PARAMARIBO— The U.S. Embassy in collaboration with the Bureau of Overseas Building Operation’s Art in Embassies program is pleased to announce the visit of U.S. artist Sibylle Szaggars-Redford to Suriname.  Ms. Szaggars-Redford has been commissioned to create a series of pieces for the new U.S. Embassy which will open this fall. From May 3 to …

Today, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released the 2015 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.  The report for Suriname can be found here .  Read the full text of the report here . This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, also known as the Human Rights Report (HRR).  …

The U.S. Embassy in Suriname announces the visit of Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas Senior Fellow Jeffrey Soule as part of its Earth Week program.During his visit, Mr. Soule will conduct a workshop, “Planning for a Sustainable Suriname,” on Tuesday, April 19 at Anton de Kom University of Suriname.  The workshop will bring …

PARAMARIBO— At-risk youth in Suriname are benefiting significantly from the United States Government’s USAID-funded Kari Yu Youth Development and Juvenile Justice Program, implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation.  Today, more than 100 youth graduated from the Kari Yu program, equipped with life skills and vocational training.  The new skills the graduates have acquired from …

U.S. Embassy and Cultural Center of Suriname renew Memorandum of Understanding; Open House to be held February 4, 2016 PARAMARIBO—U.S. Ambassador Edwin R. Nolan and Chair of the Board of the Cultural Center of Suriname Ms. Nadia Becker renewed the memorandum of understanding Tuesday morning, January 26, for the housing of the American Corner Paramaribo …

PARAMARIBO—The U.S. Embassy in Suriname and the American Corner are organizing an Environmental Film Festival beginning January 28 and running through February 26, 2016.  Public viewings are scheduled for Friday evenings, beginning January 29 and running for five weeks though February 26.  Additionally, special school viewings for junior high school (VOJ) and high school (VOS) …

Today, I had the honor of presenting my credentials to the President of the Republic of Suriname.  The reception was consistent with the warm hospitality that my wife Patricia and I have enjoyed since taking our first steps onto the tarmac at Johan Adolf Pengel Airport on December 9.  We have been impressed by the …

The U.S. Embassy Paramaribo Public Affairs Section is pleased to announce that limited funding is available through the Public Affairs Small Grants program to support activities that promote U.S.-Suriname bilateral relations in the following four priority areas: Increase entrepreneurship and economic prosperity; maximize economic growth and bilateral trade, tourism, and investment, especially among youth and …

The U.S. Embassy in collaboration with the Bureau of Overseas Building Operation’s Art in Embassies program is pleased to announce the visit of sculptor and professor Foon Sham to Suriname. Foon Sham is Professor of Art at the University of Maryland, College Park. He joined the Department of Art in 1993. He received a Bachelor …

U.S. Ambassador to Suriname Edwin R. Nolan presented a copy of his credentials this morning to Minister of Foreign Affairs Niermala Badrising.  The two met for 30 minutes, accompanied by members of their staff, and both expressed their eagerness to cooperate on areas of mutual interest. The deposit of copy credentials with the Ministry of …

By 1st Lt. Chad Carlson, SDNG Public Affairs Office PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Three members of the South Dakota National Guard spent two days in Suriname, the state’s South American partner nation, Aug. 26-27, as part of a series of recent subject matter expert exchanges focusing on disaster response best practices. The Guardsmen met with leadership …

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – In order to expand their capability to face transnational threats such as organized crime and illicit trafficking, Suriname military officials welcomed a group of United States Small Boat Operations Coast Guard instructors for a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), 10-21 August 2015. Operating from Marine Base BOXEL, 14 members of the Surinamese …

By 1st Lt. Chad Carlson, SDNG Public Affairs Office RAPID CITY, S.D. – Members of Suriname’s Defense Forces were in the Black Hills taking part in a subject matter expert exchange with the South Dakota National Guard focusing on disaster relief and emergency operations, July 27 to Aug. 1. The most recent exchange gave the …

By Jay N. Anania, U.S. Ambassador to Suriname PARAMARIBO – More than 20 million people today are trapped in human trafficking, also called modern slavery.  It is a crime that happens almost everywhere and affects virtually everyone.  Yet many still think of human trafficking as an issue affecting only other people, in other countries.  The …

