The Ministry of Justice and Security on Wednesday commissioned a new police outpost on Van Sommelsdijckstraat. The post is intended to provide increased police supervision and faster deployment in and around Paramaribo’s entertainment district.
The outpost was established through cooperation between the ministry, the Korps Politie Suriname (KPS, Suriname Police Force) and businesses in the area. The Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning (OWRO) also provided support.
According to the department, preliminary research was conducted into security needs in the city centre. Based on this, locations were identified where police outposts should be established. Consideration was also given to the security zone designated by President Jennifer Simons. Multiple outposts are to be set up in the area. Through this, the government aims to increase police visibility and strengthen supervision of visitors, entrepreneurs and tourists.
Sarwankoemar Kasi, representative of the regional commander, said during the opening that the new post contributes to a more visible police presence in the entertainment district. The private sector also contributed to the project. Acar Mehdé, director of Ramada Hotel Casino, indicated that businesses are willing to support initiatives aimed at improving security in the area.
Minister of Justice and Security Harish Monorath called the outpost a concrete result of public-private cooperation. According to him, security is not only a responsibility of the government and the armed services, but also of businesses and society.
According to the minister, the larger police presence should contribute to a safer entertainment area and strengthen the sense of security among citizens and tourists.
