Destroying illegal airstrips in Suriname’s interior is insufficient to effectively combat organised crime, according to former Defence Minister Krishna Mathoera. She believes the authorities should focus primarily on the criminal organisations and individuals behind these activities.
Mathoera addressed the issue of illegal airstrips in the interior on Regio TV’s programme Aan Tafel. Reference was made to recent statements by President Jennifer Simons on the need to tackle these airstrips. According to Mathoera, the problem also existed during her time as Defence Minister.
She stressed that destroying illegal runways can only be one part of a broader approach. “You do not tackle organised crime solely by destroying illegal airstrips,” she said. According to the former minister, strong international cooperation is necessary to gain insight into the composition and methods of criminal organisations.
She believes Suriname should work with other countries to investigate which individuals are part of these networks and how the main actors can be tackled. Mathoera therefore advocates a systematic approach that exposes the structure of criminal organisations. If only illegal airstrips are destroyed, she said, the consequences of organised crime are being addressed rather than the organisations behind it.
The former minister believes the fight against organised crime must be supported by political will, sufficient logistical resources, international cooperation and adequate monitoring mechanisms.
