Suriname

The e-Advocate Legal Missions International Exodus 23:20-30

Suriname

“Helping Individuals, Organizations & Communities Achieve Their Full Potential”

Vol. III, Issue X – Q-2 April l May| June 2017

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The Advocacy Foundation, Inc. Helping Individuals, Organizations & Communities Achieve Their Full Potential

Legal Missions International

Suriname

“Helping Individuals, Organizations & Communities Achieve Their Full Potential 1735 Market Street, Suite 3750 Philadelphia, PA 19102

| 100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 1690 Atlanta, GA 30303

John C Johnson III Founder & CEO

(878) 222-0450 Voice | Fax | SMS www.TheAdvocacyFoundation.org

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Biblical Authority ______ Exodus 23:20-30 (NASB) Conquest of the Land 20 "Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. 21 "Be on your guard before * him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him 22 "But if you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. 23 "For My angel will go before you and bring you in to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will completely destroy them. 24 "You shall not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deeds; but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their sacred pillars in pieces. 25 "But you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst. 26 "There shall be no one miscarrying or barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 "I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 "I will send hornets ahead of you so that they will drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites before * you. 29 "I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. 30 "I will drive them out before you little by little, until * you become fruitful and take possession of the land.

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Table of Contents Suriname ______

Biblical Authority I.

Introduction

II.

History of Suriname

III.

Geography

IV.

Demographics

V.

The Suriname Economy

VI.

Education & Healthcare

VII. Politics & Foreign Relations VIII. The Suriname Military IX.

Sports

Attachment A Suriname Law & Justice

Copyright Š 2015 The Advocacy Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Introduction Suriname

(/sʊrɨnæm/, /sʊrɨnɑːm/ or /sʊrɨnəm/, also spelled Surinam), officially known as the Republic of Suriname (Dutch: Republiek Suriname, Dutch pronunciation: [reːpyblik syːrinaːmə]), is a sovereign state on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south.

Suriname was colonized by the English and the Dutch in the 17th century. In 1667 it was captured by the Dutch, who governed Suriname as Dutch Guiana until 1954. At that time it was designated as one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, next to the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles (dissolved in 2010). On 25 November 1975, the country of Suriname left the Kingdom of the Netherlands to become independent. A member of CARICOM, it is considered to be a culturally Caribbean country and has extensive trade and cultural exchange with the Caribbean nations.

At just under 165,000 km2 (64,000 sq mi), Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South America (French Guiana, while less extensive and populous, is an overseas department of France). Suriname has a population of approximately 566,000,[3] most of whom live on the country's north coast, where the capital Paramaribo is located. Suriname is a mostly Dutchspeaking country; Sranang, an English-based creole language, is a widely used lingua franca. It is the only independent entity in the Americas where Dutch is spoken by a majority of the population.

Etymology This area was occupied by various cultures of indigenous peoples long before European contact.

The name Suriname may derive from a Taino (Arawak-speaking) indigenous people called Surinen, who inhabited the area at the time of European contact.

British settlers, who founded the first European colony at Marshall's Creek along the Suriname River, spelled the name as "Surinam".

When the territory was taken over by the Dutch, it became part of a group of colonies known as Dutch Guiana. The official spelling of the country's English name was changed from "Surinam" to "Suriname" in January 1978, but "Surinam" can still be found in English. A notable example is Suriname's national airline, Surinam Airways. The older English name is reflected in the English pronunciation, /sʊrɨnæm/ or /sʊrɨnɑːm/. In Dutch, the official language of Suriname, the pronunciation is [syrinaːmə], with the main stress on the third syllable and a schwa terminal vowel.

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History of Suriname The Colonial Period Beginning in the 16th century, French, Spanish, and English explorers visited the area. A century later, plantation colonies were established by the Dutch and English along the many rivers in the fertile Guiana plains. The earliest documented colony in Guiana was an English settlement named Marshall's Creek along the Suriname River. Disputes arose between the Dutch and the English. In 1667, during negotiations leading to the Treaty of Breda, the Dutch decided to keep the nascent plantation colony of Suriname they had conquered from the English. The English got to keep New Amsterdam, the main city of the former colony of New Netherland. Already a cultural and economic hub in those days, they renamed it after the Duke of York: New York.

In 1683, the Society of Suriname was founded by the city of Amsterdam, the Van Aerssen van Sommelsdijck family, and the Dutch West India Company. The society was chartered to manage and defend the colony. The planters of the colony relied heavily on African slaves to cultivate the coffee, cocoa, sugar cane and cotton plantations along the rivers. Planters' treatment of the slaves was notoriously bad, and many slaves escaped the plantations.

With the help of the native South Americans living in the adjoining rain forests, these runaway slaves established a new and unique culture that was highly successful in its own right. They were known collectively in English as the Maroons, in French as Nèg'Marrons (literally meaning "brown negroes", that is "pale-skinned negroes"), and in Dutch as Bosnegers (literally meaning "forest negroes"). The Maroons gradually developed several independent tribes through a process of ethnogenesis, as they were made up of slaves from different African ethnicities.

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Among them are the Saramaka, the Paramaka, the Ndyuka or Aukan, the Kwinti, the Aluku or Boni, and the Matawai.

The Maroons often raided the plantations to recruit new members from the slaves and capture women, as well as acquire weapons, food and supplies. The planters and their families were sometimes killed in the raids; colonists built defenses, which were so important they were shown on 18th-century maps, but these were not sufficient. The colonists also mounted armed campaigns against the Maroons, who generally escaped through the rainforest which they knew much better than did the colonists. To end hostilities, in the 19th century the European colonial authorities signed several peace treaties with different tribes. They granted the Maroons sovereign status and trade rights in their inland territories.

The Abolition of Slavery Slavery in Suriname was abolished by the Netherlands in 1863, but the slaves were not fully released until 1873, after a mandatory ten-year transition period during which time they were required to work on the plantations for minimal pay and without state-sanctioned discipline. As soon as they became truly free, the slaves largely abandoned the plantations where they had worked for several generations in favour of the city, Paramaribo.

As a plantation colony, Suriname was still heavily dependent on manual labour, and to make up for the shortfall, the Dutch brought in contract labourers from the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia) and India (through an arrangement with the British). In addition, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, small numbers of labourers, mostly men, were brought in from China and the Middle East. Although Suriname's population remains relatively small, because of this history it is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the world.

Decolonization On 23 November 1941, under an agreement with the Netherlands government-in-exile, the United States occupied Suriname to protect bauxite mines. In 1942, the Dutch government-inexile expressed a desire to review the relations between the Netherlands and its colonies after the end of the war. In 1954, Suriname became one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands. In this construction, the Netherlands retained control of defense and foreign affairs. In 1973, the local government, led by the NPS (a largely Creole, meaning ethnically African or mixed African-European, party) started negotiations with the Dutch government leading towards full independence, which was granted on 25 November 1975. The severance package was very substantial, and a large part of Suriname's economy for the first decade following independence was fueled by foreign aid provided by the Dutch government.

Independence The first President of the country was Johan Ferrier, the former governor, with Henck Arron (the then leader of the NPS) as Prime Minister. In the years leading up to independence nearly onethird of the population of Suriname emigrated to the Netherlands, amidst concern that the new Page 11 of 66

country would fare worse under independence than it had as a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Indeed, Surinamese politics soon degenerated into ethnic polarisation and corruption with the NPS using Dutch aid money for partisan purposes. Its leaders were accused of fraud in the 1977 elections, in which Arron won a further term, and the discontent was such that a large chunk of the population fled to the Netherlands, joining the already significant Surinamese community there.

December Killings On 25 February 1980, a military coup overthrew Arron's government. On 15 March 1981 and again on 12 March 1982 failed counter-coups were attempted. The first attempt was led by Wilfred Hawker and the second by Surendre Rambocus. Hawker escaped from prison during the second counter-coup attempt but was captured and executed. Between 2am and 5am on the morning of 7 December 1982, the military, under the leadership of DĂŠsi Bouterse, rounded up 13 prominent citizens who had criticized the military dictatorship in Suriname and brought them to Fort Zeelandia. They were executed over the next three days, along with Rambocus and Jiwansingh Sheombar (who was also involved in the second counter-coup attempt). Bouterse, among other defendants, was tried for the murders, but the Suriname parliament extended an amnesty law in 2012 that granted Bouterse amnesty for the alleged violations before the trial was concluded. The Dutch government stated that stopping the trial was "totally unacceptable".

Elections were held in 1987, and a new constitution was adopted that, among other things, allowed Bouterse to remain in charge of the army. Dissatisfied with the government, Bouterse summarily dismissed them in 1990, by telephone. This event became popularly known as the "Telephone Coup". His power began to wane after the 1991 elections; an ongoing brutal civil war between the Suriname army and Maroons loyal to rebel leader Ronnie Brunswijk, begun in 1986, further weakened Bouterse's position during the 1990s. In 1999, Bouterse was convicted in absentia in the Netherlands on drug smuggling charges.

Seeing the deterioration of the situation, Aruba, the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands considered inviting the country to rejoin the Netherlands as an "associated state" in 1991.

In The 21st Century On 19 July 2010, the former dictator DĂŠsi Bouterse returned to power when he was elected as the new President of Suriname.

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Geography Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America. Situated on the Guiana Shield, it lies mostly between latitudes 1째 and 6째N, and longitudes 54째 and 58째W. The country can be divided into two main geographic regions. The northern, lowland coastal area (roughly above the line Albina-Paranam-Wageningen) has been cultivated, and most of the population lives here. The southern part consists of tropical rainforest and sparsely inhabited savanna along the border with Brazil, covering about 80% of Suriname's land surface.

The two main mountain ranges are the Bakhuys Mountains and the Van Asch Van Wijck Mountains. Julianatop is the highest mountain in the country at 1,286 metres (4,219 ft) above sea level. Other mountains include Tafelberg at 1,026 metres (3,366 ft), Mount Kasikasima at 718 metres (2,356 ft), Goliathberg at 358 metres (1,175 ft) and Voltzberg at 240 metres (790 ft).

Borders Suriname is situated between French Guiana to the east and Guyana to the west. The southern border is shared with Brazil and the northern border is the Atlantic coast. The southernmost borders with French Guiana and Guyana are disputed by these countries along the Marowijne and Corantijn rivers, respectively, while a part of the disputed maritime boundary with Guyana was arbitrated by a tribunal convened under the rules set out in Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on 20 September 2007.

Climate Lying 2 to 5 degrees north of the equator, Suriname has a very hot and wet tropical climate, and temperatures do not vary much throughout the year. Average relative humidity is between 80% and 90%. Its average temperature ranges from 29 to 34 degrees Celsius (84 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit). Due to the high humidity, actual temperatures are distorted and may therefore feel up to 6 degrees Celsius (11 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than the recorded temperature. The year has two wet seasons, from April to August and from November to February. It also has two dry seasons, from August to November and February to April.

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Nature Reserves Located in the upper Coppename River watershed, the Central Suriname Nature Reserve has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unspoiled forests and biodiversity. There are many national parks in the country: Galibi National Reserve, Coppename Manding National Park, and Wia Wia NR along the coast, Brownsberg NR, Raleighvallen/Voltzeberg NR, Tafelberg NR, and Eilerts de Haan NP in the centre, and the Sipaliwani NR on the Brazilian border. In all, 12.6% of the country's land area is national parks and lakes, according to the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

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Demographics

According to the 2012 census, Suriname had a population of 541,638 inhabitants. It is made up of several distinct ethnic groups. 

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East Indians form 27% of the population. They are descendants of 19th-century contract workers from India. They are from the Indian states of Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, in Northern India, along the Nepali border.

Surinamese Maroons form 21.7% of the population and are divided into five main groups: Ndyuka (Aucans), Kwinti, Matawai, Saramaccans and Paramaccans.

Surinamese Creoles form 15.7% of the population. They are the mixed descendants of West African slaves and Europeans (mostly Dutch).

Javanese (descendants of contract workers from the former Dutch East Indies on the island of Java, Indonesia), form 14% of the population. mainly in Nickerie, Saramacca, Wanica, Paramaribo and Commewijne Chinese, mainly descendants of the earliest 19th-century contract workers. The 1990s and early 21st century saw renewed immigration on a large scale. In the year 2011 there were over 40,000 Chinese in Suriname.

Indigenous Americans, the original inhabitants of Suriname, form 3.7% of the population. The main groups being the Akurio, Arawak, Kalina (Caribs), Tiriyó and Wayana. They live mainly in the districts of Paramaribo, Wanica, Marowijne and Sipaliwini.

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Europeans, descendants of Dutch 19th-century immigrant farmers, Portuguese from Madeira and other European peoples. The descendants of Dutch immigrant farmers are known as "Boeroes" (derived from boer, the Dutch word for "farmer"). The term "boeroes" comes from sranang tongo, the dutch term used was zigeuner meaning gypsy.

Most Boeroes left after independence in 1975. Today there are about 1000 boeroes in Suriname, of which some are still present in the agricultural sector of Suriname.

Levantines, primarily Maronites from Lebanon, and Jews (mostly descendants of Sephardic Jews and Ashkenazi Jews). In their history, Jodensavanne plays a major role.

Many Jews are mixed with other populations.

Brazilians, many of them gold miners.

The vast majority of people (about 90%) live in Paramaribo or on the coast. There is also a significant Surinamese population in the Netherlands. In 2005 there were 328,300 Surinamese people living in the Netherlands, which is about 2% of the total population of the Netherlands, compared to 438,000 Surinamese in Suriname itself.

