SURINAME- The opposition party says difficult conditions are still a reality for Maroons.

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The main opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP) said Friday that it recognizes the significant historical contribution the Maroons have made in Suriname at various points in the country’s history, as the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country observes Maroon Day.

Maroon Day is commemorated mainly in the interior villages by descendants of the Maroons, who dress up in colorful ‘pangi’ to celebrate independence with everyone else in Suriname.

The VHP, led by former president Chandrikapersad Santokhi, stated that Maroon Day has been commemorated here since October 10, 1974, dating back to 1760 when the Okanisi tribe was the first to make peace with the colonial rulers in Paramaribo.

It said that in the years that followed, three more peace treaties with other Maroon tribes followed, putting an end to the bloody hunt for escaped enslaved people.

“This day is commemorated as a national holiday due to its great historical significance. It symbolizes not only the peace that was concluded at that time, but especially the heroic struggle waged by the Maroon ancestors against oppression and slavery.”

The VPH said that while it recognizes the “important historical contribution” of the Maroons, at the same time, it “acknowledges that many Maroon communities still face difficult living conditions, both inland and on the coastal plain.

“This group, which has lived largely in tribal groups along the major rivers of our interior for hundreds of years, holds a special position within our Surinamese community. They live traditionally and maintain customs, rituals, and traditions that are invaluable to Suriname’s cultural diversity.”

The party said that in recent years, several villages have been provided with clean drinking water and electricity by the previous government led by Santhoki.

“They also worked hard to bring quality education to the interior of the country. Given the enormous backlog, this was no easy task, but improving the quality of life in the interior remains a priority for the VHP,” it said, adding, “this day remains a powerful symbol of freedom, resistance, and cultural richness. These values continue to inspire Surinamese society today”.