Chief of Police Bryan Isaacs has been relieved as chief of police of the Suriname Police Force effective immediately, the Communications Department reports. He has been temporarily placed with the ministry, with further deployment in consultation with the head of state. Commissioner Melvin Pinas will take charge as acting chief of police while the appointment process for a successor is initiated.
The European Union remains a reliable partner, EU Ambassador René van Nes informed during an interview with the Vice President. Themes such as fisheries and aviation regulation are central to continued cooperation.
With the swearing in of Dirk Currie as Minister of Education, Science and Culture, the cabinet is complete. President Simons emphasized that education is the foundation for national development and called for interdepartmental cooperation to shape a future-proof education system. Currie underscored his commitment to values of freedom, respect and justice in carrying out his office.
Minister Adelien Wijnerman (Finance & Planning) is installing an independent assessment team led by macroeconomist Robert Peneux. Together with Liane Halfhide, Sherida Mormon and Vincent Fernandes, this team will conduct a thorough review of the internal organization, payment flows, project financing and public debt. In doing so, Halfhide and Peneux were formally mandated as of Aug. 1 to coordinate and monitor the vice president of finance and vice president of treasury, respectively. This move should lead to more efficient governance and greater transparency in state finances.
Minister Harish Monorath (Justice & Police) has questioned Chief of Police Bryan Isaacs about the missing funds and jewelry at the Narcotics Brigade and a misappropriated amount of over SRD 1 million at Munder Police Station. Two inspectors have been taken into custody; the investigation is of a criminal and disciplinary nature and falls in part under the Prosecutor's Office.
Fifteen new members of the State Council will also be sworn in today by President Simons. This advisory board, which reviews bills, includes representatives from all parliamentary groups, the business community (ASFA, VSB) and the trade union movement (PWO, Mother's Union). The NDP provides four members, the VHP two, while ABOP, NPS, BEP, PL and A20 hold one seat each. The VHP has objected to the disproportionate distribution of seats, but so far to no avail.
On the diplomatic front, Chinese Ambassador Lin Ji confirmed during a visit to Vice President Russia that Chinese infrastructure projects are continuing unabated. China sees many growth opportunities in Suriname and wants to attract new investments. Vice President Russia assured that his government is handling this trust carefully.