Religion The predominant religion in the country is Christianity (48.4% in 2012),[41] both in the form of Roman Catholicism and various denominations of Protestantism, the Moravian Church being the oldest and largest; it is particularly dominant among Creoles. Many Maroons practice Winti, an Afro-American religion. Hindus form the second largest religious group in Suriname, comprising 22.3% of the population. The Indian-descended population practices predominantly Hinduism, or in minority Islam. The Javanese practice either Islam or, a small minority, Javanism. Muslims constitute 13.9% of the population of Suriname.

Languages Dutch is the sole official language, and is the language of education, government, business, and the media. Over 60% of the population speaks Dutch as a mother tongue, and most of the rest speak it as a second language. In 2004 Suriname became an associate member of the Dutch Language Union. It is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America as well as the only independent nation in the Americas where Dutch is spoken by a majority of the population, and one of the two non-Romance-speaking countries on the continent, the other being Englishspeaking Guyana.

In Paramaribo, Dutch is the main home language in two-thirds of households. The recognition of "Surinaams-Nederlands" ("Surinamese Dutch") as a national dialect equal to "NederlandsNederlands" ("Dutch Dutch") and "Vlaams-Nederlands" ("Flemish Dutch") was expressed in 2009 by the publication of the Woordenboek Surinaams Nederlands (Surinamese–Dutch Dictionary). Only in the interior of Suriname is Dutch seldom spoken.

Sranan, a local creole language originally spoken by the creole population group, is the most widely used language in the streets and is often used interchangeably with Dutch depending on the formality of the setting.

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Surinamese Hindi or Sarnami, a dialect of Bhojpuri, is the third-most used language, spoken by the descendants of South Asian contract workers from then British India. Javanese is used by the descendants of Javanese contract workers. The Maroon languages, somewhat intelligible with Sranan Tongo, include Saramaka, Paramakan, Ndyuka (also called Aukan), Kwinti and Matawai.

Amerindian languages, spoken by Amerindians, include Carib and Arawak. Hakka and Cantonese are spoken by the descendants of the Chinese contract workers. Mandarin is spoken by some few recent Chinese immigrants. English, Spanish and Portuguese are also used. Spanish and Portuguese are spoken by Latin American residents and their descendants and sometimes also taught in schools.

The public discourse about Suriname's languages is a part of an ongoing debate about the country's national identity. The use of the popular Sranan became associated with nationalist politics after its public use by former dictator DĂŠsi Bouterse in the 1980s, and groups descended from escaped slaves might resent it. Some propose to change the national language to English, so as to improve links to the Caribbean and North America, or to Spanish, as a nod to Suriname's location in South America, although it has no Spanish-speaking neighbours.

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Paramaribo

Lelydorp

Largest cities or towns in Suriname Rank Name District Pop. 1 Paramaribo Paramaribo 223 757 2 Lelydorp Wanica 18 223 3 Nieuw Nickerie Nickerie 13 143 4 Moengo Marowijne 7 074 5 Nieuw Amsterdam Commewijne 4 935 6 Mariënburg Commewijne 4 427 7 Wageningen Nickerie 4 145 8 Albina Marowijne 3 985 9 Groningen Saramacca 3 216 10

Brownsweg

Brokopondo 2 696

Nieuw Nickerie

Moengo

Culture Owing to the country's multicultural heritage, Suriname celebrates a variety of distinct ethnic and religious festivals.

National Celebrations            

1 January – New Year's Eve 25 February - Day of the Revolution March (varies) – Holi March/April – Easter 1 May – Labour Day 5 June – Indian Arrival Day 1 July – Keti Koti, Emancipation Day (end of slavery) 8 August – Javanese Arrival Day 9 August – Indigenous People's Day 25 November – Independence Day 25 December – Christmas 26 December – Boxing Day

There are several Hindu and Islamic national holidays like Diwali (deepavali), Phagwa and Eid ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-adha. These holidays do not have specific dates on the Gregorian calendar as they are based on the Hindu and Islamic calendars, respectively.

There are several holidays which are unique to Suriname. These include the Indian, Javanese and Chinese arrival days. They celebrate the arrival of the first ships with their respective immigrants.

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New Year's Eve New Year's Eve in Suriname is called Oud jaar, or "old year". It is during this period that the Surinamese population goes to the city's commercial district to watch "demonstrational fireworks". The bigger stores invest in these firecrackers and display them out in the streets.

Every year the length of them is compared, and high praises are given for the company that has imported the largest ribbon.

These celebrations start at 10 in the morning and finish the next day. The day is usually filled with laughter, dance, music, and drinking. When the night starts, the big street parties are already at full capacity. The most popular fiesta is the one that is held at cafĂŠ 't Vat in the main tourist district. The parties there stop between 10 and 11 at night, after which people go home to light their pagaras (red-firecracker-ribbons) at midnight. After 12, the parties continue and the streets fill again until daybreak.

Biodiversity In October 2013, 16 international scientists researching the ecosystems during a three-week expedition in Suriname's Upper Palumeu River Watershed catalogued 1,378 species and found 60—including six frogs, one snake, and 11 fish—that may be previously unknown species.

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According to the environmental non-profit Conservation International, which funded the expedition, Suriname's ample supply of fresh water is vital to the biodiversity and healthy ecosystems of the region.

Suriname is said to be the only region where one variety of snakewood (Brosimum guianense), a rare shrub-like tree, is found. The harvesting of snakewood is restricted and the wood is expensive, being sold by the ounce in some instances.

Environmental Preservation On 21 March 2013 Suriname's REDD+ Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP 2013) was approved by the member countries of the Participants Committee of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). Member countries include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, UK, USA and the European Commission.

Paramaribo 5°50′N 55°10′W Dutch

Capital and largest city Official languages Recognised regional languages

Ethnic Groups (2012)

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Sranan Tongo Creole Caribbean Hindustani Javanese

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27.4% East Indian 21.7% Maroon 15.7% Creole/AfroSurinamese 13.7% Javanese 13.4% Mixed 8.2% others

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Surinamese Unitary parliamentary constitutional Government republic President Dési Bouterse Vice-President Robert Ameerali National Assembly Legislature Independence constituent country 15 December 1954 from the Netherlands 25 November 1975 Current constitution 30 September 1987 Area 163,821 km2 (92nd) Total 63,251 sq mi Water (%) 1.1 Population Demonym

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July 2014 estimate 2004 census

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Density

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GDP (PPP) Total Per capita GDP (nominal) Total Per capita Gini (1999) HDI (2013) Currency Time zone Drives on the Calling code ISO 3166 code Internet TLD

573,311 (167th) 492,829 2.9/km2 (231st) 7.6/sq mi 2014 estimate $9.240 billion $16,716 2014 estimate $5.273 billion $9,539 52.9 high 0.705 high 路 100th Surinamese Dollar (SRD) SRT (UTC-3) left +597 SR .sr

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The Suriname Economy Suriname's democracy gained some strength after the turbulent 1990s, and its economy became more diversified and less dependent on Dutch financial assistance. Bauxite (aluminium ore) mining continues to be a strong revenue source, and the discovery and exploitation of oil and gold has added substantially to Suriname's economic independence. Agriculture, especially rice and bananas, remains a strong component of the economy, and ecotourism is providing new economic opportunities. More than 80% of Suriname's land-mass consists of unspoiled rain forest; with the establishment of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve in 1998, Suriname signalled its commitment to conservation of this precious resource. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve became a World Heritage Site in 2000.

The economy of Suriname is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for more than 15% of GDP and 70% of export earnings. Other main export products include rice, bananas and shrimp. Suriname has recently started exploiting some of its sizeable oil and gold reserves.

About a quarter of the people work in the agricultural sector. The Surinamese economy is very dependent on commerce, its main trade partners being the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, and Caribbean countries, mainly Trinidad and Tobago and the former islands of the Netherlands Antilles.

After assuming power in the fall of 1996, the Wijdenbosch government ended the structural adjustment program of the previous government, claiming it was unfair to the poorer elements of society. Tax revenues fell as old taxes lapsed and the government failed to implement new tax alternatives. By the end of 1997, the allocation of new Dutch development funds was frozen as Surinamese Government relations with the Netherlands deteriorated. Economic growth slowed in 1998, with decline in the mining, construction, and utility sectors. Rampant government expenditures, poor tax collection, a bloated civil service, and reduced foreign aid in 1999 contributed to the fiscal deficit, estimated at 11% of GDP. The government sought to cover this deficit through monetary expansion, which led to a dramatic increase in inflation. It takes longer on average to register a new business in Suriname than virtually any other country in the world (694 days or about 99 weeks).    

GDP (2010 est.): U.S. $4.794 billion.

Annual growth rate real GDP (2010 est.): 3.5%.

Per capita GDP (2010 est.): U.S. $9,900.

Inflation (2007): 6.4%.

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Natural resources: Bauxite, gold, oil, iron ore, other minerals; forests; hydroelectric potential; fish and shrimp.

Agriculture: Products—rice, bananas, timber, palm kernels, coconuts, peanuts, citrus fruits, and forest products.

Industry: Types—alumina, oil, gold, fish, shrimp, lumber.

Trade: o Exports (2012): $2.563 billion: alumina, gold, crude oil, lumber, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas. Major consumers: US 26.1%, Belgium 17.6%, UAE 12.1%, Canada 10.4%, Guyana 6.5%, France 5.6%, Barbados 4.7%. o Imports (2012): $1.782 billion: capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods. Major suppliers: US 25.8%, Netherlands 15.8%, China 9.8%, UAE 7.9%, Antigua and Barbuda 7.3%, Netherlands Antilles 5.4%, Japan 4.2%.

Tourism The hotel industry is important to Suriname's economy. The rental of apartments, or the rent-ahouse phenomenon, is also popular in Suriname.

Most tourists visit Suriname for the outstanding biodiversity of the pristine Amazonian rain forests in the south of the country, which are noted for their flora and fauna. The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is the biggest and one of the most popular reserves, along with the Brownsberg Nature Park which overlooks the Brokopondo Reservoir, the latter being one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Tonka Island in the reservoir is home to a rustic ecotourism project run by the Saramaccaner Maroons. Pangi wraps and bowls made of calabashes are the two main products manufactured for tourists. The Maroons have learned that colorful and ornate pangis are popular with tourists. Other popular decorative souvenirs are hand-carved purple-hardwood made into bowls, plates, canes, wooden boxes, and wall decors.

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There are also many waterfalls throughout the country. Raleighvallen, or Raleigh Falls, is a 56,000-hectare (140,000-acre) nature reserve on the Coppename River, rich in bird life. Also are the Blanche Marie Falls on the Nickerie River and the Wonotobo Falls. Tafelberg Mountain in the centre of the country is surrounded by its own reserve – the Tafelberg Nature Reserve – around the source of the Saramacca River, as is the Voltzberg Nature Reserve further north on the Coppename River at Raleighvallen. In the interior are many Maroon and Amerindian villages, many of which have their own reserves that are generally open to visitors.

Suriname is one of the few countries in the world where at least one of each biome that the state possesses has been declared a wildlife reserve. Around 30% of the total land area of Suriname is protected by law as reserves.

Other attractions include plantations such as Laarwijk, which is situated along the Suriname River. This plantation can only be reached by boat via Domburg, in the north central Wanica District of Suriname.

Landmarks The Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge is a bridge over the river Suriname between Paramaribo and Meerzorg in the Commewijne district. The bridge was built during the tenure of President Jules Albert Wijdenbosch (1996–2000) and was completed in 2000. The bridge is 52 metres (171 ft) high, and 1,504 metres (4,934 ft) long. It connects Paramaribo with Commewijne, a connection which previously could only be made by ferry. The purpose of the bridge was to facilitate and promote the development of the eastern part of Suriname. The bridge consists of two lanes (one lane each way) and is not accessible to pedestrians.

The Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul is 114 years old. Before it became a cathedral it was a theatre. The theatre was built in 1809 and burned down in 1820. The construction of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral started on 13 January 1883.

In between the cathedral and the Presidential Palace is the popular palm garden Palmentuin.

Suriname is one of the few countries in the world where a synagogue is located next to a mosque.

The two buildings are located next to each other in the centre of Paramaribo and have been known to share a parking facility during their respective religious rites, should they happen to coincide with one another.

A relatively new landmark is the Hindu Arya Dewaker temple in the Johan Adolf Pengelstraat in Wanica, Paramaribo, which was inaugurated in 2001. A special characteristic of the temple is that it does not have images of the Hindu divinities, as they are forbidden in the Arya Samaj, the Hindu movement to which the people who built the temple belong. Instead, the building is covered by many texts derived from the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures. The beautiful architecture makes the temple a tourist attraction.

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Notable Natives                      

Jules Ajodhia (born 1945), politician, poet, playwright. Served as Justice Minister (1988– 1990) and twice as Vice President (1991–1996, 2000–2005) Henck Arron (1936–2000), Prime Minister of Suriname (1973–1980) Bram Behr (1951–1982), politician, journalist, propagandist Dési Bouterse (born 1945), 9th and current President Ronnie Brunswijk (born 1961), rebel leader, politician Fred Derby (1939–2001), politician and trade unionist Johan Ferrier (1910–2010), Prime Minister (1955-1958), Governor (1968-1975), 1st President of Suriname (1975–1980) Otto Huiswoud (1893–1961), charter member of the Communist Party of America Harry Kisoensingh (1954–2008), educator and chairman of the Union For Progressive Suriname Anton de Kom (1898–1945), anti-colonialist writer and member of WWII resistance Lou Lichtveld (1903–1996), politician, poet, playwright Jan Ernst Matzeliger (1852–1889), inventor of shoe manufacturing machinery Cynthia McLeod (born 1936), novelist Julius Caesar de Miranda (1906–1956), jurist, Prime Minister (1949–1951) Johan Adolf Pengel (1916–1970), politician, Prime Minister (1963–1969), namesake of Suriname's primary international airport Pretaapnarian Radhakishun (1954–2001), politician, Prime Minister (1986–1987) Ram Sardjoe (born 1935), politician, Vice President (2005–2010) Paul Somohardjo (born 1943), politician, former Speaker of the National Assembly (2005–2010) Tjin-A-Djie family, business and sports family Ronald Venetiaan (born 1936), mathematician, politician, 5th, 7th and 8th President Jules Wijdenbosch (born 1941), politician, served as Prime Minister (1987–1988), Vice President (1991) and President (1996–2000) Henri Frans de Ziel (1916–1975), writer

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Education & Healthcare Education in Suriname is compulsory until the age of 12, and the nation had a net primary enrollment rate of 94% in 2004. Literacy is very common, particularly among males. The main university in the country is the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.

