The Ministry of Public Works (OW) and the Ministry of Justice and Police (JusPol) successfully completed the second installment of their logistics fleet transfer on Thursday, June 19. In a solemn ceremony at the OW premises on Duisburg Avenue, 36 pickup trucks were formally handed over to the Corps of Penitentiary Officers (KPA), the Corps of Fire Brigade Suriname (KBS) and the Security and Assistance Service Suriname (BBS).
Also, about four vehicles went on temporary loan to the Ministry of Defense. These assets will be used operationally for patrols and interventions, said Bies Somai, director of Operational Services at JusPol. He stressed the importance of a strict maintenance and usage protocol to ensure operational reliability and prevent misuse.
From the Ministry of Defense, Deputy Director of Materiel & Logistics Joeri Kasandiredjo expressed gratitude for the increased mobility capability. "With this enhancement, we can more effectively carry out our core tasks - from border control to disaster response. Discipline and dedication remain our guiding principles in this regard," he stated.
According to Sergio Kadossoe, Director of Research and Services at OW, this transfer fits seamlessly with President Chandrikapersad Santokhi's broader security program. An investment of US$2.9 million has been realized in this phase, bringing the total number of transferred assets to 94 vehicles and 20 motorcycles.
Kadossoe reported that the government is making ongoing efforts to provide operational units with adequate transportation resources. A subsequent round of transfers is not ruled out, provided policy space and positive evaluation results warrant it.
