance and Caribbean experience, and strengthen us in and co-existence in multi-cultural diversity as achieving true development for our nations.”

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department Friday, October 10, 2014 • R SURINAME | D11 Port of Paramaribo serves growing region Three times named ‘Port of the Year’ by Caribbean Port Association

By P.D. Paulin

he Port of Paramaribo is playing a vital role in Suriname’s effort to ramp up its development, and it has plenty of capacity to grow with Su- riname and the region, say officials. The mid-sized port Nieuwe Haven (translated: New Port) han- dles imports and exports equivalent to 100 percent of Suriname’s GDP – a whopping $5.2 billion in 2013. Its modern facilities include the Tregion’s largest cranes and a mobile crane allowing for the transfer of a ship’s cargo within a 12-hour “tidal window.” Last year, the port received 1,250 vessels. It handled 108,000 shipping containers and nearly 450,000 tons of individual goods and items. The Caribbean Port Association, a trade group, has honored N.V. Havenbeheer, the overseeing entity for Suriname’s port, three times as “Port of the Year” in different categories. Now that Suriname’s President Desiré Bouterse is undertaking ambitious development plans, the port is more important than ever in the former colony, situated on the northeastern shoulder of South America. Offshore oil drilling and gold min- ing are currently Suriname’s two hottest sectors; and as they continue to ramp up, officials say the port has plenty of room to grow. The port’s stellar reputation, by all accounts, Photo: Courtesy N.V. Havenbeheer is due to the government’s management strategy – specifically, the creation of public and private The Port of Paramaribo, a mid-sized facility known as Nieuwe Haven, is situated along the Suriname River in the capital of Paramaribo. partnerships along the lines of recommendations from the World Bank. The port’s landlord is state- owned N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname (Suriname Port Together they can handle more than 100,000 associated with sectors involving oil, mining, (bordering Guyana) which handles large amounts Management Company) which in 2008 undertook standard-sized shipping containers. As needs arise, logging, and cement. of agricultural goods, primarily bananas and rice. a major reorganization – selecting three private they have the potential to double that capacity. Containers and goods moving through the port Suriname Port Management Company’s mis- terminal operators during a bidding process. The “These terminals are well placed to handle all also have increased thanks to an improved highway sion includes stimulating port activity and creat- management company also operates Port Nieuw cargo into Suriname today but more importantly connecting Suriname with French Guiana, thereby ing jobs. Port security also is a priority, as was Nickerie, situated 123 miles west of Paramaribo at they have the potential to expand in line with future allowing the port to serve as a gateway into western underscored by the fact that, two years ago, the mouth of the Nickerie River. demand as trade continues to grow, underpinned Suriname and French Guiana. Further improving Suriname and neighboring Guyana became the As private companies manage day-to-day op- by Suriname’s diversified natural resources sector,” infrastructure, especially connecting roads to first two Caribbean countries to join the Con- erations, Suriname Port Management Company said Matthew Leech, Senior Vice President and neighboring countries, coincides with the govern- tainer Control Program. The program is an initia- functions as a developer and supervisor, and Managing Director of Americas, shortly after DP ment’s vision to become an even greater player in tive of the United Nations Office on Drugs and remains legally responsible for operating the port. World bought controlling stakes in the port’s two sea transport. Crime and the World Customs Organization; it Port of Paramaribo’s two main private compa- main operators. Among improvements now underway, Suri- works with countries to improve port security nies are Integra Port Services N.V. (a stevedoring Suriname Port Management Company also op- name Port Management Company is improving and prevent the illegal use of sea containers in operator terminal); and Suriname Port Services erates a facility about 20 miles upstream from Para- cross-border facilities in the east of Suriname. drug trafficking, criminal activities, and other N.V. (a container and cargo-handling facility). maribo, which specializes in handling equipment It also is upgrading the port of Nieuw Nickerie threatening acts. Staying ‘green’ to keep the ocean at bay Suriname’s battle with global warming