From elementary school to high school there are 13 grades.

The elementary school has six grades, middle school four grades and high school three grades. Students take a test in the end of elementary school to determine whether they will go to the MULO (secondary modern school) or a middle school of lower standards like LBGO. Students from the elementary school wear a green shirt with jeans, while middle school students wear a blue shirt with jeans.

Students going from the second grade of middle school to the third grade have to choose between the business or science courses. This will determine what their major subjects will be. In order to go on to study math and physics, the student must have a total of 13 points. If the student has fewer points, he/she will go into the business courses or fail the grade.

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Healthcare The fertility rate was at 2.6 births per woman. Public expenditure was at 3.6% of the GDP in 2004, whereas private expenditure was at 4.2%. There were 45 physicians per 100,000 in the early 2000s. Infant mortality was at 30 per 1,000 live births. Male life expectancy at birth was at 66.4 years, whereas female life expectancy at birth was at 73 years.

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Politics & Foreign Relations The Republic of Suriname is a constitutional, democratically representational republic based on the 1987 constitution. The legislative branch of government consists of a 51-member unicameral National Assembly, simultaneously and popularly elected for a five-year term.

In the most recent elections, held on Tuesday, 25 May 2010, the "Megacombinatie" won 23 of the National Assembly seats followed by "Nationale Front" with 20 seats. A much smaller number, important for coalition-building, went to the "A-combinatie" and to the "Volksalliantie".

Negotiations are ongoing between parties regarding the formation of coalitions.

The President of Suriname, who is elected for a five-year term by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly or, failing that, by a majority of the People's Assembly, heads the executive branch. If at least two-thirds of the National Assembly cannot agree to vote for one presidential candidate, a People's Assembly is formed from all National Assembly delegates and regional and municipal representatives who were elected by popular vote in the most recent national election.

As head of government, the president appoints a sixteen-minister cabinet. A vice president, normally elected at the same time as the president, needs a simple majority in the National

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Assembly or People's Assembly to be elected for a five-year term. There is no constitutional provision for removal or replacement of the president unless he resigns.

The judiciary is headed by the Court of Justice (Supreme Court). This court supervises the magistrate courts. Members are appointed for life by the president in consultation with the National Assembly, the State Advisory Council and the National Order of Private Attorneys. In April 2005, the regional Caribbean Court of Justice, based in Trinidad, was inaugurated. As the final court of appeal, it was intended to replace the London-based Privy Council.

Foreign Investment Overview of Foreign Investment Climate In August 2010 Suriname swore in a new government that has not only welcomed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country, but has repeatedly expressed a need for it in order to further develop Suriname. The Government of Suriname (GoS) has identified its newly established Investment and Development Corporation Suriname (IDCS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as its primary institutions responsible for attracting foreign investment to Suriname. The new government has also announced plans to improve the investment climate through reducing the time and cost involved in establishing a business, and the introduction of a new investment law.

Through its embassies the GoS also intends to embark on a robust campaign to attract foreign investment to Suriname.

In January 2010 Standard & Poor‘s (S&P) reaffirmed its sovereign credit rating for Suriname at B+/Positive for foreign currency and BB-/Positive for local currency. Major strengths cited for a positive outlook were the continued efforts to improve debt management, and favorable medium term economic prospects stemming from strong foreign investor interest in the main sectors of Suriname‘s economy. The major weaknesses identified by the S&P report are institutional weaknesses, which include deficiencies in debt payment and difficulties involved in reforming the large and inefficient public sector, and an economy still too vulnerable to adverse external developments. Following the May 2010 elections S&P affirmed its positive outlook and B+ rating, citing that even though the political landscape had changed drastically it did not expect the economic landscape to follow suit. S&P further indicated that it could raise its foreign currency credit rating to BB- if, among other things, the GoS repaid its debt to the United States and monetary and fiscal policy remained stable.

Since the May S&P report, however, Suriname‘s fiscal outlook has changed substantially. A November report from Suriname‘s Debt Management Office (DMO) indicates that the GoS had exceeded the ceiling of 15 percent of GDP on domestic debt, and that this ratio stood at 16.76 percent of GDP per September 30. In order to resolve this issue the National Assembly approved a request from the GoS to amend the Law on Government Debt to allow for an increase in the ceiling of domestic debt from 15 percent of GDP to 25 percent of GDP, while the ceiling on foreign debt was reduced from 45 percent of GDP to 35 percent of GDP. This amendment to the law has given the GoS 10 percent or SRD 892 million room to borrow on the local market.

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Per September 30, 2010, Suriname‘s foreign debt was US$ 645.7 million or 20.11 percent of GDP. The most notable outstanding bilateral debt continues to be the debt to the United States which is currently at approx. US$ 35 million. The majority of this debt is comprised of late fees and interest penalties. Discussions aimed at working out a repayment agreement are ongoing.

A draft budget for 2011 to be presented to the National Assembly in January 2011 is expected to show a deficit of 22 percent, significantly higher than the historical average of 3 percent. In order to reduce this projected deficit the GoS has announced the introduction of measures aimed at boosting government income. These include an improved tax collection system, increased taxes on the mining sector, and the introduction of measures aimed at ensuring everyone pays taxes in some form. The remainder of the deficit is expected to be covered by borrowing and an increased and more efficient use of multilateral financial sources.

Preliminary figures from the Economic Council for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) show an estimated growth of 3 percent of Suriname‘s GDP in 2010. This is below the 6.6 percent average calculated for South America, but far ahead of the 0.5 percent calculated for the Caribbean. The growth is being attributed to the continued and increased demand for gold and oil. Suriname‘s economy also had been less affected by the recent recession than had other Caribbean countries. ECLAC further predicts that Suriname‘s economy will continue to grow in 2011, but at a smaller rate of 1.1 percent.

Currently, all investments, both foreign and local, are subject to the same standard laws that govern daily trade. Larger, multi-million dollar investors have been able to negotiate separate terms with the GoS. The judicial system upholds the sanctity of contracts, but the processing of cases is hampered by tediously long processes in the judicial system. As of January 2011 there are 16 active judges for the entire country, fewer than necessary for the Court of Justice‘s case load. The next group of nine judges is not expected to have its training completed until 2012. Since 2009 the Court has been implementing a more specialized case handling system which has helped in the processing of smaller cases.

There is no economic or industrial strategy that has a discriminatory effect on foreign investors or foreign-owned investments, except the oil sector. This is also the sector where, by law, ownership is limited to the State Oil Company Suriname, better known as Staatsolie. Staatsolie has sole ownership of all the country‘s oil-related activities. Access to this sector is only possible through Exploration and Production Sharing Agreements with Staatsolie. All other sectors are open to foreign ownership. In those cases foreign companies, like local companies, are required to register with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and obtain appropriate licenses as necessary.

Unless requesting special investment incentives, smaller foreign investments are not subject to more screening processes than local companies. Standard screening is usually done by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Larger/major investments are subject to screening by the Ministry presiding over the specific sector the investment is in. The potential investment will be screened by a special commission, in which case all necessary financial and legal documentation

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will also need to be presented for review. Major investments, particularly in the mining sector, go through extensive negotiations processes to determine the terms of investment. In all cases, small or large, filing is mandatory. The purposes and criteria for screening of investments vary depending on the nature of the investment, but are primarily meant to assure that the investment is within the legal parameters of trade legislation. This screening process usually takes place at the beginning of the investment process. Once the business is running, secondary screening is unlikely due to lack of capacity within the departments responsible for screening.

Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) countries theoretically have MFN status over other foreign investors; however, in light of the need for foreign investment in most Caribbean economies, it is highly unlikely that larger international firms would be denied investment opportunities in practice. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed with the European Union has also given European companies better market access to the CARIFORUM countries. There is no entity in Suriname that regulates competition.

There is no discrimination specifically targeted at foreign investors at the time of the initial investment or after the investment is made, such as through special tax treatment, access to licenses, approvals, or procurement. In practice, different investors (both foreign and local) are offered different deals at the discretion of the GOS, as represented by the ministry negotiating the deal. Furthermore, in major investments, investment benefits are usually obtained through negotiations with the government and can change depending on sector and the company‘s negotiating strength.

There are no current privatization programs of parastatal entities. In past privatization attempts the GoS had indicated a preference for foreign investors to take over the parastatals. Processes and bidding criteria have been transparent and primarily conducted with the assistance of international consultants. Suriname‘s new government has indicated that it would place all shares of ailing parastatals under the management of the Investment and Development Corporation Suriname. The intent is to have this entity attract the necessary investment, locally or internationally, to revamp these parastatals.

Suriname‘s economy is expected to continue to be very dependent on its extractive industries. In the oil sector, Staatsolie booked gross revenues of US$568 million in 2010, up 32 percent from earnings in 2009 and only US$8 million below its record earnings in 2008. The company further saw its gross profits increase by 57 percent to US$285 million. The successes of 2010 were primarily due to increased production and favorable world market prices for fuel. The average price per barrel earned in 2010 was US$72 compared to US$57.66 in 2009. The company transferred US$186 million to the GoS in dividends and taxes. Total oil production for 2010 was 5.8 million barrels. Staatsolie is in the midst of implementing a US$1 billion expansion program.

75 percent of the investment capital will come from company earnings, while a total of US$275 million will be borrowed from banking giants ING Bank, Credit Suisse and other regional banks.

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A separate local bond issuance was oversubscribed by approximately 300 percent, yielding US$55 million.

The expansion program includes the doubling of the capacity of the refinery to 15,000 bpd by 2013, expansion of the Staatsolie Power Company Suriname‘s power generation capacity from 14 MW to 28 MW, and launch of a pilot project to produce ethanol from sugarcane. The first phase of the Tapa-Jai Hydro-power project is currently in its final research phase and, if executed according to plan, has the potential to produce 60 MW of power by 2014. Additionally, international partners Murphy Oil and Teikoku have commenced test drilling in their respective blocks off Suriname‘s shores. The State Oil Company Suriname has also signed a Production Sharing contract for Block 47 with Tullow Oil. The State Oil Company Suriname is in the process of converting itself from an oil company to an energy company.

In the gold sector the GoS has announced that later this year it plans to sign an agreement with Surgold, a joint venture company between Alcoa subsidiary Suralco and Newmont Mining Corporation, for the mining of gold in the Merian area in southeastern Suriname in the Nassau Concession and the building of a second gold refinery. This agreement had been under negotiation since 2008. The proven reserves in this area are 3 million troy ounces. At the country‘s first gold refinery, Rosebel Gold Mine (owned by Canadian mining giant Iamgold), production for the first nine months of 2010 was 276,000 troy ounces at an average production cost of US$499 per troy ounce. The company invested approx. US$49 million in exploration. In

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December 2009 the proven reserves at Rosebel were 2.6 million troy ounces, while the probable reserves were an additional 2.2 million troy ounces.

In January 2011 the GoS embarked on an ambitious plan that will seek to order the informal gold sector. Once considered small-scale this untaxed and unregulated sector is currently estimated at US$1 billion annually. Thousands of Brazilians, mostly illegal, and local Maroons (indigenous descendents of those who escaped slavery by fleeing into the rain forest) find employment in this sector. Chinese shop owners have also set up businesses, also unregulated, near the mining sites.

The GoS has set up different commissions to deal with organizing and registering miners, developing legislation to regulate the sector, and to work on making this sector not only sustainable, but also environmentally safer. In the first instance the miners, owners of equipment, concession holders and all others with activities in the sector have been asked to register with a special registration office set up by the GoS. The government also intends to establish special one-stop centers in the interior for miners to conduct all their activities with the government.

In 2010 Alcoa subsidiary Suralco continued to be the 100 percent owner of all activities in the bauxite sector. Production levels dropped by 40 percent, however, due to the expected exhaustion of bauxite reserves in its Kaaimangrasie and Klaverblad mines. Suralco expects to have a new mine in the Nassau concession ready for production by 2013. In the meantime the GoS has expressed an interest in resuming talks with Alcoa/Suralco concerning the bauxite reserves in the Western Bakhuys Region of Suriname. This area is projected to have reserves that could support the bauxite sector for another 40 years.

Shortly after taking office, the new government installed a Rice Commission. The primary task of this commission is to increase rice production and exports, returning rice to the place it once held on Suriname‘s list of export products. The Commission has developed a 7-point emergency plan that should contribute towards increasing Suriname‘s rice production from 26,000 hectares (currently) to 40,000 hectares in 2013. The plan includes the overhauling the irrigation of the rice fields, upgrading equipment, and improving production processes. The two major markets this increased production is expected to serve are Venezuela and Brazil. A recent ruling by the Caribbean Court, rejecting Jamaica‘s request to import rice from the United States instead of first seeking to import rice from other CARICOM members, can also benefit Suriname‘s rice sector as Jamaica will become a potential market for Surinamese rice.

Suriname‘s banana sector continues to struggle despite the millions invested in this sector by the European Union. In 2010 the company managed to export a record 70,000 tons of bananas, and tentative figures show the company managed to book its first profit in 15 years of US$4 million.

