SMALL SHOP-OWNERS INCREASE PRICES BASIC GOODS

The association of small-shop owners held a meeting on Friday evening to discuss the latest developments in the prices for basic goods. According to the shop owners, they have not yet received any word from the government as yet about an increase of the prices for basic goods but the importers from whom they buy have already increased their prices leaving them with no other choice but to increase theirs also. On Staurday the prices went up between 78 and 100 percent for sugar and soya oil. Another matter that was brought up was the fact that of the 40 basic goods only a few were to be had in the shops. The suspicion that the goods are being smuggled out of the country and are being sold for more outside is very strong. Also the street vendors (husslers) are said to be in possession of these goods which they sell for exorbitant prices at the Central Market. Importer Kalipdewsing (Combe Market) reported that of the 40 goods that were on the governments list he only imported 4 and he was sure that only 12 of the 40 were imported because of the small profit margin on these goods.

From today Telesur will increase its tariffs for subscriptions as well as per minute. The subscription costs went up today from F 300 to US$ 2 and the price per minute for the first 100 minutes 0.04 dollar cents after which the cost is 0.08 dollar cents per minute. This is just the begining. From the first of July the price for subscriptions will be US$ 3 while in October it is expected to be US$ 5. The company explained that these measures had to be taken if the company was to survive the competition and the liberalization of the sector. There are no more reserves and the situation before 1997 has been changed. Until 1997 the International calls susidized the local calls but this can no longer take place since the company had to cut the costs of the International calls by half leaving no room to further subsidize the local calls.

SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED FROM TODAY

This decission was made by the CLO, the BVD and the FOLS on Friday during a joint meeting of the groups. Parents have been asked to keep their childeren at home because the teachers will no longer attend schools. The former actions of working until 11:00 is no longer in force. Government workers have also been instructed to report to the CLO-Centrum at nine in the morning for further information and not to report for work as was done in the past. Measures will be taken to close all schools that remain open today and also government workers who are not carrying out actions will be compelled to do so. Robby Naarendorp Chairman of the FOLS stated that people with another agenda will not be allowed to interrupt these actions. The Unions hope that everyone will show some consideration for the fight of the workers and the teachers.

GOLD, BAUXITE AND OIL ARE THE THREE PILLARS ON WHICH THE SURINAME ECONOMY SHOULD STAND.

US Ambassador Dennis Hayes has stated that Gold, Bauxite and Oil are the three sectors on which the Suriname economy should stand. If this was done in the proper way it would help Suriname set up a stable industry sector. This was the ambassador's opinion after having spoken with different politicians during the 2 years he has lived in this country. Even though there is a drop in the prices for these products on the world market at present, Suriname should be prepared to make the best of it when the prices begin to rise. The Ambassador pointed out that the Bauxite sector has always functioned well in Suriname. Oil has an enormous potential and Gold if the government brings order in that sector it will be able to form the third foot of development. The Ambassador stated further that no table or chair or economy could stand on two feet and this is why the Suriname economy has not been able to get off the ground. According to the Ambassador more than 100 American business men and politicians have visited Suriname during the past year. Many investors however have been put off by the fact that there is no Investing Law, the Mine code and the safeguarding of interlectual ownerships rights. This according to Hayes should be better looked into if Surinmae wanted to attract outside investors

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