Suriname to exit Caricom?

Opinions are divided on whether Suriname should remain within the Caricom or whether it should leave. Some ministers pointed out that Suriname only has itself to blame given its export volume while others think that the Caricom membership is a waste of time and money. President Desi Bouterse will give his opinion in response to the report that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is almost finished with. Trade, Industry and Tourism Minister Ferdinand Welzijn is in favor of taking wise steps. He acknowledges that several incidents have taken place and that Surinamese entrepreneurs were confronted with obstacles when trying to enter the Caricom market. But he pointed out that this must not be the reason for leaving the Caricom. “It is not a lost cause yet because there are still a few available options to fight the form of protectionism which some Caricom members states implement to protect their own products and markets. The minister referred to the fact that Suriname could go to the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Doksenclub was the Surinamese exporter who was confronted with protectionism. He was confronted with obstacles when trying to get his meat on the Trinidadian market. Minister Welzijn pointed out that the ball is finally rolling. “Officials said that the company can start exporting to Trinidad within a month. If that does not happen, a complaint can be filed at the Heads of Government meeting that will be held in July. If that does not help a damages claim can be filed at the Court of Justice.” Grassalco is facing opposition from Guyanese entrepreneurs who had offered to deliver crushed stones at a much higher price to a Chinese contracting firm for a construction project. Government officials have reportedly sided with the Guyanese suppliers. Finance Minister Gillmore Hoefdraad pointed out that Suriname should take a firm stance within the Caricom. “We must urgently evaluate our position within the Caricom,” Minister Hoefdraad told Times of Suriname.