The United States is making an additional US$3 million available to further expand cooperation with Suriname in the field of security. The funds are intended, among other things, for additional equipment for the Korps Politie Suriname (KPS), training for law enforcement officers and strengthening the approach to transnational organised crime.
De U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Rosalyn Wiese and Minister Harish Monorath of Justice and Security have signed an amended cooperation agreement for this purpose. It concerns an expansion of the existing arrangements within the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a U.S. programme aimed at strengthening security in the Caribbean region.
Implementation of the programme is in the hands of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), which is part of the U.S. Department of State.
Additional support for police and justice
With the additional funding, the United States aims to further strengthen the operational capacity of the Surinamese police. In addition to the delivery of equipment, investments are being made in professional training for officials tasked with law enforcement.
Institutional capacity must also be increased in order to combat transnational organised crime more effectively.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the expansion builds on results previously achieved within the cooperation. The KPS has already received new equipment and more than 80 officials have completed training.
Cooperation against international crime
Chargé d’Affaires Wiese emphasises that the additional funding reflects the strong relationship between the two countries.
According to her, concrete results have already been achieved this year through the delivery of police equipment and training for Surinamese officials. The expansion of the agreement is intended to contribute to the further approach to criminal networks which, she says, pose a threat to both Suriname and the United States.
The United States indicates that it will continue cooperation with Suriname and other regional partners through the CBSI. The focus is on combating transnational crime, strengthening regional security and promoting safer communities.
