Pakkitow keeps the president waiting

Stephano ‘Pakkitow’ Biervliet on Friday kept President Chandrikapersad Santokhi waiting for him. Pakkitow was scheduled to present his petition to the head of state at 9:00 am but arrived at the gates of the Presidential Palace at 10:30 am. When he arrived at the gates, he was told that it was no longer possible to present his petition and that he could do it on another occasion. The activist on Friday organized a rally against the unification of the exchange rate and the fuel price hike. He arrived later than planned at the Independence Square. “I am not disappointed that I am here alone. I want to make it clear to the president that he must listen to the people. It is not my intention to send the government home but the fuel prices must be lowered. Something must be done about the higher prices for food products, the high bus and boat fares and the rules and measures that deprive the small entrepreneurs of the chance to survive,” said the organizer of the rally which was attended by less than a handful of people. In his petition the activist made it clear that it is unacceptable for the current political leaders to appoint their relatives and family members instead of experts and more experienced Surinamese people. He also disapproves of the fact that officials from the Bouterse administration are being kept in office although they are co-responsible for the mismanagement. After having read the petition aloud, Pakkitow walked to bystanders to let them sign it. A group of men stood near the statue of Jagernath Lachmon. “Pakkitow wants attention. He does not know what he is talking about,” said one of the men. The men disagreed on several things. Several of them pointed out that the president must be given the chance to do his work while others approved of the rally. The activist approached the group and made it clear to them that he came to the street to let his voice be heard in response to the fuel price hike.