Coronie must become more attractive to young people by modernising agriculture, stimulating local production and offering targeted vocational training. President Jennifer Simons said this on Saturday, October 10, during the official commemoration of 175 years of Coronie. Unity, the preservation of the district’s history and investments in facilities were also central.
In October 1851, the then Oppernickerie was separated from Nickerie and, under the name Coronie, was granted the status of an independent district. The name is linked to the former military post Corona near the Coronakreek.
During the commemoration, Simons pointed to the district’s rich agricultural history and the potential of products such as coconut oil and honey. According to her, there are also opportunities in tourism and the cosmetics sector. Making use of those opportunities should help counter ageing and the departure of young people. “Coronie is a fine example of showing that development does not come only from the city. The task is to make Coronie attractive again,” the president said.
Training for new economic opportunities
In addition to agriculture and food security, Simons spoke about possible maritime and offshore developments off the coast of Coronie, including the possible construction of a port. According to her, such developments could bring major changes to the district.
To enable the local population to benefit from this, the head of state advocated targeted lower, secondary and higher vocational education in Coronie. This should allow young people to acquire the skills needed in, among other sectors, construction and production.
Museum to preserve district history
District Commissioner Eric Boldewijn called on residents to embrace unity, mutual respect and the restoration of matters that have been neglected. He also reflected on initiatives for a local museum, where Coronie’s history can be preserved and made accessible.
Boldewijn is collecting historical documents and books for this purpose, including material on the first agricultural bank and newspapers from 1917. Through this, he aims to record the district’s history for future generations.
Parliamentarian Leroy Doorson stressed that history gives the district its roots, but that targeted development determines the future. He called for concrete investments in education, reliable healthcare and entrepreneurship, alongside the responsible use of natural resources. According to Doorson, this requires decisiveness, clear policy and close cooperation between the government and the community.
