SURINAME-Court of Justice defends handing out tokens of appreciation to former government ministers.

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The Court of Justice (ECJ) states that it will continue to maintain its independence and impartiality, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and international legal standards, as it defended a decision to distribute tokens to several individuals, including former government ministers.

In a statement, the EC expressed regret that some sections of society perceive its traditional gesture of thanks to former ministers and members of parliament as a reward for services rendered or a violation of the principle of separation of powers.

“It is emphatically confirmed that the judiciary will continue to maintain its independence and impartiality unabated, in accordance with the provisions of our Constitution and international legal standards,” the ECJ said in a statement.

It expressed support for constructive cooperation between the three branches of government, in which responsibilities, powers, and obligations, as well as customs, must be respected and valued.

The issue arose after the ECJ announced earlier this month that it had awarded plaques to former parliamentarians and ministers, including the former Justice and Police Minister, Kenneth Amoksi, and the former Finance and Planning Minister, Stanley Raghoebarsing.

“Their efforts have contributed, among other things, to the final enactment of legislation and policy measures that had been years in the making.

“Thanks in part to these individuals, the Disciplinary Board for Surveyors was established and operational. The new Civil Code, which had been decades in the making, has finally become a reality.”

In its statement, the ECJ noted that this form of gratitude is not new, having been first used in 2017. “Over the years, the court has shown its appreciation to various individuals, both inside and outside Suriname, for their contributions to the judiciary and strengthening of the rule of law. They all received a glass plaque with an inscription,” it added.

The ECJ sought to reassure that the judiciary will continue to work tirelessly for a “fair, accessible, legally protective, and reliable administration of justice” at the service of the entire Surinamese people.