The pressure on the sector‘s continued existence comes from continuous labor issues in this sector – multiple strikes having caused the company to lose approx. US$180,000 for each day of strikes. The company employs 2,500 persons.

Other sectors that have been identified for investment potential are transport, heavy equipment, tourism, environmental protection, ICT, the services sector, agriculture, and education.

Measure TI Corruption Index

Year 2009

Index/Ranking 75 Page 38 of 66

Heritage Economic Freedom World Bank Doing Business

2010 161

131 161

Suriname is not a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) country.

Conversion and Transfer Policies There are no restrictions on converting or transferring funds associated with an investment (including remittances of investment capital, earnings, loan repayments, lease payments) into a freely usable currency at a legal market clearing rate. Permission is required from the Foreign Exchange Commission to transfer any funds associated with a business or investment out of Suriname. There have been no changes, nor are there plans to change, remittance policies pertaining to the access to foreign exchange.

In 2008 the Foreign Exchange Commission repealed the General Decrees 106 of 1960 and 153 of 1977. General Decrees are the laws that govern Foreign Exchange in Suriname. Under the new General Decree 217 of 2008, the Foreign Commission decided that banking institutions would be permitted to open accounts for non-residents and conduct transactions on behalf of these non-residents, in all foreign currencies for which the Central Bank of Suriname has an official exchange rate vis-a-vis the Suriname Dollar. The documents of accounts, however, must clearly indicate the country of residency and the country of residency of the headquarters of the parent company. The general license does not apply to transactions of foreign currencies originating from the exports of minerals and/or transactions that are the result of such an export, unless a special license is granted or another law so permits. Banking institutions are required to provide the Central Bank of Suriname all necessary information regarding any transactions in order to assist in the Central Bank‘s oversight responsibilities of foreign exchange transfers to and from Suriname, as well as ease the balance of payments with other countries.

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In 2010 there was a temporary difficulty in obtaining foreign exchange. Fueled primarily by concerns about potential political instability and by speculation, the open market exchange rate spiked from SRD2.93 = US$1.00 in early January 2010 to almost SRD4.00 by November 2010, while the official Central Bank exchange rate remained at SRD2.80 = US$1.00. The Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) opted not to change the official rate, however, and in November the CBvS made foreign exchange (U.S. Dollars and Euros) available to businesses, primarily importers, at a rate that was below the open market rate, yet above the official bank rate. Since then importers can, through their commercial banks, apply for funds from the CBvS by submitting the necessary invoices. Funding is made available at the discretion of the CBvS. This mechanism is still ongoing and has eased the pressure on the open market, causing the exchange rates to stabilize at SRD3.45 = US$1.00 and SRD4.60 = 1 Euro.

The delay period varies for remitting investment returns such as dividends, return of capital, interest and principal on private foreign debt, lease payments, royalties and management fees, but is relatively short. Permission must first be obtained from the Foreign Exchange Commission. The time needed to process the request depends on the sector and the amount to be transferred. Transfers through the banking system can range from same-day transfers to one week. Investors can remit through the legal parallel market. A source of origin must be declared, however, in cases where the incoming or outgoing amount exceeds US$5,000 or 5,000 Euros. No limitation exists on the inflow or outflow of funds.

Expropriation and Compensation The GOS is granted limited authority for expropriation under Article 34 of the Constitution.

According to the article: ―property, of the community as well as of private persons, shall fulfill a social function.

Expropriation shall take place only for reasons of public utility according to the rules to be laid down by law and against previously assured compensation. Compensation need not be previously assured if, in case of emergency, immediate expropriation is required. In cases determined by or in virtue of the law, the right to compensation shall exist if, in case of public interest, the competent authority destroys or renders property unserviceable or restricts the exercise of property rights.‖ No single sector is at a greater risk of expropriation than others; although Article 41 of the Constitution specifically refers to all natural resources as being the property of the nation, and states that the nation has inalienable rights to take complete possession of all natural resources in order to utilize them for the needs of the economic, social, and cultural development of Suriname. There have been no expropriation actions in the recent past, however, nor policy shifts that would lead one to believe that expropriation is likely to take place. There are no examples of ―creeping expropriation‖ or government action tantamount to expropriation.

The crude oil sector is entirely state-owned. The Petroleum Law of 1990 allows state enterprises to enter into contracts with third parties for the prospecting, exploration and exploitation of petroleum, subject to approval by the government. Under the Mining Decree of 1996, mining

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rights for radioactive minerals and hydrocarbons can only be obtained by state-owned enterprises.

Dispute Settlement Suriname‘s legal system is based on the Dutch Civil System. Laws are laid down in criminal, civil, and commercial codes and verdicts are based on the judge‘s interpretation of these codes.

There is no government or political interference in the judicial system, and judges are generally considered to be impartial.

Every effort is made to settle investment disputes outside the court system or via appointed arbitrators. There are currently 16 active judges, far less than necessary for the country‘s entire case load. A new group of judges is not expected to have its training completed before 2012.

Issues within the overall judicial system do hamper a timely conclusion of issues. There have been no publicly known investment disputes over the past few years involving U.S. or other foreign investors or contractors in Suriname.

Judgments of foreign courts are accepted and enforced by the local courts only if Suriname has a legal treaty of jurisprudence with the foreign country involved. If not, the foreign judgment can be brought before the Surinamese court for consideration as long as the court determines it has jurisdiction and doing so does not otherwise violate any Surinamese laws. Suriname has no legal treaty of jurisprudence with the United States. With Suriname‘s participation and membership in the Caribbean Court of Justice, judgments from this court are also binding for local courts. Cases have been successfully filed against Suriname before the Inter-American Court of Justice and the Organization of American States. Judgments from these courts have been upheld by the Surinamese legal system.

Suriname has consistently applied its commercial and bankruptcy laws. Companies have a right to file for bankruptcy with the courts. All records of debts are subsequently filed with a trustee as appointed by the court. The judge may declare bankruptcy in cases where there are a minimum of two creditors. In cases where there is a loan from a commercial bank, payment on this loan takes precedence. Monetary judgments are made in local currency, unless the contract or agreement stipulates otherwise.

The government accepts binding international arbitration only if it is stipulated in the contract or agreement and if it does not contradict any local laws. International arbitration is accepted as a means for settling disputes between private parties, but only if local alternatives have been exhausted. Most agreements involving foreign companies have clauses that clearly stipulate the laws applicable to the agreement.

Suriname has been a member of the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards since 1964 when the country was still a Dutch territory.

At independence in 1975, Suriname automatically continued its membership in international conventions and treaties.

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Performance Requirements/Incentives Suriname is a member of the World Trade Organization. Suriname does not impose any performance requirements, nor does it provide any performance incentives, that would be inconsistent with Trade Related Investment Measures (TRIMS) requirements.

No performance requirements are imposed as a condition for establishing, maintaining, or expanding investments, or for access to tax and investment incentives. There are no requirements that investors purchase from local sources or export a certain percentage of output. Both local and foreign investors, however, have found it useful to purchase from local sources and import only those goods unavailable on the local market. Larger companies (e.g., the mining companies) have signed contracts for the delivery of products that are not readily available on the market. In the case of foreign investments, no requirements exist that nationals own shares or that the share of foreign equity be reduced over time, or that technology be transferred. Suriname does not impose any ―offset‖ requirements, which would force foreign suppliers to invest in manufacturing, R&D, or service facilities in order to receive procurement approvals. With regards to the telecommunications sector, the government did require the companies Digicel and Uniqa to deposit US$1 million each in a performance bond as a guarantee that the companies would provide the services for which they had requested licenses.

In order to operate a company, investors must obtain a special industry license. There are no special requirements on percentage of local content or equity. No requirements exist for substitution for imports, nor for export targets. Investors are not required to use specific employment agencies, nor to transfer technology or use local sources of finance. In order for an investor to receive permission to hire a foreign national, the investor needs to show the Ministry of Labor that every effort was made to hire a host country national first. The rule does not, however, apply to specialists; in that case the company is free to use whomever it deems necessary for the operation of the company. The specialists must obtain work permits.

Exceptions have been made to the requirement that Surinamers be hired first. The GoS has signed contracts with Chinese companies for construction and infrastructure projects which, through negotiations, included in the contracts the stipulation that Chinese nationals be allowed to enter Suriname to work in jobs that host country nationals could have performed.

U.S. and other foreign firms are welcome to participate in research and development. Larger foreign investors, such as the Alcoa subsidiary, Suralco, have played a major role in the establishment and maintenance of research facilities at the Anton de Kom University (Suriname‘s only university).

In 2009 Suriname‘s National Assembly passed new legislation regarding the issuance of work permits to foreigners. Although the procedures remain the same, a foreign worker must apply first for a residency permit at the Ministry of Justice and Police, after which s/he can apply for a work permit at the Ministry of Labor. The new legislation limits the term of a work permit to three years, in order to make it possible to better track the movement of foreign workers in Suriname, and to prevent foreign workers from obtaining employment that can regularly be done

by Surinamese citizens. The new legislation also introduced a permit requirement for interns.

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This is also meant to prevent interns from getting jobs that can regularly be done by a Surinamese citizen. Companies or organizations that want to employ interns are now required to request the permit on behalf of the intern. The free movement of artists, university graduates, media workers, musicians, and sports persons of CARICOM origin is arranged through the CSME regulations. CSME regulations also provide for the free movement of those wanting to establish or conduct business within the community.

Non-tariff barriers on both imports and exports include: proof of residency, registration with the Chamber of Commerce, Customs‘ import registration numbers, and tax identification numbers from the Tax Office of the Ministry of Finance. Under the 2003 Law on the Movement of Goods, ―the Ministry of Trade and Industry created ―negative lists‖ for both imports and exports.

In theory, anything can be imported or exported without a license unless it is included on the ―negative lists.‖ Items included on the ―negative lists‖ may only be imported or exported with special permission from the government. Examples of goods on the negative list for imports are: chemicals, pesticides, and animals on the Convention of Endangered Species and Faunas List.

Examples of goods on the negative list for exports are: bark wood, explosives, gold, and other precious metals.

Tariff barriers include consent and statistical fees charged in addition to regulatory import duties.

An amendment was made on the issue of consent fees in 2008 as the Foreign Exchange Commission, through General Decree 216, waived all consent fees in all cases where the Ministry of Finance has already exempted or suspended import duties. Imports from countries outside CARICOM, except the European Union, are subject to increased import duties due to the Common External Tariff (CET) adopted by CARICOM members. Imports are subject to a 7 percent turnover tax as stipulated under the 1997 Law on Turnover Tax. Exports are subject to consent and statistical fees. Companies in the bauxite sector pay a 2 percent statistical fee on both imports and exports. In the gold sector the royalties are 2.25 percent, with an additional 6.25 percent if the price of gold exceeds US$425 per troy ounce. A statistical fee of 0.5 percent is also applied on the export of timber (except to CARICOM countries).

CSME regulations also prevent its members from importing products from outside of CARICOM if the same quality goods can be produced or delivered by fellow member states by a pre-set deadline, not taking price into account. Violation could lead to a case being filed at the CARICOM Secretariat. In 2008 the CARICOM Secretary General, based on a decision by the 19th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, gave member countries permission to partially or completely suspend import duties on products from outside the Community for one year. In 2009 the GoS extended this suspension for another year. Cases were filed against Suriname by both the Trinidadian cement producer TCL and a Trinidadian grain miller against the import of cement and flour from non-CARICOM countries. In both cases the plaintiffs successfully argued their cases, and Suriname was ordered to reinstate the CET. By July 2010 all tariff suspensions were lifted.

In October 2008, Suriname, as a member of the CARIFORUM, signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union. Under this agreement the CARIFORUM countries have agreed to have all goods from CARIFORUM states, except rice and sugar, enter the European market duty and quota free. Parties have also agreed on a three year moratorium before

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reducing import duties on goods imported from the European Union in 2011. In 2011, they will introduce a gradual scheme of reduction of duties over a period of 25 years. Parties have also agreed that in order to protect the fragile economies of the CARIFORUM states, 13.1 percent of goods imported from the EU will be placed on an exclusions list, meaning that duties will never be reduced or eliminated on these products. Parties have further agreed to extend to each other any treatment or benefit that is provided to a third party through a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed after this EPA. Right to Private Ownership and Establishment Foreign and domestic private entities have the right to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activity. Once private entities have registered their business with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKF) they have the right to freely acquire and dispose of interests as they see fit. Competitive equality is the standard applied in competition between private enterprises and public enterprises with respect to access to markets, credit, and other business operations, such as licenses and supplies. In practice, private enterprises even have better access to markets and credit since they are more flexible and have a less bureaucratic decision-making hierarchy.

Protection of Property Rights Secured interest in property, both movable and real, are recognized and enforced. The concept of mortgages exists, and mortgages are registered by the Mortgage Office. Acquisition and disposition of all property rights are protected and facilitated by law.

Even though Suriname is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and, since 1975, a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), it has not ratified the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. While Suriname is officially party to the following international agreements on intellectual property rights, which came into force when it was still a colony of the Netherlands, there is little or no adherence to these agreements since they are not incorporated into the country‘s domestic legislation: - the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) - the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Work (1886) - the Hague Convention concerning the International Deposit of Industrial Designs (1925) - the Nice Agreement concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purpose of Registration of Marks (1957) - the Strasbourg Agreement concerning the International Patent Classification (1971)

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The Ministry of Justice and Police presides over the Bureau for Intellectual Property Rights and has on several occasions mentioned its intent to improve the country‘s legislation on this issue.

So far, however, intellectual property rights have not received a high level of attention from legislators. A basic Intellectual Property Rights law was prepared in 2004 and was presented to the National Assembly. This draft law, however, never made it onto the legislative agenda for discussion and approval. Subsequently, the draft law was retracted for revisions and has not yet been resubmitted. More advanced and specialized legislation (e.g., brand and music piracy, industrial property and associated rights) was supposed to be added to the basic legislation once it was approved.

