President Jennifer Simons opposes the clearing of primary rainforest for large-scale agriculture by Mennonites in Suriname’s interior. On Sunday, October 4, she said in the radio programme Welingelichte Kringen that agricultural development must take place on available agricultural land.
“It is essentially about ensuring that the primary Amazon rainforest is not cleared for large-scale agriculture. I am against that,” the head of state said. She was referring to the settlement of Mennonites in, among other places, the Tibiti region and Bantipasi.
According to Simons, alternative land is available, including in Saramacca, where agriculture can be practised without damaging the rainforest. “If there are people who want to help cultivate it, I have no objection.”
The president stated that Mennonites generally want to isolate themselves and therefore choose forest areas for settlement. She stressed that she would oppose the deforestation that accompanies this.
According to Simons, the government has ordered the Mennonites involved, by means of a bailiff’s writ, to immediately cease their agricultural and construction activities and leave the areas. Persons without valid residence status have, according to her, been handed over to the judiciary for further action.
The president further said that Mexico and Bolivia have been informed that travellers from those countries can no longer enter temporarily with a tourist card and must apply for a visa from now on. She expects greater clarity on the further approach within two to three months.
Simons also stressed that the current government has not entered into a public-private partnership with Mennonites or Braganza. Existing land allocations and contracts will, according to her, be reviewed when the conditions are not met.
“With everything within my power, I will oppose the clear-cutting of the forest and the interior,” the president said.
