Cubans willing to listen to Surinamese authorities

Health Minister Amar Ramadhin recently announced at a press conference that was held in the Nickerie District that the group of Cubans who have assembled at South Drain are willing to listen to the Surinamese authorities. The caravan has been asked to cease their campaign and to listen to the Surinamese authorities so that a suitable solution can be found. The minister explained that the government has launched a mission to convince the people to accept the fact that their goals will not be achieved under the current circumstances. Officials are reportedly communicating with this group through their ‘leaders.’ Meanwhile the authorities from neighboring Guyana have made it clear that the border would remain closed and that people would not be able to enter their country. Minister Ramadhin pointed out that the people are gradually starting to accept the facts. “Meanwhile about a hundred people returned to

Paramaribo on Friday and Saturday,” said Minister Ramadhin who added that officials are regularly holding talks with the Cubans. The minister pointed out that the Surinamese government is working hard to transport the people back to Paramaribo in a safe manner. The government has also spared no efforts in providing humanitarian aid to this group. “They are getting food, drinks and medical supplies.”

The Mungra Medical Center (MMC) was put on standby so that it can respond to potential calamities. About 4 of the 400 Cubans were taken to the MMC for medical treatment.

Some minor incidents were reported such as the theft of bananas and a stabbing incident. The National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR) is in charge of the working group that has been tasked with providing aid to the Cubans.