The current legal framework for discussing copyrights, patents, and trademarks dates back to 1912 and 1913, and is an amendment to a previously written law. Neighboring rights (related rights) in copyrights, geographical indications, industrial designs, and utility models, layout designs of integrated circuits, undisclosed information, or new plant varieties remain unprotected.

The WTO TRIPS agreement has been neither implemented nor enforced even though the Ministry of Justice and Police has indicated its intention to do so. Suriname has signed the WIPO Internet Treaties, but has not ratified them.

Transparency of the Regulatory System No tax, labor, environment, health and safety, or other laws or policies are purposely used to impede investments. This does not, however, mean that they do not form obstacles for investment. Labor laws, for instance, prohibit employers from firing an employee without the permission of the Ministry of Labor, once the employee has fulfilled his or her probationary period. Tax laws have also been criticized for overburdening the formal business sector while there is an entire informal sector, estimated to be roughly twice the size of the formal economy, which goes untaxed. The new government has indicated that it intends to completely overhaul the tax system by 2013, changing it from an income based system to a consumption based system. Under the proposed system a flat income tax will be charged, while consumers will start paying a value added tax.

Bureaucratic procedures, including those for licenses and permits, are neither sufficiently streamlined nor transparent. The large number of civil servants involved in the process of granting licenses not only makes it a lengthy process, but also invites corruption. Both the World Bank, through its ―Doing Business Report,‖ and Standard & Poor‘s have identified the government‘s involvement in the real economy as an undue burden that not only undermines policymaking transparency but gives rise to corruption.

Laws and regulations are drafted in consultation with the relevant stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. After this, they are presented to the Council of Ministers for discussion and approval. Once approved, they are sent to the President‘s advisory body, the State Council, for approval before being presented to the National Assembly for discussion, amendment, and approval.

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All regulatory processes go through the government. Nongovernmental organizations have an advisory role in some instances. Legal, regulatory and accounting systems are transparent and consistent with international norms.

In 2007 a Standards Bureau was officially established. In its first year of operation the Standards Bureau primarily focused on hiring qualified personnel and organizing seminars on the topic. In 2009 it started working with local businesses on identifying needs for standards. Because of the time it has taken to develop this system, companies have hired international consultants or private firms to assist in certifying processes based on the ISO system. In 2010 the Standards Bureau has worked with stakeholders in different sectors and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname on starting the process for developing standards for these sectors.

There are no private sector and/or government/authority efforts to restrict foreign participation in industry standard-setting consortia. In most instances foreign participation is not only welcomed, but requested in order to bring standards in Suriname up to international norms.

Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment Sufficient policies exist to support the free flow of financial resources in the product and factor markets. Credit is allocated on market terms and at market rates. Once established as a business in Suriname, foreign investors are able to get credit on the local market, usually with a payment guarantee from the parent company. The private sector has access to a variety of credit instruments. Larger companies can obtain customized credit products. There is, however, a Central Bank regulation that limits commercial banks‘ credit exposure to a single client.

Lending rates have remained relatively stable over the past years. The corporate lending rate for local currency has floated between 11 percent and 14 percent, depending on the project and client. The lending rate for US dollars and Euro loans is between 9 and 15 percent.

Although there was a slight increase in non-performing loans between 2008 and 2009, the IMF continues to feel confident in the strength of Suriname‘s major commercial banks. In 2009 private credit growth decreased steadily from 42 percent in 2008 to 18 percent. The Central Bank of Suriname has kept the effective reserve requirement for local currency at 25 percent, while the reserve requirement rate for foreign deposits is 40 percent.

The increase in the government‘s capacity to borrow within Suriname, by increasing the domestic debt ceiling to 25 percent of GDP, will place some pressure on the available lending liquidity in the market. Although the government has several lending options at its disposal, the commercial banks continue to be the sole source for immediate short term borrowing. As shareholder of two of the three largest commercial banks, the government has increased access to these banks resources.

The estimated total assets for the three major commercial banks were: -- DSB Bank (as of June 30, 2010): US$ 745.9 million

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-- Hakrinbank (June 30, 2010): US$ 405.3 million -- RBC - RBTT (October 31, 2010): US$ 2.8 billion.

(In 2008 the Royal Bank of Canada took over the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, parent company of RBTT Bank Suriname. Financial figures for this entire group are consolidated into the financial figures of RBC. Above asset figures reported are the assets in international holdings, other than U.S.) Competition from State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Private firms compete under the same terms and conditions as public firms for access to markets and credit. State Owned Enterprises (SOE) do have an advantage in access to other resources such as land.

SOE are active in the oil sector, airline sector, electricity and gas supply, water, bananas, rice, telecommunication, banking, and transport sectors. The government also owns several ―authorities‖ that operate like regular businesses. The only SOE with private capital invested is the State Oil Company Suriname that, through bond issuance in 2010, borrowed US$ 55 million from private investors.

These companies are in most cases managed like regular companies with a Supervisory Board.

Members of these Supervisory Boards are appointed by the government. These companies do consult with the respective ministry presiding over the sector on business decisions and major decisions require government approval or consent.

Suriname has no Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) There is a growing awareness of corporate social responsibility among both producers and consumers. The trend was started by Alcoa subsidiary Suralco and has since been adopted by other larger companies in Suriname. Consumers have taken note of this trend and, particularly some nongovernmental organizations have been depending on this for survival. Firms who follow this model have been viewed more favorably. Locally owned companies that also stand out for their corporate social responsibility include: the State Oil Company Suriname, Surinam Airways, Telesur, Fernandes Group of Companies (largest local soft drinks bottler), and McDonalds Suriname.

Political Violence There have been no incidents over the past few years involving politically motivated damage to projects and/or installations. In November 2007, 25 defendants, including now current President Desire Bouterse, went on trial for the December 8, 1982 murders of 15 prominent democracy activists. This case is still ongoing.

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Corruption No U.S. firms have reported corruption as a major obstacle to foreign direct investment.

Suriname has signed and ratified the Inter-American Convention against Corruption. Suriname has not yet signed or ratified the UN Anti-Corruption Convention. The country is not a signatory to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery.

The Ministry of Justice and Police is responsible for combating corruption. The Fraud Department of the National Police is in charge of investigating corruption cases. The government has also established an Anti-Corruption Working Group at the ministerial and technical levels to assist the police in combating corruption. No international, regional, or local nongovernmental anti-corruption ―watchdog‖ organization operates in Suriname. The country is not ranked on the 2010 International Transparency Index. It was ranked 75th out of 180 countries in 2009.

Suriname does not have special anti-corruption legislation in place, but the penal code does refer to anti-corruption. Under the previous government the Ministry of Justice and Police had drafted anti-corruption legislation, but this draft has thus far not been discussed by the National Assembly. Several of the current members of the National Assembly have indicated support for enacting this law as soon as possible. The anti-corruption measures in the penal code are being enforced, with the bulk of those prosecuted for corruption to date being civil servants. Corruption is most pervasive in the areas of government procurement, license issuance, land policy, and taxation.

Accepting or giving a bribe is a criminal act, which is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence of three months to five years, depending on the severity and/or amount of the bribe. A bribe to a foreign official is considered a criminal act and cannot be deducted from taxes.

Although senior government officials state that they take anti-corruption efforts seriously, there is a widespread perception of corruption in parts of the executive branch of the government.

Under both the previous and current government the Ministry of Physical Planning, Land and Forest Management appears to be the subject of the most allegations of corruption. Only four months into the term of the sitting government, the Minister of Physical Planning, Land and Forest Management was fired what was deemed improper conduct when it became public that his wife had applied for a public grant of 8,000 hectares of land, a decision that is normally decided by the Minister (although no action had yet been taken on her application). Some have claimed that in fact the Minister was under fire for his investigations into previous corruption in his Ministry.

Bilateral Investment Agreements Suriname has bilateral investment treaties with Indonesia and the Czech Republic. In 1993, Suriname signed an Agreement on Bilateral Trade Relations with the United States. This agreement has not been ratified by the National Assembly.

Other international agreements into which Suriname has entered are as follows:

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-- a double taxation treaty with the Netherlands.

-- a trade agreement with the People‘s Republic of China (1998) -- the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established the CARICOM and subsequently led to the creation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

-- trade agreements by virtue of CARICOM membership with Venezuela, Costa Rica, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.

-- trade promotion treaties with Indonesia, India, and China.

-- CARIFORUM – E.U. Economic Partnership Agreement (This EPA also has some provisions for investment between the 2 regions.)

OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs Suriname is one of the signatories establishing the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). Currently there are no Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) programs in operation in Suriname. In the event OPIC should pay an inconvertibility claim, the official currency exchange rate for the U.S. Dollar is SRD2.80 for US$1. This is the same rate used by the U.S. Embassy. The estimated annual U.S. dollar value of local currency that will be used by the Embassy is US$ 836 thousand.

Labor Labor unions in Suriname are independent of the government, but play an active role in politics.

In 2009 the Government of Suriname introduced a new salary schedule for civil servants.

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Implemented in two phases, FISO I, the first phase required a complete reevaluation of all positions within the public sector, taking into account the level of responsibility of the function and educational level of the person filling the position, and based on these factors a new salary was then calculated. The new schedule increased the government wage bill by almost 30 percent in 2009. The new government is currently under fire from the unions as it weighs the implementation of FISO II, which has been delayed from originally scheduled 2010. Both local and international economists have warned of substantial inflationary pressures if FISO goes forward in its current form. Additionally, the government has indicated it may not be financially capable of paying for the entire projected wage increase. There is division among the government, labor unions, and other stakeholders over how to implement FISO in 2011.

Some sectors in Suriname are more prone to labor shortages, such as the agricultural sector and service sector, while the more technical sectors, such as mining and communications technology, have a surplus in labor supply. The GoS continues to be the largest employer in country.

Suriname is a member of the ILO and adheres to ILO conventions. The Ministry of Labor has for some years been trying to implement a minimum wage system. Actual implementation continues to be hampered by lack of agreement between all stakeholders.

Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports There are no duty free trade zones, duty free import zones, or duty free ports in Suriname.

Foreign Direct Investment Statistics Recent data on the value of foreign direct investment -- Source for the data is the 2010 World Investment Report FDI Inflow in millions of US$ 2007 179

2008 209

2009 151

According to the same report, Suriname had no Direct Investment Abroad between 2004 and 2009.

A list of major foreign direct investments in Suriname follows: - Once an agreement has been reached, Surgold, the joint venture between Alcoa and Newmont Mining Co., will commence preparations for developing the area for set-up of the industrial complex.

- In offshore oil, Murphy Oil Co. and Teikoku have continued investments in exploratory activities.

- Alcoa subsidiary Suralco continues its investment in the preparatory work for developing a bauxite mine in the Nassau Area.

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Administrative Divisions The country is divided into ten administrative districts, each headed by a district commissioner appointed by the president, who also has the power of dismissal. Suriname is further subdivided into 62 resorts (ressorten).

District 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Capital

Brokopondo Brokopondo Commewijne Nieuw-Amsterdam Coronie Totness Marowijne Albina Nickerie Nieuw-Nickerie Para Onverwacht Paramaribo Paramaribo Saramacca Groningen Sipaliwini none Wanica Lelydorp SURINAME Paramaribo

Area (km²) Area (%) 7,364 2,353 3,902 4,627 5,353 5,393 182 3,636 130,567 443 163,820

4.5 1.4 2.4 2.8 3.3 3.3 0.1 2.2 79.7 0.3 100.0

Population Population (%) Pop. dens. (inh/km²) (2012 census) 15,909 2.9 2.2 31,420 5.8 13.4 3,391 0.6 0.9 18,294 3.4 4.0 34,233 6.3 6.4 24,700 4.6 4.6 240,924 44.5 1323.8 17,480 3.2 4.8 37,065 6.8 0.3 118,222 21.8 266.9 541,638 100.0 3.3

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Foreign Relations President Desi Bouterse was sentenced in the Netherlands to 11 years‘ imprisonment on a charge of drug trafficking. He is also the main suspect in the court case concerning the ‗December murders‘, the assassination of opponents of military rule in Fort Zeelandia, Paramaribo, in 1982.

These two cases place a constraint on relations between the Netherlands and Suriname. The Dutch government has stated it will only maintain necessary contact with the president.

Due to Suriname's Dutch colonial history, Suriname had a long-standing special relationship with the Netherlands. However, these were strained because of the coup, and the Netherlands no longer maintains Suriname as a member of its development program.

Since 1991, the United States has maintained positive relations with Suriname. The two countries work together through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Suriname also receives military funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.

EU relations and cooperation with Suriname are carried out both on bilateral and regional basis, the latter within the framework of the ongoing EU-CELAC and EU-CARIFORUM dialogues.

Suriname is party to the Cotonou Agreement, the partnership agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and the European Union.

On 17 February 2005 the leaders of Barbados and Suriname signed the "Agreement for the deepening of bilateral cooperation between the Government of Barbados and the Government of the Republic of Suriname."

On 23–24 April 2009 both nations formed a Joint Commission in Paramaribo, Suriname to improve relations between both countries and to expand into various areas of cooperation. Since the first meeting a second one was held on 3-4 of March 2011 in Dover, Barbados. At the second meeting several areas of mutual interest were reviewed including: agriculture, trade, investment, as well as international transport.

In the late 2000s, Suriname intensified development cooperation with other developing countries. China's South-South cooperation with Suriname has included a number of large-scale infrastructure projects, including port rehabilitation and road construction, and Brazil has signed agreements to cooperate with Suriname in education, health, agriculture, and energy production.