By Jay N. Anania, U.S. Ambassador to Suriname As part of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we in the United States mark June 8 as Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  On this day, events are held in U.S. cities to encourage Caribbean-American and Caribbean-born individuals to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved.  It is also …

The U.S. Embassy congratulates the Surinamese people on completing the democratic voting process that we observed in yesterday’s elections.  It was heartening to witness the enthusiasm with which Surinamese voters participated in the electoral process which will ultimately choose their next government. The Independent Elections Bureau (OKB) did a credible job of ensuring Surinamese could …

Members of the South Dakota National Guard and Suriname military participated in a pair of subject matter expert exchanges in April to share information on best practices for field leadership and the handling of hazardous materials. Three members of the Suriname Defense Force met with more than a dozen SDNG Soldiers and Airmen in Rapid …

In an important symbol of our enduring friendship with Suriname, U.S. Ambassador to Suriname Jay N. Anania, participated in a topping out ceremony for the new U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo today.  Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Michiel Raafenberg, represented the Government of Suriname at the ceremony and helped christen the new …

In honor of International Women’s Week, two members of the South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) conducted a subject matter expert exchange with 22 of their Surinamese counterparts on the challenges facing women in the military and new opportunities available to female soldiers.  Major Kathy Dirk and Master Sergeant Shelly Reeder of the SDNG held meetings …

Subject Matter Experts from the South Dakota National Guard traveled to Suriname to discuss infectious disease mitigation measures and the protocol for use of personal protective equipment – PPE – with local first responders, medical providers, and defense force personnel.  This exchange supported the donation of PPE in November 2014 to the National Coordination Center …

On Thursday, January 15, the U.S. Embassy donated laptops, iPads, and other computer equipment to the Suriname Police Force (KPS).  The equipment will be used by the Narcotics Interdiction Unit and the Forensics Unit to assist in criminal investigations. U.S. Ambassador to Suriname Jay Anania handed over the equipment to Chief of Police Tjin Liep …

On January 14, the U.S. Secretary of State released the FY 2014 Fiscal Transparency Report.  The Report assesses whether governments that receive U.S. assistance meet minimum requirements of fiscal transparency.  The Department’s assessments evaluate the substantial completeness, reliability, and public availability of budget documents, as well as the transparency of natural resource extraction contracting and …

Jane Dennison, the U.S. Department of State’s Mercury Program Officer, visited Suriname on December 15-19.  Dr. Dennison works in the Office of Environmental Quality and Trans-boundary Issues in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.  Jane was accompanied by Anil Sookdeo from the Global Environmental Facility, and Dr. Paul Cordy of the …

On December 9, 2014, the U.S.-Suriname Open Skies Agreement entered into force.  This agreement has the potential to strengthen and expand trade and tourism links between the United States and Suriname to the benefit of businesses, tourists, and other travelers.  It will enable expanded air service, more choice to passengers, and encourage price competition by …

Sixty-six years ago, on December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a remarkable document:  the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Drafted by many people with very different legal and cultural backgrounds, it outlined, for the first time in an international declaration, fundamental freedoms and human rights to be protected for “all members of …

By John Kerry This week we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first Summit of the Americas, hosted by President Clinton in Miami, a city that exemplifies the vital connections between the United States and its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere.  As we look toward the seventh Summit of the Americas next April in Panama, …

The 2014 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released Monday, finds the number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by eight percent to a record high of 886,052 students in the 2013/14 academic year, confirming once again that the United States remains the destination of choice for higher …

On Friday, November 14, 2014, 80 young men and women graduated from the Kari Yu! program, which is funded through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The graduation, which took place at the Olympic House, was the closing of a comprehensive basic life skills and pre-employment training program.  The Kari Yu! program provides …

U.S. Marine General John Kelly, Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), concluded a two-day visit to Suriname on November 6 by visiting several Surinamese military installations and transferring a donation of 1,000 personal protective suits to the National Coordination Center for Disaster Response (NCCR).  The Commander’s visit highlights the ongoing cooperation and friendship between the …

