The leaders of Fiti Makandra are calling on society not only to protect Suriname’s forests and waters, but also to restore the bonds between people. In a communiqué marking the end of the first Heritage Month, they warn against pollution, greed and the erosion of social values.
According to the leaders, Heritage Month has made Suriname’s cultural diversity visible. Throughout the month, the heritage of the various population groups was celebrated through music, dance, art, culinary activities and educational gatherings.
In their joint message, the leaders describe heritage as everything received from previous generations, considered valuable today and to be preserved for future generations. In this regard, they point first and foremost to the rivers, creeks and forests that were protected by earlier generations.
According to them, the natural resources are important not only to communities in the interior and plantation areas, but to society as a whole. The waters and forests provide, among other things, fish, game and recreational opportunities, and contribute to Suriname’s international appreciation.
Fiti Makandra therefore calls on society not to place short-term financial gain above nature conservation. According to the leaders, forests and waters must be protected against destruction and pollution.
At the same time, they emphasize that people rank above all natural resources. Healthy interpersonal relationships, community spirit and care for one another are also part of the heritage received from previous generations, they say.
The leaders observe that this social connectedness is under threat. They refer to a time when people looked out for one another more, jointly took responsibility for their surroundings, and children were protected not only by relatives but also by other adults in the community.
According to the communiqué, it is not too late to revive these values. This must be done by listening to one another again, seeking forgiveness, sharing and taking responsibility for one another.
The leaders further warn against a contradictory approach to heritage. According to them, the government, businesses, organizations, communities and citizens cannot publicly declare that they protect heritage while simultaneously damaging it or using it for their own benefit.
“Heritage is an inheritance and not a source of annoyance,” they state. According to the leaders, Suriname’s most valuable heritage ultimately lies not in oil, stones or trees, but in the way people treat one another.
The communiqué was signed by Wilgo Ommen, chairman of the Federation of Para Plantations; granman Albert Aboikoni of the Saamaka; granman Ipomadi Pelenapin of the Wayana; granman Jimmy Toeroemang of the Trio; granman Jozef Forster; granman Leslie Valentijn of the Matawai; granman Remon Clemens of the Kwinti; granman Simeon Glunder of the Aluku; and Captain Muriel Fernandes, chairwoman of the Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs in Suriname.
