23RD ANNIVERSARY OF SURINAME'S INDEPENDANCE A HUGE SUCCESS
Yesterday it was evident that the Suriname people had put their cares away for a day and defying
their leaders who had advised them not to take part in the celebrations had done just that.
Thousands flocked the streets. There were activities at the Presidential Palace, The Palmgardens,
street parties in and around the Torarica area and along the waterfront. The activities that had
started in the early morning with a National Parade of the armed forces and the Anniversary
speech of the President continued throughout the day and long into the evening with a spectacular
fire work display as the rhythum of the South South West Band added the extra spice to the
closing of this wonderful day. In his address to the Nation on the occasion of its 23rd
Independance celebration the President announced that he was willing to hold discussions with
both the Opposition and the Unions to try and bring about a solution that would bring back the
peace in the community.He further disclosed that Suriname was granted a U$30 million loan from
the IDB which was part of the loan of U$80 million that Suriname had asked for.
SURALCO AND BILLITON STOPS DOLLARS TRANSFER TO THE CENTRALE
BANK
The Bauxite companies of Billiton and Suralco have decided not to continue their monthly
transfer of dollars to the Central Bank and the State Suriname until they can get a better rate of
X-change than the present 396. From reports we gather that these companies that transfer around
10 million U$Dollars on a monthly basis to the Central Bank have called upon the Government
and the CBvS to do something about the present rate because it was costing them heavy loses.
The industry has suffered an U$11 million loss last year because of the unrealistic rate. In a letter
to the Central bank both companies has advised of their intentions to stop transferring dollars until
a better rate was given them. The monthly transfers of dollars to cover the salaries will continue.
This action by the bauxite companies will drastically effect the State's house-keeping. By keeping
the rate of 396 for the production sector the State was able to gain cheap dollars to use in
financing the costs of new cars for members of the government, the Health sector and the
educational sector were also able to make use of the cheap dollars. Now that the government has
given the rice sector a better rate the bauxite industry would also like to be treated the same.
ADVISOR OF STATE DESI BOUTERSE INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENT
Advisor of State , Desi Bouterse, who was on his way back from a visit to Apoera, was injured in
a car accident late tuesday afternoon. The car in which Mr Bouterse was travelling turned over. It
has been reported that Mr Bouterse, his driver and bodyguard, also assembly member Fraklin
Jong, had to be sent to the nearest hospital for treatment. According to reports another car
travelling on the same road got a sudden blow out which caused the accident. Iwan Graanoogst
who has spoken to the victims reported that they were all out of danger.