By P.D. Paulin signs of slowing down I might mention), has placed humanity on a path towards 4+ degrees average n a worst-case scenario, global warm- rise in temperature, which in turn will result in ing would prove disastrous for Suriname. significantly higher sea level rise than was previ- Rising sea levels from melting glaciers, ice ously projected.” caps, and the oceans’ thermal expansion Stopping human activities contributing to global would cover large portions of the low-lying warming is one way to stop rising temperatures. Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname coastal country and flood the capital of Accordingly, Surinamese officials are working in the Paramaribo. United Nations to create a consensus on combating Rising sea levels from melting glaciers, ice caps, and the oceans’ thermal expansion could eventually flood I“Paramaribo, an UNESCO World Heritage global warming, a problem for which industrialized the low-lying capital of Paramaribo. Site, will most likely disappear,” if global-warming nations are mostly responsible because of their CO2 trends continue, said Sieuwnath Naipal, Profes- emissions. The top five are: China, United States, sor at the Anton de Kom Univeristy of Suriname India, Russia and Japan. “Suriname is deploying her forests in the fight by the United Nations Framework Convention on and Environment Adviser to President Desiré Aside from these industrial polluters, developing against climate change,” said Cedric Nelom, Acting Climate Change, the objectives of REDD+ are to Bouterse. “We will have to spend an inordinate countries that permit the destruction of their forests Director of the National Institute for Environment combat climate change with rules for the respon- amount of our current and future GDP to pro- also have their share of responsibility, a problem and Development (NIMOS). “The Surinamese for- sible management of forests in developing countries. tect ourselves against the inevitable impacts of that is “responsible for about 15 percent of global ests are currently absorbing more carbon dioxide “So by virtue of our commitment to REDD+ and sea-level rise.” greenhouse gas emissions,” said Naipal. than the country is emitting, effectively making maintaining our standing forests to the best of our A 2007 World Bank study ranked Suriname, as Suriname, for its part, is considered one of the Suriname one of the few carbon-negative countries ability, we are in fact continuously serving as both one of the seven countries most vulnerable to rising world’s “greenest” countries, he noted. It has up to in the world.” a carbon sink, as well as a vast reservoir of carbon,” sea levels. Paramaribo, a city of 250,000, is located eight percent of the world’s pristine tropical forests. To this end, Suriname participates in an interna- Nelom said. near the coast along the banks of the Suriname River. Preserving this resource is not only done out of a tional mechanism designed to reduce greenhouse And by doing this, of course, Suriname Regarding climate-change trends, Professor sense of environmental responsibility, but because gases, which it does by stopping the destruction helps to keep rising oceans at bay and out Naipal explained: “The current level of CO2 in the forests play a major role in combating global warm- of forests; and hence the mechanism’s acronym: of Paramaribo. atmosphere, and the unabated emission trajectory ing by exchanging CO2 and other greenhouse gases REDD+ which stands for “Reducing Emissions from that the world is currently on (and not showing any for breathable oxygen. Deforestation and Forest Degradation.” Created

Toronto-based IAMGOLD upbeat about Suriname gold mining operations Company investing despite falling gold prices

By P.D. Paulin royalties and taxes as well. It will have are becoming more challenging and a 30 percent stake at the new site. expensive to process due to an increas- Toronto-based IAMGOLD Corpora- IAMGOLD, which operates five ing proportion of hard rock.” tion is expanding its gold-mining op- gold mines in Canada, South America, The Sarafina property, on the other erations in Suriname with a newly and Africa, announced last March hand, “has the potential to yield new negotiated concession that increased this new phase of its gold-mining discoveries of higher grade,” he said. the government’s stake in its opera- operations in mineral-rich Suriname, “The new agreement opens the oppor- tions despite falling gold prices. a former Dutch colony in South Amer- tunity to reinvent Rosebel, lengthen its IAMGOLD’s 10-year-old open-pit ica’s northeast coast. Implementing reserve life, lower its unit operating Photo: Courtesy or IAMGOLD Rosebel Gold Mine operation -once the new agreement, publicly-traded costs and improve its contribution IAMGOLD’s 10-year-old open-pit Rosebel gold mine at dawn. a top performer in its gold-mining IAMGOLD reported in a statement to the government of Suriname, the portfolio - has become less profitable that it had finalized a five-year option local community and our investors,” as workers have reached increasing agreement with gold-mining company he added. electrical power in order to increase costs of $745 per ounce and “all-in amounts of hard rock. As a conse- Sarafina N.V. under which IAMGOLD’s Under the agreement, Rosebel Gold its profitability at some mining op- sustaining costs” of $1,100 per ounce quence, IAMGOLD is expanding its subsidiary Rosebel Gold Mine would Mine can purchase the property at any erations. “The lower rate for power during the first half of 2013. operations to include potentially bet- earn a 100 percent interest in Sarafina’s time for $1 million. To maintain that brings more gold mineral resources IAMGOLD, in the statement re- ter performing mine pits near its 24,710 acre mining concession located option, it must make option payments into economic viability for the mu- garding its potential new mining site, original facility. 15 miles from the Rosebel mine. of $575,000 over five years. IAMGOLD tual benefit of our shareholders and said it “intends to make exploration Suriname’s Parliament gave a green “Rosebel has been a great mine for also can terminate the agreement at the people of Suriname,” Letwin said. of this property a priority, with the light to the deal in April 2013, and IAM- IAMGOLD,” explained IAMGOLD’s any time; and if the project proceeds, “The agreement reflects a true spirit of aim of discovering additional softer GOLD also extended its partnership president and CEO Steve Letwin. “In Sarafina would be paid a 1.6 percent partnership between the government ore to feed to the Rosebel mine in the with the government until 2042. The its first 10 years, Rosebel produced royalty for any gold that is produced. and the company.” coming years.” government has a 5 percent stake in more gold than defined in its original As part of that deal, IAMGOLD The Rosebel mine produced 171,000 the Rosebel joint-venture, and receives mineral reserve. Its future reserves also will be provided with lower-cost ounces of gold last year, reporting total

