December 9, 1998
For many Surinamers the date DECEMBER 08 will always be a day of sad rememberance. Even
at the height of the Xmas season this day continues to throw a curtain of gloom over Suriname.
16 years later, family and friends who have lost their loved ones on that dark day in December 16
years ago when 15 members of our community were picked up and brutally murdered are still
waiting for an answer to what is talked of here and afar as Suriname's darkest mystery. Many
efforts to get answers and to get the government to bring those responsible for this before a Court
of Law have been made by the families of the deceased but to no avail. Governments have come
and gone but so far none have been able to lift the veil of mystery and bring about an end to the
frustrations and uncertainties that will live on in the hearts of the people until this mystery has
been solved. People's Rights Oraganization Moiwana '86 has stated in a press report that they are
still of the opinion that an investigation followed by legal procedures is the only just response in a
constitution worth its name. Yesterday a multi-religious service was held in Fort Zeelandia where
family, friends and many members of the community had gathered to pray for forgiveness and
atonement.
The meeting that was to take place between the leaders of the CLO and President Jules
Wijdenbosch has been called off by Wijdenbosch because CLO's Secretary - general Ronald
Hooghart was present. The CLO were informed that the President did not wish to meet with
Hooghart because of his negative and insulting attitude towards members of the government. The
CLO persisted in having their secretary- general present which resulted in the meeting being
cancelled. Andy Rusland, from the Cabinet of the President has announced that the government is
always ready to talk with the CLO but does not find it suitable at this time to have Hooghart
present at the meeting.
The Europian Investing Bank EIB have okayed a loan for Staatsolie in Luxenburg yesterday for
the sum of 4 million ecu (5 million US dollars). This money will be used to lay a pipeline between
the refinary at Tout lui Fautand the Suralco's complex at Paranam. The Bauxite company is the
Oil company's largest customer. The State has stood guaranty for this loan. This loan was granted
with a soft interest of 4-6 percent and the possibility of not having to pay for the first 3 years, but
it should be paid off in 12 years. The interest and payments will be done monthly. Staatsolie had
asked for US$ 10 million for this project.
Two members of the Peace Corps have been called back from Marijkedorp after having been
ordered to leave the village by Captain Henri Zaalman who accused them of being CIA agents.
For the villagers it was clear that the Captain wanted them out for another reason. The two
unfortunates were the victims of a village dispute that has divided this small village of less than
100 inhabitants in two camps for the past year. Eddie Stice, country director of the Peace Corps
has confirmed the return of the two to Paramaribo, he said that the two were not only operating in
Marijkedorp but also in Pierrekondre and surrounding areas. After leaving the village the two
began building a house in the vacinity of Albina , this too was not acceptable so they had no other
choice but to withdraw from the area. This matter is now in the hands of the Ministry of Regional
development.