The United States Government, through the Department of Defense (DOD), recently delivered three shipping containers of supplies, valued at over $250,000, to the National Coordination Center for Disaster Response (NCCR).  The purpose of this delivery was to enhance the NCCR’s ability to respond to and mitigate the effects of natural and man-made disasters on the …

The U.S. Embassy Paramaribo held a signing ceremony on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 to award grants under the PEPFAR Small Grants Program. The recipients of the 2014 PEPFAR Small Grants were the Suriname Business Coalition Against HIV & AIDS, Medical Mission Primary Health Care Suriname, and Foundation Liefdevolle Handen. Ambassador Anania signed the agreements with …

By Spc. Donald Williams – 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota National Guard hosted three key leaders from the Suriname Armed Forces at Camp Rapid, July 10-14, to share information on the structure and operational processes of the National Guard as a reserve force. The purpose of the Surinamers’ …

Suriname America Alumni Association (SAAA) steering committee members and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Virginia Elliott donated books to VOJ Atjoni on Tuesday, July 15.  School Director Dhr. Jozefzoon and Onderdirecteur Atipa received the delegation and accepted the donation on behalf of the school.  The school is the first organization to receive books from the …

In the words of U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry, “we find perhaps no greater threat to human dignity, no greater assault on basic freedom, than the evil of human trafficking.” With more than 20 million people estimated to be victimized around the world by this 150 billion dollar criminal industry (according to the …

Seven South Dakota National Guard women joined Suriname’s Ministry of Defense Leadership conference for women in uniform May 12 -14.  They participated as part of the State Partnership Program Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).  Their visit furthered the South Dakota National Guard’s efforts to work together with Suriname on areas of mutual concern to women …

On May 7, 2014, representatives from government, private sector, youth, civil society partners and USAID/Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) Staff met to establish a technical advisory committee.  Ambassador Jay Anania, Minister of Labor Technological Development and Environment Michael Miskin, KARI YU! Program Director Carlo Arze, and former Managing Director of Staatsolie Eddy Jharap attended the …

In a signing ceremony on March 7, 2014, Charge d’Affaires Valerie Belon and Cultural Center of Suriname Chair Nadia Becker renewed the memorandum of understanding between the two organizations, which established the American Corner at CCS.  The ceremony took place in the American Corner, which is located at the Cultural Center of Suriname (above the …

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the visit of expert journalist Bill Gentile to Suriname May 5 – 9, 2014.  Bill Gentile is an independent journalist and documentary filmmaker teaching at American University in Washington, DC.  His career spans three decades, five continents and nearly every facet of journalism and mass communication, most especially …

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce a photo and video contest in honor of expert journalist Bill Gentile’s visit to Suriname and World Press Freedom Day.  Bill Gentile is an independent journalist and documentary filmmaker teaching at American University in Washington, DC.  His career spans three decades, five continents and nearly every facet of …

The U.S. Embassy and PROJEKTA are pleased to announce the visit of millennial writer, filmmaker, and storyteller, David Burstein from April 24-26, 2014.  Burstein will lead workshops and discussions with various youth organizations, young aspiring politicians, and youth participation mechanisms in Paramaribo to share his experience motivating young voters and his perspectives on civic engagement …

In verband met de U.S. National Library Week, die loopt van 13 – 19 april, en om lezen als basis voor educatie te stimuleren, organiseert de Amerikaanse Ambassade in samenwerking met de Suriname America Alumni Association – SAAA – een book drive. De book drive is gepland voor zaterdag 19 april van 08:00 uur – …

On April 14, two Ohio State Police Officers kicked off the first of two, week-long courses on Ethics in Policing for five police instructors and 65 Korps Politie Suriname (KPS) police officers from all over Suriname.  The U.S. Embassy is funding the training through the Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement. …

U.S. Ambassador Jay N. Anania and Korps Politie Suriname (KPS) Chief Humphrey Tjin Liep Shie officially inaugurated the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) at the Nieuw Haven Police Station on April 8.  The system was funded by the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and is part of U.S. efforts to assist Suriname as it builds capacity …

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that it is accepting proposals for the 2014 PEPFAR Small Grants Program.  The PEPFAR Small Grants Program (PSGP) is part of the Caribbean Regional Partnership Framework against HIV/AIDS and focuses on community based prevention activities to reduce the spread of HIV, reduce AIDS related stigma and discrimination, and …

