Residents of Sunnypoint blok 2 presented a petition to De Nationale Assemblée (DNA, Suriname’s parliament) on Thursday, October 29, 2026, drawing attention to their safety and the uncertainty surrounding their housing situation. According to the residents, families who have lived in the area for many years are being confronted with intimidation and threats by persons claiming the land. They fear that the situation will escalate further and are asking parliament to intervene urgently.
The residents drew parliament’s attention to their concerns by jointly singing the Surinamese national anthem and then presenting their petition. In the document, which was read out by Alex Sampi, they describe the problems faced by the community.
According to the petition, many families settled in Sunnypoint blok 2 from the year 2000 onwards due to the continuing housing shortage. Despite the complex legal status of the plots, they have built homes with their own resources and made the land habitable in recent years.
The residents state that they have thereby built a peaceful residential community, but that their livelihood security is now under pressure.
Residents speak of serious threats
According to the petition’s submitters, the situation has deteriorated in recent times because persons and groups from outside the neighbourhood are claiming the land. These persons are said to be attempting to drive the current residents from the plots through aggression, verbal intimidation and physical threats.
The residents speak of an untenable situation in which families live in constant fear. They are particularly concerned about the safety of children and elderly people.
The allegations of intimidation and threats come from the residents. The petition does not indicate whether a report has been filed or what legal claims the external parties involved have to the land.
Call for legalisation and protection
Through the petition, the residents ask parliament to use its constitutional and oversight powers to urge the relevant government agencies into action.
They want the ministries of Grondbeleid en Bosbeheer (GBB, Land Policy and Forest Management) and Justitie en Veiligheid (Justice and Security) to take measures to guarantee safety in the area and provide clarity on land rights.
One of the main requests is the establishment of a process for administrative organisation and phased legalisation of residents who qualify.
In addition, the residents advocate consultations between the government, the current residents and persons who also claim the land. Through such a dialogue, they hope to prevent further escalation and possible forced evictions.
The residents have also offered to submit a detailed registration list of the affected families to parliament. They are furthermore prepared to receive a parliamentary delegation in Sunnypoint blok 2, so that the representatives can assess the situation on site.
Parliament promises to give issue attention
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Ronald Pansa expressed the hope that the petition will not only be heard, but will also lead to concrete measures. According to the group, it is necessary to guarantee both legal certainty and public order and safety in the neighbourhood.
DNA Chairman Michael Adhin stressed at the reception that parliament is the house of the people. He indicated that DNA will make efforts when intervention and mediation are necessary.
A copy of the petition was also handed to Bronto Somohardjo, chairman of the standing parliamentary committee for the Ministry of GBB. Somohardjo acknowledged that the matter deserves attention and promised that it will be discussed in committee.
DNA members Rossellie Cotino, Steven Reyme, Dorothy Hoever, Ivanildo Plein, Silvana Afonsoewa and Ronny Asabina were also present at the handover.
For the time being, it is not known when the parliamentary committee will address the matter and what concrete measures the ministries involved will take. The residents hope that clarity will soon be provided on their legal position and the protection of their families.
