“Adhin comes across as Alcoa’s advocate”

The members of the opposition on Monday night slammed the manner in which the acting president defended the dismantling of the alumina refinery, environment agreements and the termination of the Brokopondo Agreement. The opposition made it clear that Adhin presented himself as Alcoa’s advocate who would rather defend the interests of the multinational. The Progressive Reform Party (VHP) and ABOP reportedly want to take legal action against the government. “You lack the authorization to make deals with Alcoa,” said MP Marinus Bee (ABOP) in parliament on Monday night as he referred to the Brokopondo Agreement that is anchored in a law. This means that only parliament can give the government permission to make deals. The declarations of intent between the government and Alcoa are therefore being deemed as null and void by the ABOP. “Where is your patriotism?” asked MP Breeveld (DOE) as he looked at Adhin. “The acting president presents himself as the spokesman of Suriname,” said MP Cleon Jardin De Ponte (PALU). The members of the opposition made it clear that the speedy dismantling of the refinery raises a lot of questions and is also sending the wrong signal. The legislators from both sides explained that the Brokopondo Agreement should first be formally terminated before the terms for the dismantling of the refinery can be determined. “What is the danger and why the rush?” asked MP Wendel Asadang (NDP). The legislators made it clear that they want the dismantling activities to cease at once so that the Brokopondo Agreement can legally be terminated.