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department D12 | SURINAME • R Friday, October 10, 2014 Tourism industry poised for growth Suriname seeks ‘high-end’ tourists as it develops eco-tourism

By P.D. Paulin creates a lot of jobs,” he wrote. In addi- According to the Tourism Foundation, tion, Dwarka noted that employment the industry has generated steady growth uriname’s incipient involving trade, hotels, and restaurants in recent years, increasing from 107,609 tourism industry may was 15,344 in 2005 – and had increased visitors in 2004 to 240,041 in 2012 – a 131 not be widely known, by 169 jobs a year later. By 2007, 519 more percent increase. In 2013, 7,287 visitors yet it enjoys dazzling jobs were added. As of 2008, a total of came from the United States. The Dutch, bragging rights – a 15,723 jobs were listed. however, continue to account for most glowing travel arti- One thing Suriname doesn’t want eco-tourists from overseas. Visitors stay cle in The New York is mass tourism – aside from an occa- an average of 12 days. Times that dubbed it sional cruise ship visiting the Port of The tourism sector’s philosophy of “South America’s hidden treasure.” Paramaribo. Instead, officials are most sustainable, low-key tourism also applies Tourism officials in Suriname were interested in developing an industry that to the capital of Paramaribo, a quaint and Sdelighted by that article published three attracts “high-end” tourists, those seek- peaceful multi-ethnic city. Many tourists years ago. But now they are anxious to ing upscale eco-tours, wellness services spend a day or two there – strolling or see Suriname emerge from its hiding and cultural adventures. bicycling about before heading to the place – a small corner of South America’s This strategy is seen as prudent for interior for stays at guest houses, lodges, northeastern shoulder. They are care- Suriname’s interior – a vast expanse and low-key resorts. fully ramping up the tourism sector, of pristine forests and rivers. Sparsely Paramaribo, called the Wooden City though not so much that Suriname loses populated, it is inhabited by friendly vil- because of its colonial architecture and its magic. To achieve these government- lages of indigenous people and Maroons, wooden structures, is a UNESCO World Photo: Courtesy Wilderness Explorers backed development goals, Suriname is the latter being descendants of slaves Heritage site – considered culturally New Amsterdam armory. welcoming investment in the tourism from Africa who escaped hundreds of and historically significant because of sector. The initial phases of growth are years ago. Both communities have rich expected to be spectacular, say officials. histories and cultures. Sparely populated with 542,000 peo- To keep these areas unspoiled and ple, South America’s smallest nation is respect the livelihoods of the inhabit- covered with unspoiled forests and pris- ants, officials thus want tourism limited tine rivers. The capital of Paramaribo is a to small numbers of visitors generating charming stopping-off point – definitely high revenues per visit. Tourists must worth visiting a few days, before an leave behind only “small ecological unforgettable sojourn into a sparsely footprints,” said Faridy Lila, chairperson populated wilderness. of the Suriname Tourism Foundation, a Suriname’s tourism sector, to be sure, public and private partnership created has experienced steady growth in recent in 1996 to promote and regulate the years – a result of the country’s limited emerging tourism industry. advertising, word-of-mouth testimoni- Ultimately, the goal of developing a als, and of course those glowing reports small eco-tourism industry in the interior

Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname The Hindu celebration of Phagwa is celebrated with all Surinamese, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

its beauty and storied history. The city’s hotels range from small guest houses to a handful of upscale international hotels. The markets considered the best fit for the upscale niche market being developed are eco-tourism visitors from Europe and North America. “The four main pillars of tourism in Suriname are: nature, culture, events, and heritage,” Lila said. The tourism industry’s motto: “Suriname, a colorful experience...exotic beyond words.” Suriname is about the size of Florida. Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken. In addition to that rave review on the travel page of Sunday’s New York Times, Lonely Planet’s travel guide in 2010 listed Suriname as one of the top-ten countries to visit. “Our pride is our interior, where one Photo: Courtesy Wilderness Explorers can relax in the beautiful rainforest,” said Costumed dancer at one of Suriname’s many ethnic festivals. Lila, enjoying activities like bathing in Photo: Courtesy Government of Suriname river; hiking amid exotic flora and fauna; A classic Paramaribo scene. and observing village life up close, per- haps even participating in village activi- from visiting travel writers. The desire revolves around the challenges of sustain- ties. “There are various activities which to ramp up Suriname’s tourism sector able development and the creation of one can enjoy during one’s stay in the is widely regarded as one of the safest “Recently an open sky agreement is part of President Desiré Bouterse’s jobs for people living there. One solu- interior. The lodges vary from basic to places to visit in the Caribbean and was signed between our two nations, ambitious plans to develop a more sus- tion is offered by the tenants of a U.N. luxurious,” she said. South America. Visiting businessmen which will improve our competitive- tainable and diversified the economy program called “REDD +” – an acronym When ranking Suriname as a top-10 and investors will find Suriname “compa- ness through increased transport ef- – in order to increase social spending that stands for: Reducing Emissions from destination, Lonely Planet noted that rable to other middle income developing ficiency of goods and persons, both in education, housing, and health care. Deforestation and Forest Degradation; one of the country’s charms was its countries,” observed U.S. Ambassador to for business travel and tourism,” said Offshore oil drilling and gold mining are the “plus” in “REDD +” goes beyond multi-ethnic heritage from its colonial Suriname Jay N. Anania. “The people of Subhas Mungra, Suriname’s Ambas- the two hottest sectors at the moment, policies to prevent deforestation and past – a fascinating mishmash of Chi- Suriname are notably friendly, and life sador to the United States. “We are but the undeveloped tourism sector is forest degradation, and includes the role nese, Javanese and Indian laborers that in Paramaribo is generally pleasant and recently experiencing an increase of nevertheless seen as a grass-roots job of conservation, and sustainable manage- arrived in the 1700s century, following relaxed. Suriname is one of the world’s travels to Suriname in both categories,” promoter and potentially significant ment of forests. slaves forcibly brought from West Africa most ethnically and culturally diverse he added. source of revenue. Explaining how Suriname is utiliz- the previous century. Plus, there are the countries, and the large expanses of un- Incidentally, tourists interested in In a paper on Suriname’s growing ing this program, Cedric Nelom, acting indigenous Amerindians, and Lebanese, spoiled rainforest offer numerous oppor- cultural events may want to check out tourism industry, University of Suri- director of a government agency and Jewish and Dutch settlers. Lonely Planet tunities for nature lovers. Business and Suriname’s capital during upcoming name economist Ramdath Dwarka noted environmental watchdog called NIMOS observed: “With everyone speaking dif- cultural ties to the U.S. are longstanding New Year’s Eve celebrations – a color- that in 2004 there were 35 tour operators (National Institute for Environment and ferent languages, celebrating different and positive.” ful event of street parties that made – growing to 64 in 2010. The number of Development), said “Eco-tourism might holidays and worshiping in different President Bouterse, moreover, noted CNN’s list of “Fantastic New Year’s travel agents went from 44 to 58 during be a splendid opportunity for our com- temples, visiting Suriname is really like in his recent annual address that his Eve Destinations.” Every year, flights the same six-year period. In total, Suri- munities to preserve traditions, liveli- hitting several countries at once.” government will focus on expanding to Suriname are booked months in name had 372 registered hotels and 66 hoods and cultures, while making a Aside from Paramaribo’s charms and connections by air, sea, and land to boost advance for the celebration that lasts restaurants in 2010. “This development decent living.” interior’s natural wonders, Suriname tourism. from 8 a.m. to midnight.

We welcome you to join Conservation International Suriname in keeping Suriname the greenest country on earth. Become a Friend of Green Suriname! www.friendsofgreensuriname.sr

A Special Report Prepared By The Washington Times International Advocacy Department