PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi Friday warned that his government would not tolerate any indiscipline in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country after police used teargas to disperse demonstrators, who gathered outside the Parliament building demanding his administration reverse its policies that have led to the removal of subsidies on several items including fuel.
“The government of Suriname condemns the destruction committed today in the most severe terms. The government will under no circumstances tolerate that the rule of law and democratic institutions in our beloved Suriname are affected by the actions of individuals or in an organized context.
“We condemn and reject in the strongest terms what has occurred today in and around The National Assembly. Buildings and spaces of the House of Democracy have been reported to have been forcibly entered, causing destruction. Vigorous action will be taken against those who instructed, carried out, and caused these attacks,” the government said in a statement.
It said it had established a special Task Force, whose task it is to locate, apprehend and hand over to the judicial authorities as soon as possible those responsible for these actions.
“Destruction and attempted arson at shops and other buildings is also unacceptable. The government attaches great importance to fundamental freedoms, including demonstrations and protests, but these must occur in an orderly and peaceful manner.
“Escalation in illegal actions, such as smashing windows, theft, and vandalism, is unacceptable. The leaders of these protests will also be summoned for questioning.”
The statement said that the government would keep the community informed of developments.
“The government guarantees peace and order. Violators will be dealt with immediately and firmly. The government has taken special measures to ensure the safety of citizens,” it added.
Earlier this month, the government said it saves approximately US$10.9 million annually on hydro and thermal energy as it moves to phase out electricity and gas subsidies.
Natural Resources Minister, David Abiamofo, told the National Assembly on Thursday that new electricity tariffs, which had been introduced in 2021, would be phased out in three phases within two years.
“In present circumstances, that subsidy will reach SRD3.2 billion (One SRD=US$0.03 cents) in 2023. An increase and a heavy burden on the government budget,” Abiamofo said, adding that proposals by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would increase the price for the commodity in four phases by 20 percent each time.
But the protestors are also calling for the removal of President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, chanting “Chan go home,” as well as Vice President Ronnie Brunswick.
At one stage during the protest, the demonstrators stormed the Parliament Assembly building, breaking windows and looting several stores nearby.
Police fired tear gas and blanks as they attempted to crack down on the protest, and some persons who remained in Independence Square threw bottles and flower pots at the police and the building.
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