Surinamese Parliament Engaged in Allegations of Corruption and Selective Amnesia Surinamese politicians have repeatedly been accused of forgetting or downplaying past actions while raising new allegations against former allies. Recent parliamentary debates have highlighted a pattern of selective memory and mutual accusations among the country’s major parties. — ### Allegations of Misuse of Police Vehicle Contracts Abop Member of Parliament Edgar Sampie has accused former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi of pressuring ministers to award police vehicle contracts to his friends. Sampie claims that ministers who refused to comply had their financial resources frozen, leading to a chronic shortage of functional police vehicles and a fleet of second‑ and third‑hand vehicles. Sampie portrays Abop as a powerless observer, yet the party held significant influence during the period in question. Abop controlled nearly half of the ruling coalition, including Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk, who chaired the government council weekly, and Kenneth Amoksi, who served as Minister of Justice and Police for five years. Critics argue that the silence on alleged corruption was maintained to preserve coalition stability and the party’s power. — ### Counter‑Allegations and Accusations of Drug Money VHP fractileader Asiskumar Gajadien responded to Sampie’s claims by demanding evidence. Gajadien also accused Abop of receiving drug money, a charge that has been made against several parties in Suriname. No evidence has been presented to substantiate either claim. The exchange illustrates a pattern of mutual accusations without concrete proof, a phenomenon described by observers as “political mud‑slinging.” — ### Claims of Illegal Rice Transport Pertjajah Luhur fractileader Bronto Somohardjo alleged that the VHP had sponsored illegal rice transport after the seizure of hundreds of tonnes of rice in Nieuw‑Nickerie. Somohardjo named several rice traders in his accusations. Critics note that Pertjajah Luhur has historically cooperated with the VHP, raising questions about the timing and motivation of the claim. — ### Investigation into Mennonite Refugees VHP MP Krishnakoemarie Mathoera called for a thorough investigation into the organization behind the arrival of Mennonite refugees in 2022. Mathoera, who served as Minister of Defence during the pilot project that facilitated the refugees’ entry, has been criticized for seemingly seeking an investigation into her own past actions. The call for scrutiny has been seen by some as a political maneuver rather than a genuine demand for accountability. — ### Systemic Issues in Surinamese Governance The pattern of accusations and selective memory points to broader systemic problems in Surinamese politics. Analysts note that policy continuity is often sacrificed for opportunistic gains, and that corruption and questionable procurement practices are frequently overlooked when parties remain in coalition. When coalitions break, former allies quickly turn into moral crusaders, accusing each other of corruption. NDP fractileader Rabin Parmessar has warned that such parliamentary theatrics will shame the Surinamese public, especially as citizens face rising inflation, higher living costs, and deteriorating public services. — The ongoing disputes underscore the need for transparent investigations and a commitment to accountability in Suriname’s political system.
Article source: De Ware Tijd | Image credit: De Ware Tijd