SURINAME-President Santokhi moves to block the distribution of books alleging corruption.

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi has moved to block the sale of a book by a Dutch entrepreneur, Gerard van den Bergh, alleging corruption at the highest level in Suriname.

Through his attorney, Gerold Sewcharan, the head of sent a writ to the publisher and a bookstore on Thursday demanding that the book, “Corruption at the Highest Level,” be immediately withdrawn from the market.

The book by the Dutch businessman discusses doing business in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. The book’s cover features a photo of President Santokhi, Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Minister Parmanand Sewdien, and entrepreneur Vijay Kirpalani.

The issue was raised in the National Assembly on Thursday night when opposition legislator Ann Sadi expressed her shock at the publication, noting that it is harmful to the business environment here.

“This is unacceptable nationally and internationally, Chairman. We cannot allow this. So I think the President should give us an answer.” Sadi said, hoping that the publication was a fake.

In his response, President Santokhi said, “Everything negative is defamation, is slander… Some Surinamese will find it excellent.

“As a country, Mr. Chairman, we, as Surinamese, disapprove of foreigners treating us this way. What I ask from Surinamese is a strong attitude. We have called in the judicial authorities of Suriname, and we have also called in the judicial authorities in the Netherlands to take strong action against this. Let us, as Surinamese, demonstrate unity when foreigners touch our integrity,” he told legislators.

In his book, Van den Bergh claims that the success of doing business in Suriname depends on a personal network and political protection.

He also alleges, among other allegations, that the laws and regulations in Suriname are subordinate to the whims of politicians.

In his writ, Sewcharan is asking the court to approve the withdrawal of the book from the local market, and that failure to do so would lead to legal proceedings being taken against the bookstore.

“The image, or at least its contents viewed in context, establishes a link between the president and corruption,” according to the writ, adding that it is harmful to the good name and honor and reputation and infringes upon the fundamental rights of the President.