The government plans to establish the Veiligheidsacademie Suriname (VAS, Suriname Security Academy) in 2027 to bring together training programmes for, among others, the police, fire brigade and prison officers. President Jennifer Simons announced this on Wednesday, September 30, during her annual address in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament). The institute is intended to contribute to better cooperation and further professionalisation of the security services.
The academy will fall under the Ministry of Justice and Security. According to Simons, the ministry’s name change, which took effect on August 3, 2026, underscores that security is a shared responsibility of the various corps and services.
By consolidating education and training, the government aims to save resources and counter fragmentation. The professionalism and integrity of officials must also be strengthened. The president stressed that employees must learn to work together already during their training.
This cooperation must lead to a security chain that can act more effectively against organised crime, cybercrime and disasters. International partnerships must support this approach. In addition, nationwide operations by special police teams are planned for 2027. Detainees will be deployed for maintenance work in the city centre as part of resocialisation.
Legal refresher training necessary
Simons also addressed the consequences of the introduction of the New Civil Code on May 1, 2025. According to her, citizens and experts were insufficiently informed about the far-reaching changes due to the brief consideration of the law.
According to the head of state, the new rules place higher demands on citizens, the judiciary, lawyers, notaries and the government. Intensive and targeted legal refresher training is therefore urgently necessary.
Strengthening of the army and monitoring of the offshore sector
Within Defence, the new leadership is focusing on rejuvenating and strengthening the Nationaal Leger. To this end, two Elementaire Algemene Opleidingen (EAO) must be provided annually.
The government is also linking investments in security and defence to the development of the oil and gas sector. Targeted resources for maritime surveillance, communication and cybersecurity must help protect offshore installations and ports.
This will involve closer cooperation between the army, the police, the Coast Guard, the Directoraat Nationale Veiligheid and customs. According to Simons, these measures must contribute to the security of citizens, protection of the rule of law and a stable investment climate.
