President Jennifer Simons called for national unity and solidarity on Saturday, October 10, during the celebration of Marron Day.
At the ceremony at the Square of October 10, 1760, she also spoke about the protection of land rights and the living environment of residents of the interior. According to the president, most of the process to establish administrative structures and demarcate territories must be completed in 2027.
According to Simons, the government is working closely with traditional authorities on this matter. The consultations must gradually lead to institutional recognition of the administrative structures. The president cited the protection of the rights and living areas of the communities as a point of attention.
During the commemoration, wreaths were laid and the Traditional Authority performed a libation. Various speakers reflected on the Maroons’ struggle for freedom and their contribution to Surinamese society.
Simons stressed that the history of Marron communities dates back further than slavery. She advocated introducing children from an early age to the African background and heritage of their ancestors.
“We must make a start in teaching our children who their ancestors were, even long before slavery,” the head of state said.
The president also called attention to talent development in the interior. According to her, children in these areas must have access to quality education equivalent to that in other parts of Suriname.
“Without unity, Suriname will not survive. Only by moving forward together and continuing dialogue can a sustainable future be built for all population groups,” Simons said.
Among those present at the ceremony were parliamentary speaker Ashwin Adhin, ministers Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communication and Tourism, Marinus Bee of Home Affairs and Miquella Huur of Regional Development, as well as several traditional authorities.