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The Suriname Military The Armed Forces of Suriname have three branches: the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy. The President of the Republic, DĂŠsi Bouterse, is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (Opperbevelhebber van de Strijdkrachten). The President is assisted by the Minister of Defence. Beneath the President and Minister of Defense is the Commander of the Armed Forces (Bevelhebber van de Strijdkrachten). The Military Branches and regional Military Commands report to the Commander.

After the creation of the Statute of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Royal Netherlands Army was entrusted with the defence of Suriname, while the defence of the Netherlands Antilles was the responsibility of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The army set up a separate Troepenmacht in Suriname (Forces in Suriname, TRIS).

Upon independence in 1975, this force was turned into the Surinaamse Krijgsmacht (SKM):, Surinamese Armed Forces. On February 25, 1980, a group of 15 non-commissioned officers and one junior SKM officer, under the leadership of sergeant major DĂŠsi Bouterse, overthrew the Government. Subsequently the SKM was rebranded as Nationaal Leger (NL), National Army.

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Sports The Suriname Olympic Committee is the national governing body for sports in Suriname. The SOC was established in 1959 and now has 17 members: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Football, Judo, Karate, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, and Wrestling.

One of the major sports in Suriname is football. Many Suriname-born players and Dutch-born players of Surinamese descent, like Gerald Vanenburg, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Andwélé Slory, Ryan Babel, Aron Winter, Patrick Kluivert, Romeo Castelen, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink turned out to play for Oranje. In 1999, Humphrey Mijnals, who played for both Suriname and the Netherlands, was elected Surinamese footballer of the century. Another famous player is André Kamperveen, who captained Suriname in the 1940s and was the first Surinamese to play professionally in the Netherlands.

The most famous international track & field athlete from Suriname is Letitia Vriesde, who won a silver medal at the 1995 World Championships behind Ana Quirot in the 800 metres, the first medal won by a South American female athlete in World Championship competition. In addition, she also won a bronze medal at the 2001 World Championships and won several medals in the 800 and 1500 metres at the Pan-American Games and Central American and Caribbean Games. Tommy Asinga also received acclaim for winning a bronze medal in the 800 metres at the 1991 Pan American Games.

Swimmer Anthony Nesty is the only Olympic medalist for Suriname. He won gold in the 100 meter butterfly at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and he won bronze in the same discipline at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he now lives in Gainesville, Florida, and is the coach of the University of Florida, mainly coaching distance swimmers.

Cricket is popular in Suriname to some extent, influenced by its popularity in the Netherlands and in neighbouring Guyana. The Surinaamse Cricket Bond is an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Suriname and Argentina are the only ICC associates in South America, although Guyana is represented on the West Indies Cricket Board, a full member. The national cricket team was ranked 47th in the world and sixth in the ICC Americas region as of June 2014, and competes in the World Cricket League (WCL) and ICC Americas Championship. Iris Jharap, born in Paramaribo, played women's One Day International matches for the Dutch national side, the only Surinamer to do so.

In the sport of badminton the local heroes are Virgil Soeroredjo & Mitchel Wongsodikromo and also Crystal Leefmans. All winning medals for Suriname at the Carebaco Caribbean Championships, the Central American and Caribbean Games (CACSO Games) and also at the South American Games, better known as the ODESUR Games. Virgil Soeroredjo also Page 56 of 66

participated for Suriname at the 2012 London Summer Olympics, only the second badminton player, after Oscar Brandon, for Suriname to achieve this.

Multiple K-1 champion and legend, Ernesto Hoost, is from Surinamese descent. Rayen Simson, another legendary multiple world champion kickboxer, was born in Suriname. Remy Bonjasky also a multiple K-1 champion was also born in Suriname. MMA and Kickboxing champions Melvin Manhoef, Gilbert Yvel were born in Suriname or from Surinamese descent. Retired female kickboxer Ilonka Elmont was also born in Suriname. Another notable up and comer kickboxer and K-1 fighter, Tyrone Spong, was born in Suriname. Ginty Vrede, a former Muay Thai Heavy Weight Champion who died in 2008 aged 22, was born in Suriname.

Involving the sport of tennis, historic national champions include Gerard van der Schroeff (men's single national champion for 10 consecutive years between the years 1931-1941, plus champion of multiple future titles). Herman Tjin-A-Djie (men's national champion 1941 and 1945, plus men's national double champion for 10 consecutive years with his brother Leo). Leo Tjin-A-Djie (between 1948-1957 he was 8 times national champion and men's national double champion for 10 consecutive years with his brother Herman).From Leo spawned the Opa Leo Tjin-A-Djie Tennis tournament. Randolf Tjin-A-Djie was national champion for 1960.

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Attachment A Suriname Law & Justice

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Suriname Law & Justice A Civil Law system influenced by Dutch civil law; note - the Commissie Nieuw Surinaamse Burgerlijk Wetboek completed drafting a new civil code in February 2009 The legal systems of nearly all countries are generally modeled upon elements of five main types: civil law (including French law, the Napoleonic Code, Roman law, Roman-Dutch law, and Spanish law); common law (including United State law); customary law; mixed or pluralistic law; and religious law (including Islamic law). An additional type of legal system - international law, which governs the conduct of independent nations in their relationships with one another Roman-Dutch Law - A type of civil law based on Roman law as applied in the Netherlands.

Roman-Dutch law serves as the basis for legal systems in seven African countries, as well as Guyana, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

This law system, which originated in the province of Holland and expanded throughout the Netherlands (to be replaced by the French Civil Code in 1809), was instituted in a number of sub-Saharan African countries during the Dutch colonial period. The Dutch jurist/philosopher Hugo Grotius was the first to attempt to reduce Roman-Dutch civil law into a system in his Jurisprudence of Holland (written 1619-20, commentary published 1621). The Dutch historian/lawyer Simon van Leeuwen coined the term "Roman-Dutch law" in 1652.

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Outline of The Criminal Justice System and The Prosecution In Suriname On November 25, 1975 Suriname obtained its independence after having been a colony of Holland for approximately 300 years. The official language is Dutch. Suriname is a democratic state, based on the sovereignty of the people and on respecting and guaranteeing the fundamental rights and freedoms. Suriname acknowledges and respects the international law of selfdetermination and national independence on the basis of equality, sovereignty and mutual interests.

The government of Suriname is based on the trias-politica doctrine or the separation of powers.

The President is the head of state of Suriname, head of government, chairman of the State Council and of the Security Council. He is responsible to the National Assembly. The executive power rests with the President. Together with the Vice-President and the Council of Ministers, the President forms the government.

The political power rests with the people and is exercised in accordance with the Constitution.

The political democracy creates the condition for the people‘s participation in general, as well as free elections by secret ballot to compose the people‘s representative organs of government. The National Assembly represents the people of Suriname and expresses the sovereign will of the nation. The National Assembly is the highest body of the State and consists of 51 members, who are elected per district on the basis of general and free elections by secret ballot in accordance with the system of proportional representation by highest average and preference votes. The members of the National Assembly are directly elected for a term of office of five years. The democratic arrangement of Suriname comprises at the regional level lower government bodies, of which the function, the organization, the authorities and the procedure are laid down by law in accordance with the principles of participative democracy and decentralization of government and legislation. At the regional level there are two representative bodies, the district councils and the local councils. The district council is the highest political-administrative organ of the district, while the local council is the highest political-administrative organ of the area of jurisdiction.

Pursuant to Article 70 of the Constitution, the legislature is jointly exercised by the National Assembly and the Government; and Article 80 provides that all bills passed by the National Assembly and approved by the President acquire force of law after promulgation.

The judiciary in Suriname is formed by the President and the Vice-President of the High Court, the members and the deputy members of the High Court, the Procurator-General of the High Court and the other members of the Public Prosecutions Department, as well as other judicial officers, as indicated by the law. The High Court is the highest authority of the Judiciary responsible for the administration of justice. The Court supervises the orderly conclusion of all judicial proceedings. The President, the Vice-President, the members and the deputy members of the High Court together form the judiciary responsible for the administration of justice.

The Public Prosecutions Department, to the exclusion of all other organs, is responsible for investigations and in charge of the prosecution of all offenses. The government determines the

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general prosecution policy. In the interest of national security the Government may give orders to the Procurator General with regardto the prosecution in concrete cases.

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REPUBLIC OF

SURINAME Public Administration Country Profile Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM) Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) United Nations December 2004

All papers, statistics and materials contained in the Country Profiles express entirely the opinion of the mentioned authors.

They should not, unless otherwise mentioned, be attributed to the Secretariat of the United Nations.

The designations employed and the presentation of material on maps in the Country Profiles do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Table of Contents Table of Contents........................................................................................... 1 Suriname...................................................................................................... 2 1. General Information ................................................................................... 3 1.1 People.................................................................................................. 3 1.2 Economy .............................................................................................. 3 1.3 Public Spending ..................................................................................... 4 1.4 Public Sector Employment and Wages....................................................... 4 2. Legal Structure .......................................................................................... 6 2.1 Legislative Branch.................................................................................. 6 2.2 Executive Branch ................................................................................... 6 2.3 Judiciary Branch .................................................................................... 7 2.4 Local Government.................................................................................. 8 3. The State and Civil Society .........................................................................10 3.1 Ombudsperson .....................................................................................10 3.2 NGOs ..................................................................................................10 3.3 Civil Society .........................................................................................10 4. Civil Service .............................................................................................11 4.1 Legal basis...........................................................................................11 4.2 Recruitment .........................................................................................11 4.3 Promotion............................................................................................12 4.4 Remuneration ......................................................................................12 4.5 Training...............................................................................................13 4.6 Dismissal .............................................................................................14 4.7 Gender................................................................................................14 5. Ethics and Civil Service ..............................................................................15 5.1 Corruption ...........................................................................................15 5.2 Ethics..................................................................................................15 6. e-Government ..........................................................................................16 6.1 e-Government Readiness .......................................................................16 6.2 e-Participation ......................................................................................17 7. Links .......................................................................................................18 7.1 National sites .......................................................................................18 7.2 Miscellaneous sites................................................................................18

1

SURINAME Suriname Click here for map of Latin America and the Caribbean Government type Constitutional democracy Independence 25 November 1975 (from Netherlands) Constitution Ratified 30 September 1987; amended in 1992 (in brief) Legal system Based on Dutch legal system incorporating French penal theory Administrative divisions 10 districts Source: The World Factbook - Suriname

Source: The World Factbook - Suriname

In 1954 Suriname acquired autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and in 1975 it gained independence. The Government before and after independence consisted of coalitions of different political parties, organized for the larger part on an ethnic basis. On 25 February 1980 a military coup d’état took place, which removed the elected civil government.

When the first general elections after seven years of military rule were held, the constituents voted for the return to a democratic government. A democratic government returned to power after 25 November 1987, however military leaders still retained significant power in the political, social and economic life of the State.

On 24 December 1990 the military once again staged a coup d’état and removed the first democratic Shankar Government after seven years of military rule.

On 25 May 1991, general elections were held and the constituents once again voted for the return to democracy (the Venetiaan I Government). In 1996, general elections were held and President Jules Wijdenbosch - a close ally of the military government in the 1980s – assumed power. The last general elections were held in May 2000 and the current Venetiaan II Administration assumed power.

Source: UN OHCHR - State Party Report (31 July 2003)

2

1. General Information 1.1 People

Suriname

TTOi

Guyana

1

Population

a

Total estimated population (,000), 2003

435

765

1,303

Female estimated population (,000), 2003

219

394

658

Male estimated population (,000), 2003

216

371

645

Sex ratio (males per 100 females), 2003

98

94

98

Average annual rate of change of pop. (%), 2000-2005

0.8

0.24

0.34

31

30

22

Female population aged 60+ (%), 2003

9

8

11

Male population aged 60+ (%), 2003

7

6

9

Youth and Elderly Population

b

Total population under age 15 (%), 2003

Human Settlements

c

Urban population (%), 2001

75

36

75

Rural population (%), 2001

25

64

25

Urban average annual rate of change in pop. (%), ‘00-‘05

1.26

1.36

1

Rural average annual rate of change in pop/ (%), ‘00-‘05

-2.1

-0.49

-1.18

Education

d

Total school life expectancy, 2000

iii

..

9.9

iv

1

iv

11.4

iii

Female school life expectancy, 2000

..

9.9

11.5

1

Male school life expectancy, 2000

..

9.8iii

11.5iv

1

Female estimated adult (15+) illiteracy rate (%), 2000

7.4ii

1.9

2.3v

2

Male estimated adult (15+) illiteracy rate (%), 2000

4.1ii

1.1

1.1v

2

Employment

e

14vi

Unemployment rate (15+) (%), 1999

11.7vii

13.1ix

1

viii

2

Female adult (+15) economic activity rate (%), 1999

33

39

47

Male adult (+15) economic activity rate (%), 1999

61

81viii

75

Notes: i Trinidad and Tobago; ii Year unknown; unemployed not previously employed

iii

1995;

iv

2000/2001;

v

1990;

1.2 Economy

vi

First semester, Age 14+ years;

Suriname

vii

1992;

Guyana

viii

1992-1993;

2 ix

Excluding

TTOi

GDP

a

GDP total (millions US$), 2002

895

710

2,116

920

7,111

PPP GDP total (millions int. US$), 2002

..

3,154

12,014

PPP GDP per capita(int. US$), 2002

..

