Guyana briefed on Suriname’s political situation

Guyana’s Foreign Ministry has been briefed on the political situation in Suriname.

Late last month, Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse, was jailed for 20 years for the 1982 murders of 15 of his political opponents.

Bouterse was overseas when the sentence was handed down by a local, three-judge court.
Suriname is the eastern neighbour of Guyana, with thousands of Guyanese living there for years.
The almost informal border crossing has boosted trade and travel between the two countries, with a ferry system in place for vehicles, passengers and goods.

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Bouterse has had a good relationship with consecutive governments in Guyana.
With this country even thinking of building a bridge to link the two countries, there would be worry.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to Guyana, Ebu R. Jones, called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings. “During the courtesy call, the Ambassador briefed Dr. Cummings on the current political situation in Suriname. He gave the assurance of continued bilateral cooperation between Guyana and Suriname.”
The Ministry did not give details.

Ambassador Jones was joined by Ambassador and Special Envoy to Guyana, Harvey Naarendorp, and Desk Officer, Nicol Colle.
Formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and Suriname were established on November 25, 1975.
Bouterse has said that he will be seeking re-election in May despite the conviction.

A two-time coup leader, two-term president and convicted drug-trafficker, Bouterse has been at the front of that country’s politics since in the 1980 military coup. He was charged after his government was accused of arresting and executing 13 civilians and two army officers.

The killings have been linked to Bouterse for decades.
Bouterse is seeking legal advice on the legal way forward. His party is also examining seeking a pardon.

The President has denied he ordered the killings, rather, insisting that the 15 men had been killed while escaping after plotting a counter-coup.