SURINAME-Union against “arbitrary” promotions within the police force

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The Surinamese Police Union (SPB) has condemned the appointment policy of the government within the Suriname Police Force (KPS), demanding that the recent “arbitrary”, promotions of brigadiers to the rank of major be extended to other police officers who have been waiting for promotion for a long time.

SPB chairman, Putin Atompai, has criticised the policy of the Ministry of Justice and Police, saying “the past five years have been anything but rosy for the police”.

SPB secretary Revelino Eijk said the appointment policy has led to a severe imbalance within the KPS.

“Political positions have even been added to the force that do not belong there in terms of content. Under the leadership of Minister Kenneth Amoksi and President Chan Santokhi, political appointments have been made that violate the agreements,” the SPB secretary said.

“This action by the minister is causing an imbalance, but we do not intend to get in the way of the police officers who will now be promoted. It is a political decision by the minister, so the responsibility lies with him,” said Eijk, adding, “It is not the first time that the minister has implemented promotions without following the rules”.

Contrary to previous agreements within the force, Amoksi, using his legal authority, has promoted several brigadiers to the rank of major by decree. These promotions will take effect on July 4.

The SPB stated that an agreement had been reached following discussions with the minister and the head of state, stipulating that the promotions would not be made until the brigadiers in question had completed their training in August.

Atompai, speaking at a news conference, said he finds the promotion reprehensible and that, without consultation, nearly 300 promotions have been approved. At the same time, many of those involved are not yet eligible because they have not followed the required training.

“This action by the minister is causing a distortion, but we do not intend to undermine the police officers who will now be promoted’ he added.

Eijk stated that a letter had been sent to the officers to be promoted, noting that he wanted to “assure the members of the union that this is not the case” amid concerns that the union was opposed to their promotion.

Atompai, who is resigning from the police service on Saturday, said he is pleased with his tenure as head of the union.

He said, for example, that the police force now has a funeral fund, and when a police officer dies, the surviving relatives receive a payment of SRD 75,000 (one SRD = 0.02 cents). Additionally, members of the fund can also apply for a loan of up to SRD 35,000.

“I came as a boy and I leave as a real man. I promise to be heard in Parliament as a trade unionist. I will be there for police officers, soldiers, nurses, teachers, and other essential workers. I have therefore consciously chosen not to become a minister, but to serve the people as a representative of the people,” he said.

“By law, I am inactive as a police officer from Sunday, but I will remain a police officer for life. Even if I were born again, I would choose the police again.”