SURINAME NATIONAL DAY

From:  CIA World Factbook

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Suriname National Day Message
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 20, 2012

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Suriname as you celebrate 37 years of independence this November 25.

Our two countries share a rich tradition of cultural and religious diversity that is a foundation for a stronger future. Your efforts to preserve your natural resources and environment are setting an example for others. Through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, our two countries are increasing security for the people of the region, strengthening democracy, rule of law and transparent government, and expanding the circle of human rights.

I wish you a happy, safe, and prosperous independence day as you enjoy some of Suriname’s festivities held for the first time in Nickerie, and honor your country’s heritage during the annual parade.

　

Locator Map Credit:  CIA World Factbook

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
First explored by the Spaniards in the 16th century and then settled by the English in the mid-17th century, Suriname became a Dutch colony in 1667. With the abolition of slavery in 1863, workers were brought in from India and Java. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Five years later the civilian government was replaced by a military regime that soon declared a socialist republic. It continued to exert control through a succession of nominally civilian administrations until 1987, when international pressure finally forced a democratic election. In 1990, the military overthrew the civilian leadership, but a democratically elected government - a four-party coalition - returned to power in 1991. The coalition expanded to eight parties in 2005 and ruled until August 2010, when voters returned former military leader Desire BOUTERSE and his opposition coalition to power.

　

U.S.-SURINAME RELATIONS

Map Credit:  U.S. State Department.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
U.S.-SURINAME RELATIONS

Suriname is a valued U.S. partner in working to advance key priorities of both countries. Since the reestablishment of a democratic, elected government in 1991, the United States has maintained positive and mutually beneficial relations with Suriname based on the principles of democracy, respect for human rights, rule of law, and civilian authority over the military. Together the two countries promote democracy and stand up for human rights; enhance the security and prosperity of the region through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative; and help build a stronger and brighter future for all their people through youth empowerment initiatives.


U.S. Assistance to Suriname
To further strengthen civil society and bolster democratic institutions, the U.S. has provided training to military officers and policymakers to promote a better understanding of the role of the military in a civilian government, as well as to improve the professional capabilities of its officers and senior personnel. To assist Suriname in the fight against drugs and associated criminal activity, the U.S. has provided support such as training Surinamese anti-drug squads, police uniform patrol, military police, and customs officials. The U.S. and Suriname also have significant partnerships in fighting trafficking in persons and money laundering.

Since 2000, the U.S. has donated a criminal records database to the police as well as computers, vehicles, and radio equipment. Projects through which the U.S. has supported the judicial system include case management and computer hardware donations. Along with training projects, these programs have led to a strong relationship with law enforcement entities in Suriname. The U.S. also provides assistance and training for disaster preparedness and mitigation as well as significant support for humanitarian aid projects. Peace Corps Suriname works with the national government and local and national groups to encourage healthy lifestyles and sound business practices in the interior and districts of Suriname.

Suriname is densely forested, and increased interest in large-scale commercial logging and mining in Suriname's interior have raised environmental concerns. The U.S. Forest Service, the Smithsonian Institution, and numerous non-governmental environmental organizations have promoted technical cooperation with the Surinamese Government to prevent destruction of the country's tropical rain forest, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. U.S. experts have worked closely with local natural resource officials to encourage sustainable development of the interior and alternatives such as ecotourism.

Bilateral Economic Relations
Suriname's efforts in recent years to liberalize its economic policy created new possibilities for U.S. exports and investments. The U.S. remains one of Suriname's principal trading partners, largely due to ALCOA's longstanding investment in Suriname's bauxite mining and processing industry. Several U.S. corporations, represented by Surinamese firms, are active in Suriname, largely in the mining, consumer goods, and service sectors. Principal U.S. exports to Suriname include chemicals, vehicles, machine parts, meat, and wheat. U.S. consumer products are increasingly available through Suriname's many trading companies. Opportunities for U.S. exporters, service companies, and engineering firms probably will expand over the next decade. Suriname is looking to U.S. and other foreign investors to assist in the commercial development of its vast natural resources and to help finance infrastructure improvements.

Suriname's Membership in International Organizations
Following independence from the Netherlands in 1975, Suriname became a member of the United Nations. In recent years, the country has focused on bolstering its regional relationships. Suriname and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the Organization of American States, Inter-American Development Bank, UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.