4,085

9,115

GDP per capita (US$), 2002

9,372

Sectors

b

Value added in agriculture (% of GDP), 2002

11.1

30.8

1.5

Value added in industry (% of GDP), 2002

19.6

28.6

40.6

Value added in services (% of GDP), 2002

69.3

40.6

57.9

GDP implicit price deflator (annual % growth), 2003

30.3ii

4.7

5.6

Private consumption (% of GDP), 2003

66.4ii

52.6

61.8

ii

27.7

10.4

Miscellaneous

c

Government consumption (% of GDP), 2003 Notes: i Trinidad and Tobago;

2

ii

34.5

2002

1

United Nations Statistics Division: Statistics Division and Population Division of the UN Secretariat; b Statistics Division and Population Division of the UN Secretariat; c Population Division of the UN Secretariat; d1 UNESCO ; d2 UNESCO; e1 ILO; e2 ILO/OECD 2 World Bank - Data and Statistics: a Quick Reference Tables; b Data Profile Tables ; c Country at a Glance a

3

Suriname

Guyana

TTOi

Education (% of GNP), 1985-1987

10.2

8.5

6.3

a

Education (% of GNP), 1995-1997

3.5ii

5

4.4i

a

Health (% of GDP), 1990

3.5

2.9

2.5

Health (% of GDP), 1998

..

4.5

2.5

Military (% of GDP), 1990

..

0.9

..

b

Military (% of GDP), 2000

..

..

..

b

Total debt service (% of GDP), 1990

..

74.5

8.9

Total debt service (% of GDP), 2000

..

16.2

6.8

1.3 Public Spending Public expenditures

i

Notes: Trinidad and Tobago;

3

ii

Data refer to a year or period other than that specified

1.4 Public Sector Employment and Wages Suriname 1991-1995

Data from the latest year available

Suriname 1996-2000

Latin America & Caribbean average4 1996-2000

Excluding Caribbean average4 1996-2000

Middle income group average4 1996-2000

0.69

0.74

0.59

0.69

0.74

0.59

0.58

0.58

1.20

..

..

0.70

..

..

0.30

0.34

0.37

0.46

2.16

2.16

3.61

..

..

6.05

Employment Civilian Central Government5 Sub-national Government5

Education employees

Health employees

Police

Armed forces

SOE Employees

Total Public Employment

(,000)

..

..

(% pop.)

..

..

(,000)

..

..

(% pop.)

..

..

(,000)

..

..

(% pop.)

..

..

(,000)

..

..

(% pop.)

..

..

(,000)

..

..

(% pop.)

..

..

2.0

1.8

(,000) (% pop.)

0.49

0.44

(,000)

..

..

(% pop.)

..

..

(,000)

..

..

(% pop.)

..

..

Wages Total Central gov't wage bill

(% of GDP)

..

..

6.6

5.6

8.5

Total Central gov’t wage bill

(% of exp)

..

..

20.3

19.7

21.6

Average gov't wage

(,000 LCU)

..

..

Real ave. gov’t wage ('97 price)

(,000 LCU)

..

..

..

..

1.8

2.0

4.2

Average gov’t wage to per capita GDP ratio

Source: World Bank - Public Sector Employment and Wages

3

UNDP - Human Development Report 2002 Data refer to total public expenditure on education, including current and capital expenditures.

As a result of a number of limitations in the data, comparisons of military expenditure data over time and across countries should be made with caution. For detailed notes on the data see SIPRI (2001).

4 Averages for regions and sub regions are only generated if data is available for at least 35% of the countries in that region or sub region.

5 Excluding education, health and police – if available (view Country Sources for further explanations). a

b

4

The following overview of public sector employment and wages is obtained from the Central Bureau for Computerized Administration (CEBUMA): Ministry

Employees

Salary

Average salary

(number)

(billions)

(millions)

Justice & Police

3,106

4,995

1.608

Defense

2,714

2,933

1.081

Finance

1,220

1,401

1.148

13,526

11,960

0.884

4,774

4,609

0.965

Subtotal

25,340

25,898

1.022

Remaining (11 Ministries)

14,106

11,337

0.804

Total

39,446

37,235

0.944

Education Public Health

Source: National Seminar on a Strategic Framework for Governance (October 2003)

5

2. Legal Structure The Constitution of the Republic of Suriname, with its 180 articles, was proclaimed in 1987 and amended in 1992. According to the Constitution, the Republic of Suriname is a democratic State, based on the sovereignty of the people, respect for, and guaranteeing of, fundamental rights and freedoms. The system of government is a presidential system with parliamentary supervision.

Source: UN OHCHR - State Party Report (31 July 2003)

Click here for further reading about the Constitution of the Republic of Suriname.

2.1 Legislative Branch Unicameral National Assembly or Nationale Assemblee (51 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms).6 women in parliament: 9 out of 51 seats: (18%).7

The Legislative Power is be exercised jointly by the National Assembly and the Government.

The National Assembly is the highest organ of the State. The National Assembly consists of 51 members who are chosen per district on the basis of general, free and secret elections for a term of five years, in accordance with the system of proportional representation with the highest number of average and preferential votes.

The socio-economic and political policy to be followed by the Government shall be previously approved by the National Assembly. Furthermore, the National Assembly supervises the work of the Government in accordance with the Constitution.

Fact box: elections: last held 5 May 2000 (next to be held May 2005) election results: seats by party - NF 33, MC 10, DNP 2000 3, DA '91 2, PVF 2, PALU 1 widespread demonstrations during the summer of 1999 led to the call for elections a year early

During the first meeting of the National Assembly, which must take place within 30 days of the elections, the meeting elects a speaker and a deputy speaker of the National Assembly.

The National Assembly has the right of amend bills proposed by the Government.

The National Assembly elects the President and the Vice-President with majority of at least two-thirds. A two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is also needed for amending the Constitution.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Suriname

Click here for further reading about the National Assembly.

2.2 Executive Branch cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly elections: president and vice president elected by the National Assembly or, if no candidate receives a constitutional majority in the National Assembly after two votes, by the larger People's Assembly (869 representatives from the national, local, and regional councils), for five-year terms 6 7

Source of fact boxes if nothing else stated: The World Factbook - Suriname Inter-Parliamentary Union - Women in National Parliaments

6

Executive power is vested in the President. The President is the head of State of the Republic of Suriname, head of Government, Chairman of the Council of State and Chairman of the Security Council. In addition, the President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Fact box: chief of state and head of government: President Runaldo Ronald VENETIAAN (since 12 August 2000); Vice President Jules Rattankoemar AJODHIA (since 12 August 2000) elections: Last held 6 May 2000 (next to be held May 2005)

The President is elected by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly or, failing that, by a majority of the People's Assembly for a 5-year term. If at least two-thirds of the National Assembly cannot agree to vote for one presidential candidate, a People's Assembly is formed from all National Assembly delegates and regional and municipal representatives who were elected by popular vote in the most recent national election. In addition, a vice president is usually elected at the same time as the president by the National Assembly or the People's Assembly for a 5-year term.8 The President has the powers to appoint the Council of Ministers with regard to the results of the elections, to direct the activities of the State Council, to appoint and remove ministers from office, to ratify approved bills and propose state decrees, and to suspend decisions of the Council of Ministers and of Ministers A 15-member Council of State advises the President in the conduct of policy. Eleven of the 15 council seats are allotted by proportional representation of all political parties represented in the National Assembly, two seats are allotted to representatives of labor, and two are allotted to employers' organizations.9 The Council also advises the Government on matters of general policy, the legitimacy of bills, State decrees and proposals of general administrative measures.

The President with the Vice-President and the Council of Ministers form the Government, which is responsible to the National Assembly. The Government draft state decrees. The Council of Ministers is the highest executive and administrative organ of the Government. The Council of Ministers is responsible for, among other things, to execute the policy determined by the Government, to prepare legislative acts and administrative regulation, and to give direction to administrative organs.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Suriname

2.3 Judiciary Branch Court of Justice (justices are nominated for life).

The Dutch legacy to Surinam includes a legal system based on the tradition of civil or continental European law. According to the Constitution, the judicial branch is responsible for the administration of justice, which includes the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The legal basis of the judiciary is provided by: the Constitution, the Judiciary Organization Act of the Surinamese Judiciary GB 1935 No. 79 as last amended in SB 2001 No. 39, the Code of Civil Procedure, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Civil Code, the Penal Code, and the internal statutory regulations of the judiciary.10 The Court of Justice is constitutionally the highest court in the Republic of Suriname.

It acts as a Court of Appeals in civil and criminal cases and as a Trial Court for 8

U.S. Department of State (Background Notes) - Suriname (edited) U.S. Department of State (Background Notes) - Suriname 10 UN OHCHR - State Party Report (31 July 2003) 9

7

special cases. These include cases involving complaints filed by government employees and officials against the State of Surinam and disciplinary cases involving attorneys or notaries public. A President and a Vice President preside over the court.

In 2001, the court was comprised of 8 full-time judges and 3 part-time judges, all of whom hold their posts for life.

The District Courts (Cantonal Courts), which are trial courts for Surinam’s three geographic districts or Cantons, are each presided over by a single judge. All of the District Courts are located in Paramaribo. Their decisions can be appealed to the Court of Justice.

The First District Court tries only civil cases in the districts of Paramaribo, Wanica, Para, Bokopondo, Commewijne, and Saramacca; the Second Cantonal Court tries only criminal cases in any jurisdiction except Paramaribo and Commewijne; and the Third Cantonal Court tries both civil and criminal cases from districts not covered by the other two courts.

Surinam has several lower courts, including the Martial Court, which has jurisdiction in cases involving military personnel and is presided over by a member of the Court of Justice and two military officials. Its decisions can be appealed before the Court of Justice, which replaces one of its civilian judges with a member of the armed forces when it reviews cases decided in the Martial Court.

Source: Centro de Estudios de Justicia de las Americas (CEJA) - Suriname: Judicial Branch

The Constitution provides for a Constitutional Court, which is in charge of the judicial review of the contents of laws, as well as the review of agreements with other nations and with international organizations. The Constitutional Court is also responsible for adjudging whether the decisions of government bodies are compatible with the Constitution. At present the Constitutional Court does not yet exist, although a bill regarding its composition, establishment and procedures has been submitted to the National Assembly. Discussions to enact such legislation continued throughout 2003 in the National Assembly due to concerns that the Constitutional Court would have the authority to overturn decisions of the Government.11 Source: UN OHCHR - State Party Report (31 July 2003)

Click here for further reading about the Judiciary.

2.4 Local Government Local government is a recent innovation in Suriname and came into existence only with the passage of the present constitution in 1987.12 The Constitution set out three levels of government: national government, district government, and sub-district government. District government is broken into representative and executive branches.

The District Councils (district raden) form the representative branch and the District Administrations (districtsbestuur) form the executive branch. The District Council is responsible for laws and regulations for the district. If a district ordinance is in contravention with the Constitution, the Government programme or existing legal regulations, the National Assembly can repeal it.13

11 12 13

U.S. Department of State (Background Notes) - Suriname Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001) Constitution of the Republic of Suriname

8

At the sub-district level, only the representative branch exists - the Ressort Council (ressort raad). Their main responsibility is to advise the district administrations and councils.14 There are 10 district councils and 62 Ressort Councils.

The President appoints a District Commissioner for each district (two for Paramaribo). The district commissioner chairs both the District Council and the District Administration. District and Ressort Councils are elected every five years at the general elections. The voters elect the Ressort Councils from a list of candidates and the proportion of party votes in the Ressort Council elections also determines the number of seats each party receives in the district councils. Most district councils have between seven and eleven members but the Paramaribo council has 21 members and the Wanica council has 15. Ressort councils have between 7 and 17 members.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Local Government (April 2001)

The passage of the Law of Regional Bodies (No. 44) in 1989 aimed at enabling local (District) governments to begin managing their own revenues and budgets as well as deliver simple public services. However, implementation has been limited.15 The District governments rely on transfers from central government and, because of their extremely limited capacity, effectively are more supervisors of central ministries’ activities in their district than executors.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

Click here for further reading about local government.

14 15

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001) IADB (Suriname) - Decentralization and Local Government Strengthening Program (11/01) (edited)

9

3. The State and Civil Society 3.1 Ombudsperson Source: Institution - Title

3.2 NGOs Among the numerous NGOs are a varied group of development organizations, human rights and indigenous groups, women’s organizations, religious and church-affiliated groups, sports clubs, community service and community-based organizations (CBOs) and academic institutions.

The Ministry of Justice and Police, the state agency responsible for maintaining the nation’s civil registries, determines the legal recognition of a NGO through review of the organization’s by-laws and statutes. The Ministry then advises the President’s Cabinet of its opinion and the Cabinet makes a final decision regarding registration.

The NGO registration is then published in the government newspaper thus officially granting it legal status. The entire process of consideration, recommendation and decision can take six months to two years before registration is approved.

There is no legislation or regulation on how NGOs are financed. Overall, there is limited financing available for such organizations, making it difficult for them to thrive. Most of the organizations that have survived economic crises are funded through overseas sources or international donor agencies. Only a few NGOs are so well funded as to ensure their financial sustainability.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Civil Society (April 2001) (edited)

Click here for descriptions of major NGOs in Suriname (p. 13-16).

3.3 Civil Society In Suriname, human rights, gender, environmental and economic issues dominate the concerns of civil society. This is reflective of the country itself, given its political history, the significant number of female-headed households, and a vast territory comprised of jungle and rain forests.

The three most important organizations representing the private sector are the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB), the Association of Surinamese Manufacturers (ASFA), and the Chamber of Commerce (KKF).

Trade unions are well established and have a long history. Their power is reflected in the tremendous influence they have had on wage policies, labor legislation and even - through their ability to organize paralyzing strikes at critical junctures — on political developments.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Civil Society (April 2001)

Click here for further reading about civil society.

