Hundreds participate in protest

A huge crowd participated in Thursday’s protest which had been organized by the labor union movement. The protestors protested against the recent fuel price hike and the increasing pauperization of the people. They also demanded that the government give its mandate back to the people.

The protest was supported by the Teachers’ Association (BvL), the Alliance for Teachers in Suriname (ALS), political parties, activists and the business community. Several companies closed their doors early in order to give their employees the opportunity to join the rally. The protestors assembled at the Kerkplein around 11 a.m. before marching behind a sound truck that led them through the inner city as they held signs and shouted slogans to express their discontent. The protestors kept growing in numbers as they approached the shopping center of Paramaribo. The protestors reportedly kept shouting that Bouta has to go as they passed the stores that were closed. The security forces reportedly kept a close eye on the protestors. The protest reportedly created a traffic jam. People who stood alongside the streets expressed their support by giving the protestors a thumbs up or by shouting slogans which indicated that the government should step down. But the people who stood in front of the VCB Bank and the Central Market expressed their disapproval and pointed out that protesting is pointless because the Boss does his utmost and because the Surinamese people should complain less and work harder. The protestors then replied that it is pointless to work hard and pay taxes while the government implements a corrupt policy. The market vendors who often complained that sales are down because fewer customers visit the Central Market watched the protestors from behind the main gates that had been closed out of fear that the market would be plundered. When the protestors had reached the nation’s Central Bank they asked where the money was. They also criticized the governor of the Central Bank and the minister of Finance. The security guards at the Central Bank were reportedly on high alert. The protestors then marched to the Independence Square where the sound truck had parked in front of the Presidential Palace. The employees at the Presidential Palace stood on the balconies to look at the protestors and listen to what they had to say.

Sham Binda, chairman of the Association of Small and Medium Sized Businesses (Akmos), pointed out that the fuel price hike will drive the price of utilities further up. Teacher Welles who represented the teachers explained that the government is turning the nation against teachers. She pointed out that the vice president and the minister of Education have told lies. “I dare you to be honest,” said Welles as she referred to the VP and the minister of Education. Trade and Industry Minister Ferdinand Welzijn was also criticized for having stated that the fuel price hike was necessary to cover the salaries of teachers. Welles pointed out that the minister’s statement confirms that “the government has spent all of the taxpayers’ money.” Welles then urged the people to unite. She also urged the president to step down. There were no calamities except for one incident where a car drove into the crowd and hit a protestor.

The chairman of the C-47 Labor Union Federation, Robby Berenstein, on Thursday pointed out that the protest would continue the next day.