The government wants to expand laboratory capacity in Suriname so that research into environmental pollution and health risks can be carried out more quickly within the country. President Jennifer Simons hopes that Suriname will have sufficient capacity by the end of 2027 at the latest to conduct all necessary analyses itself.
The plans were discussed on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during a meeting between President Simons and representatives of various laboratories at the Kabinet van de President.
One direct reason is the investigation into pollution of the Saramacca River. For certain analyses, samples had to be sent to laboratories abroad. According to Simons, Suriname must become less dependent on foreign research institutions.
“We want to be able to carry out all determinations here that can guarantee the safety of our people, whether it concerns testing fish and water or research involving people,” the head of state said.
Existing capacity is being inventoried
During the meeting, the Centraal Laboratorium of the Bureau voor Openbare Gezondheidszorg (BOG, Bureau of Public Health), the Veterinair Laboratorium, the Viskeuringsinstituut (VKI), the Medisch Wetenschappelijk Instituut (MWI) and the Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname (AdeKUS) presented their current activities and analytical capabilities.
Minister Patrick Brunings of Olie, Gas en Milieu said the meeting was intended to gain insight into what the laboratories are currently able to do and which expansions are needed.
“The president has brought together all laboratories to look at what we can do at this time and what the plans are to be able to carry out various analyses in the future,” Brunings explained.
The available equipment, expertise and expansion possibilities are being mapped nationwide. This includes examining the possibility of detecting cyanide and mercury in water, animals and other relevant materials.
Air-quality measurements are also part of the plans. Specific attention is being paid to possible exposure to mercury vapours at gold-buying companies.
Expansion planned for 2027
President Simons expects laboratory capacity to have expanded considerably in 2027. “Hopefully, by the end of 2027, we will be able to carry out all necessary determinations in Suriname,” she said.
In parallel with this process, the Nationale Milieu Autoriteit (NMA, National Environmental Authority) will conduct a nationwide inventory of gold-mining activities. According to the government, this inventory forms part of a broader approach to environmental problems and the mining sector.