10

4. Civil Service

Administration and personnel management is divided between central units and decentralized units. The Ministry of Domestic Affairs has overall responsibility for the administrative affairs of government, and policy towards government officials and the functioning of government. A specialized unit in the ministry, the Central Staff Body for Formation and Efficiency (CSFE)16, is responsible for overseeing the civil service. In addition to the CSFE, each ministry or parastatal organization has its own personnel management division.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

4.1 Legal basis Chapter XX of the Constitution of the Republic of Suriname provides for the Public Administration.

The Personnel Act of 1962, as modified by eight other laws and state decrees, guides personnel management of the civil service. The act sets out the basis for government employment, the rights and obligations of government officials, disciplinary measures, justification and procedures for suspension and termination of employment, and internal complaints procedures.

Appointment as a government official is mostly permanent, although temporary appointments of up to one year can be made under certain conditions. Government officials have a formally defined status and extensive rights. The Personnel Act distinguishes between two types of government officials: civil servants and government employees.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

4.2 Recruitment The Personnel Act does not provide any instruction on recruitment.17 New employees usually apply for positions after being drafted by a patron. Since 1970 an official personnel freeze is in effect, which determines that no additional civil servants can be recruited.18 The law provides for inter-ministerial transfers of qualified personnel.

An exception is made for qualified personnel that are not found among current employees in the public sector. In that case, the Vice President has to approve the hiring. The personnel freeze has not been effectively enforced. The current administration is committed to improve the enforcement of this regulation.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Sector Facility Profile (January 15, 2004)

In Suriname recruitment is, in theory, determined by the needs of individual units.

Individual ministries thus recruit for themselves but notify the Ministry of Domestic Affairs of employment changes. The Personnel Act lays out the minimum eligibility criteria for government employment: a candidate must be at least 18 years old, must be medically fit, and must comply with certain legal requirements. These

16 The CSFE was established by a government decree in 1982 and replaced the Institute for the Civil Service, which had been established in 1974.

17 See also: National Seminar on a Strategic Framework for Governance (October 2003), p. 32 18 Most notably, there was a hiring freeze for the entire civil service in 1972 and a freeze on all grades 1 through 17 in 1998/9; Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

11

requirements do not form a high hurdle to employment and in practice screening is rarely rigorous. General education requirements are not required.

The lack of rigorous screening is reinforced by the greater ease of recruiting low level staff. Ministers may recruit staff for grades 1 through 12 at their own discretion.

However, recruitment to grades 13-24 requires the approval of the Council of Ministers.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

4.3 Promotion Promotions are left to the discretion of the Ministry from grade 1 to 14. A recommendation from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is required for grade 15 till 17. For higher grades, promotions must be approved by the Council of Ministers.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Sector Facility Profile (January 15, 2004)

The Personnel Act states that promotion should be based on considerations of capability, skill, reliability, and experience.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

4.4 Remuneration Civil service jobs and pay are classified by the Mezger remuneration system, which was introduced with the assistance of the Dutch government in 1976. The Mezger system assigned positions into a grade on the basis of a functional analysis.

Originally the civil service hierarchy was divided into 20 grades, but this was extended to 24 grades in 1990: Grade and function structure Level

Grades

Function/Activity

Education level

F

21-24

Managers, policy advisors, research officers

University (“academic level”)

E

18-20

Managers of “D” staff, department heads

Secondary school

D

15-17

General officials

Secondary school

C

12-14

Typists, long-time staff

Secondary school

B

9-11

Manager of “A” staff, foremen

Primary school

A

2-9

Manual laborers, cleaners

Primary school

A unified pay scale that links grades to salary levels determines civil servants’ base salaries. The scales are derived from collective bargaining with labor unions. Within grades salary increments are fixed-stepped and automatic, largely based on seniority. According to the Auditor General, ministries do not have a consistent policy when it comes to placing personnel in a specific rank or scale.19 Teachers have traditionally had their own grade and pay scales and generally have received about 25 percent higher salaries than civil servants of equivalent positions.

Traditionally, teachers have been the only exceptions to the unified scale for the civil 19

Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Sector Facility Profile (January 15, 2004)

12

service. However, in 1997 the government designated some parts of the civil service “strategic”. It subsequently negotiated separate, higher salaries with the “strategic” sectors, which included the health and education sectors, the army, the police, and customs and the tax office. This policy raised concern in other parts of the civil service and among civil service labor unions about changing salary relativities and, in part, contributed to an escalation of wage demands on the part of civil servants in 1997-99 and triggered a succession of strikes by different parts of the civil service.

The base salary of a civil servant can be supplemented by several allowances. For example, the director (permanent secretary) and deputy directors of ministries receive a 25 percent extra salary that is outside of the pay-scales. Civil servants who represent the government on the board of a state enterprise receive an extra allowance. This means that some directors are paid more than others because their ministry is responsible for more state enterprises. It has been estimated that roughly 100 out of the top 1,000 civil servants receive some extra official payment.

All civil servants receive a bonus of 10 percent of their base salary if they are assigned to a post with greater responsibility. Also the government pays an allowance for ad interim positions; a special uniform allowance to government officials whose duties require a uniform; a presentation (clothing) allowance to teachers; a hazard allowance to civil servants performing dangerous work; an allowance for unusual work (e.g. working underwater); and a bonus for long-term service to government employees who have worked for the government for 25, 30, 35, and 40 years.

Civil servants’ pay scales became more compressed in the 1990s. Most salary awards to civil servants have been across-the-board. However, in certain instances the government has varied the pay raise by grade, awarding a larger percentage increase to the lower grades. In 1991, the salary award varied from 19 to 40 percent; in 1996, from 26-40 percent, and in 1998 the salary award varied from 41 to 80 percent. The gradual compression of civil servants’ salaries has reflected both egalitarian concerns of successive governments and the influence of the civil service labor unions. By 1998, the compression ratio had declined to 8:1, which was among the more compressed ratios internationally (Tables 12 and 13).

Government salaries have consistently been significantly lower than those in most economic sectors. Since 1980, average wages have been higher than government wages in every economic sector other than community and personal services, and construction. In most sectors, average wages are two to six times that of government (Table 14). These sector differentials hold within professions and are not mainly the result of different skill distributions between sectors. In 1996, government-paid economist at the university earned US$190-240 per month, while an economist in the mining sector earned US$960-1,930. The general manager of a hospital earned roughly US$660 per month, while the manager of a major hotel earned US$3,000-3,600.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001) (edited)

4.5 Training Little attention is paid to cadre development and access to training is uneven. Apart from ad hoc training that individual ministries or organizations might organize, the Ministry of Education and Community Development organizes and supervises scholarship programs that can upgrade government officials’ skills. Such programs, which are almost entirely donor-financed, have provided on-the-job training for 350 - 400 officials, and have trained 60 persons in Brazil.

13

As such, the training tends to be concentrated on a few individuals, usually in the higher grades, with little systematic training for the majority of civil servants.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

4.6 Dismissal The Personnel Act provides a strong legal basis for dismissal either on the grounds of individual unsuitability or because of a reorganization of the civil service. Individual unsuitability can be caused by an unfit medical condition, incapacity, neglect of duty, uncooperative behavior, personal arrest, or legal restraint.

Also Article 69(a) states that “one or more officials, or one or more groups of government officials� may be dismissed due to a reorganization of the civil service.

This requires that the President issue a statement that it is in the general interest to reorganize or downsize the civil service. Under these circumstances government officials can be dismissed at their own request and receive up to 18 months of their most recent salary. In practice, dismissal has been extremely uncommon and problematic. The number of civil servants has decreased because of the voluntary departure of civil servants and attrition through retirement.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

4.7 Gender The Constitution provides for the principle of equality between man and woman [Art. 8(2)]. There is no specific statutory protection against cases of discrimination on account of sex and no statutory regulation that provides for a special institute where women can find protection against discrimination on account of her being a woman.

Furthermore, the Constitution stipulates in Article 35(2) that man and woman are equal before the law.

The Personnel Act of 1962 [Art. 69(3), 15(1a), 47(9a) and 45(4)] deals with provisions on the reproductive function of the female civil servant.

The proportion of women in civil service was 50% in 2002 compared to 35% in 1994.

Source: OAS (Inter-American Commission of Women) - National Report: Suriname (20 September 2004)

14

5. Ethics and Civil Service 5.1 Corruption 2003 CPI Score” relates to perceptions of the degree of corruption as seen by business people and country analysts and ranges between 10 (highly clean) and 0 (highly corrupt).

Corruption Perceptions Index 2003 CPI Score

Rank

Country

1

Highly clean

..

Suriname

133

Highly corrupt

Number Inst.

90 percent confidence range

9.2 - 10.0

4

9.5 - 9.9

..

..

..

0.3 - 2.2

6

0.9 - 1.7

Surveys Used

Standard Deviation

High-Low Range

9.7

8

0.3

..

..

..

1.3

8

0.7

Source: Transparency International - Corruption Perceptions Index 2003 Surveys Used: Refers to the number of surveys that were used to assess a country's performance. 17 surveys were used and at least 3 surveys were required for a country to be included in the CPI. Standard Deviation: Indicates differences in the values of the sources. Values below 0.5 indicate agreement, values between 0.5 and c. 0.9 indicate some agreement, while values equal or larger than 1 indicate disagreement.

High-Low Range: Provides the highest and lowest values of the sources.

Number Institutions: Refers to the number of independent institutions that assessed a country's performance. Since some institutions provided more than one survey.

90 percent confidence range: Provides a range of possible values of the CPI score. With 5 percent probability the score is above this range and with another 5 percent it is below.

Suriname signed the Inter-American Convention against Corruption on 29 March 1996, however as of April 2001 Suriname did not have anti-corruption legislation.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Corruption (April 2001)

5.2 Ethics Matters, such as confidentiality, improper behavior, etc. are provided for in the Personnel Act. Disciplinary measures are also indicated concerning the nonobservance of one’s obligations.

Source: National Seminar on a Strategic Framework for Governance (October 2003)

Officials are obligated to perform their activities to the best of their ability, to accurately and faithfully execute orders, and to “behave in such a way as becomes a good and faithful government official”. Where relevant, government officials must keep information gained in the performance of their duties confidential. In addition, government officials are “forbidden to accept or insist on remunerations from third parties for activities that are related to the service...”

Source: Inter-American Development Bank (Suriname) - Governance in Suriname: Executive I (April 2001)

15

6. e-Government

0.45 0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05

Web Measure Index: A scale based on progressively sophisticated web services present.

Coverage and sophistication of stateprovided e-service and e-product availability correspond to a numerical classification.

in t

TT O

Lu ci a

ai ca m

Sa

Ja

G uy an a

ad a G re n

ub a C

os

0 Su rin a

The index is comprised of three sub-indexes: Web Measure Index, Telecommunications Infrastructure Index and Human Capital Index.

e-Government Readiness Index

Ba rb ad

The index refers to the generic capacity or aptitude of the public sector to use ICT for encapsulating in public services and deploying to the public, high quality information (explicit knowledge) and effective communication tools that support human development.

6.1 e-Government Readiness

m e

e-Government Readiness Index:

Source: United Nations – World Public Sector Report 2003

Web Measure Index

Telecom. Infrastructure Index

Human Capital Index

1 0.9 0.8

0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1

TT O

ia Sa in tL uc

ai ca Ja m

na G uy a

G re na da

ub a C

os

0

Ba rb ad

Primary indicators are: PC’s, Internet users, online population and Mobile phones.

Secondary indicators are TVs and telephone lines.

0.7

Su rin am e

Telecommunications Infrastructure Index: A composite, weighted average index of six primary indices, based on basic infrastructural indicators that define a country's ICT infrastructure capacity.

Source: United Nations – World Public Sector Report 2003

Human Capital Index: A composite of the adult literacy rate and the combined primary, secondary and tertiary gross enrolment ratio, with two thirds of the weight given to adult literacy and one third to the gross enrolment ratio.

16

6.2 e-Participation

e-Participation Index

0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05

The government websites offer information on policies and programs, budgets, laws and regulations, and other briefs of key public interest.

Tools for disseminating of information exist for timely access and use of public information, including web forums, e-mail lists, newsgroups and chat rooms.

TT O

Sa in tL uc ia

ai ca Ja m

G re

e-information:

G uy an a

na da

ub a C

B

ar ba do s

e

0 am

Refers to the willingness, on the part of the government, to use ICT to provide high quality information (explicit knowledge) and effective communication tools for the specific purpose of empowerring people for able participation in consultations and decision-making both in their capacity as consumers of public services and as citizens.

Su rin

e-Participation Index:

Source: United Nations – World Public Sector Report 2003 d

e-information

e-decision making

e-consultation

5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5

TT O

ia Sa in tL uc

ai ca Ja m

na G uy a

ub a C

G re na da

B

ar ba d

os

e

0

am

The government indicates that it will take citizens input into account in decision making and provides actual feedback on the outcome of specific issues.

Su rin

e-decision making:

Source: United Nations – World Public Sector Report 2003 d

e-consultation: The government website explains e-consultation mechanisms and tools. It offers a choice of public policy topics online for discussion with real time and archived access to audios and videos of public meetings. The government encourages citizens to participate in discussions.

17

7. Links

7.1 National sites Authority

Topic

Cabinet of the President

http://www.kabinet.sr.org/

7.2 Miscellaneous sites Institution

Topic

Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

http://www.caricom.org/

Development Gateway

http://www.developmentgateway.org/countryprofile/...

European Union (EU)

http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/country/...

Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

http://www.iadb.org/exr/country/eng/suriname/

Organization of American States (OAS)

http://www.oas.org

Unit for the Promotion of Democracy (UPD) - OAS

http://www.upd.oas.org

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

http://www.undp.org.tt/suriname.html

UNPAN

http://www.unpan.org/virtual_library-byregion.asp

World Bank (WB)

http://www.worldbank.org/sr

IADB study on Governance in Suriname

http://www.iadb.org/regions/re3/governanceSU.htm

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