Suriname – Sell Off – video
Deep in the jungles of South America, the culture of escaped slaves has been preserved for over three centuries. But their unique heritage is now being threatened by developers.
The former Dutch colony of Suriname is home to the largest undisturbed expanse of tropical rainforest and the highest number of ethnic groups in the world. “You have the indigenous people, the bushnegroe cultures. It’s a unique and wonderful mix that is not found anywhere else,” explains Russel Mittermeier from Conservation International.
But with 70% of the population living below the poverty line, the government is considering selling forest land to developers. “Our government has put our forest out for sale,” laments resident Cornelly Olivera. But indigenous people see themselves as the legal owners of the forests and are determined to fight all developments.
Entry submitted by Dmitri Allicock.
Comments
Is selling out the land and virgin forests to overseas business magnets the answer to our dealing with Poverty in Suriname. If 70% of the population is under the poverty line, then we must examine these parameters responsible for the creation of poverty in the first place.
The Politics of Suriname has been unstable since the overthrow of President Sharma some 20 years ago by the now Preside Desi Bourtese. The rich Indians fled to Holland with all their wealth and were accepted as Investors. The running never ceased and up to this day and the only people who are feeling the pinch is the poorest of the poor. Today investors are coming in and have placed their eyes on the exploration for Oil in Suriname. If the amelioration of Poverty is to come then the Desi presidency must look at the UN declaration on the Mellineum Development Goals which 148 other members of the UN grouping signed. This is the surest and most possible way of ameliorating the lives of the poor and suffering humanity.
Suriname never knew a President Sharma…..