Baasaron stated on Wednesday, ahead of the meeting of the Raad van Ministers (Council of Ministers), that violations of import regulations have, in his view, become a habit over the years. “People have now become accustomed to breaking the law and bringing prohibited substances into the country,” he said.
According to the minister, this has created a culture in which legal regulations governing the importation of certain products are not observed. He stressed that the government wants to put an end to this.
Importation of Jin Chan restricted
As an example, Baasaron cited the importation of Jin Chan, a toxic substance for which, according to him, an import permit is required. Due to the uncontrolled importation of the product, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has decided to temporarily halt imports.
According to the minister, large quantities of Jin Chan were shipped to Suriname in containers. There was insufficient clarity about the grounds on which the Nationale Milieu Autoriteit (NMA, National Environmental Authority) had reportedly issued a favourable recommendation for the importation of six to eight containers of the substance.
According to Baasaron, there were also several unanswered questions about the use and processing of Jin Chan. It was unclear why the importer needed such large quantities, where the substance was stored, who was responsible for its transport and how much of it was actually used.
In addition, according to the minister, there was no clarity on how the toxic substance is neutralised after use.
“If the substance is not neutralised, it will cause a great deal of damage to nature,” Baasaron warned.
Government seeks greater control over imports
The minister said he had discussed the situation and the potential risks with President Geerlings-Simons. Following those consultations, the head of state decided to impose a temporary import ban on Jin Chan.
According to Baasaron, the government will further assess existing import practices and take measures to enable greater control and oversight. “Matters will therefore be mapped out and there will be some order,” the minister said.