In honor of International Women’s Day, the U.S. Embassy coordinated with the Institute for Women and Gender Development Studies and UNFPA to screen the film “Telling Amy’s Story” to Anton de Kom University students on March 27, 2014.  The film was followed by a discussion led by representatives from Stop Geweld Tegen Vrouwen and UNFPA. …

On Friday, March 14, 2014, at the WINGROEP facility in Nickerie, the U.S. Embassy Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) donated tools to Vereniging Van Rolstoelgebruikers (VRG).  The tools included power tools and other equipment useful in repairing and building wheelchairs.  VRG and WINGROEP will collaborate to bring awareness to the challenges that face the vulnerable, wheelchair-dependent …

On March 13, 2014, 20 mid and senior level members of five government ministries graduated after completing a five-month long Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) training course provided by the USAID Youth Development and Juvenile Justice Program- Kari Yu! Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Ismanto Adna, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Valerie Belon, and Program Director …

Nine Surinamese prison guards traveled to Maryland at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy from March 3-7.  The group participated in an “Overview of Correctional Management Study Tour” conducted by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions at the Central Maryland Correctional Facility in Sykesville, Maryland. The training is part of a long term project …

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the visit of award-winning writer, development worker, activist, and artist, Ming Holden from March 10-14, 2014.  Holden will meet with local writers, civil society, youth and others in Paramaribo, Brokopondo and Nickerie to share her experience using writing as tool to empower, heal and transform communities.  Ms. Holden …

In an important symbol of our enduring friendship with Suriname, U.S. Ambassador to Suriname Jay N. Anania, participated in a construction commencement ceremony for the new U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo today.  Minister of Justice and Police, Edward Belfort, represented the Government of Suriname at the ceremony and laid one of the ceremonial bricks. The multi-building …

In a meeting with Foreign Minister Winston Lackin on Monday, March 3, Ambassador Anania reaffirmed the shared commitment the United States and Suriname have to the fundamental values of democracy, including a commitment to free and fair elections. He also thanked the Minister for acknowledging that meetings with various election officials were part of normal …

The Fulbright Regional Network for Applied Research (NEXUS) Program will bring together a network of junior scholars, professionals and mid-career applied researchers from the United States, Brazil and other Western Hemisphere nations for a series of three seminar meetings and a Fulbright exchange experience. Twenty outstanding scholars and practitioners from the U.S. and abroad will …

The U.S. Embassy is now accepting proposals for the 2014 TV/Radio Coop program. TV/Radio Co-ops are cooperative ventures in which the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs section, broadcast journalists from national, regional or independent TV and radio stations, and Washington’s Office of Broadcast Services (OBS) jointly develop program proposals for original production in the United States.  …

Five U.S. Army Engagement Branch advisors deployed to Suriname in February to conduct small unit tactics training with the Suriname Army.  The Engagement Branch was led by Captain Christopher Hudson and Master Sergeant Joseph Hissong, and supported by Sergeants First Class Ronald Burke, Jason Harrison and James Weaver, who served as advisors and trainers during …

The USAID supported A Ganar program, implemented by Partners of the Americas, initiated its second phase on February 10, 2014.  This program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), provides a second chance for school dropouts and other youth between the ages of 16-24 to gain skills that help them find salaried jobs …

On June 21, 2013, the United States and the Republic of Suriname initialed the U.S.-Suriname Open Skies Agreement (“the Agreement”).  Once ratified by Suriname’s National Assembly, the Agreement could liberalize our bilateral aviation relationship. This agreement has the potential to strengthen and expand trade and tourism links between the United States and Suriname to the …

Secretary of State John Kerry will formally launch the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund on January 17 at the Department of State. The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund will promote, expand, and support study abroad programs between the United States and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean through challenge …

The Ambassador of the United States of America Jay Anania and his wife Mrs. Lourdes Anania hosted a music event at their residence on Friday evening, January 10, 2014. Eight talented musicians played different genres of music from classical to contemporary, with instruments ranging from voice, to guitar and piano during the one hour concert.  …