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5 September, 1999Despite calls from all sectors of society, Surinam's president refuses to step down.
SURINAM: The International Metalworkers' Federation has received an alarming report - via the ICFTU and the Dutch FNV central trade union organisation - from Surinam's largest trade union organisation, C-47, concerning the dire situation in that country. The report says that due to corrupt, irresponsible and inept financial and monetary management by the country's president, Jules Wijdenbosch, and his government, the great sacrifices and efforts made by the people over these last years to bring about economic reforms have proved in vain.
At present, the economy is nearly bankrupt, and the president of C-47, Fred Derby, who is also president of the IMF-affiliated Suriname Bauxite Mine and Metal Workers' Federation, says the country is "back at square one".
The trade unions, in particular C-47, are the driving force behind a broad-based movement - including many members of Parliament, political parties, social institutions and the business community - which is calling for the president's resignation.
A major strike took place in May when, amongst other things gone wrong, the inflation rate had reached 200% and the government had stopped making social security payments. Demands for the government to change its policies were ignored and calls for the government's resignation were made.
This summer all sectors of society have been calling on the president to quit, and on August 2, C-47 and other unions launched an on-going strike in order to best defend its members' interests.
In the meantime, the president has been using various means to increase his powers. C-47 believes he may be preparing the way for dictatorship and may eventually even call in the armed forces to put down the protest movement.
In support of the C-47's struggle, the IMF would greatly appreciate if its members could write to:
President Jules Wijdenbosch
Office of the President
Paramaribo, Republic of Surinam
Fax: (597) 475266
- expressing concern at the dire economic situation of the country;
- requesting the President listen to the unions and the people of the country;
- urging him not to repress the civil movement for change;
- stressing the importance of democracy and accountable government, social justice, peace and stability.
Kindly send copies to C-47, President Fred Derby, Fax: (31/24) 653 0413 (in the Netherlands) and to the IMF.
At present, the economy is nearly bankrupt, and the president of C-47, Fred Derby, who is also president of the IMF-affiliated Suriname Bauxite Mine and Metal Workers' Federation, says the country is "back at square one".
The trade unions, in particular C-47, are the driving force behind a broad-based movement - including many members of Parliament, political parties, social institutions and the business community - which is calling for the president's resignation.
A major strike took place in May when, amongst other things gone wrong, the inflation rate had reached 200% and the government had stopped making social security payments. Demands for the government to change its policies were ignored and calls for the government's resignation were made.
This summer all sectors of society have been calling on the president to quit, and on August 2, C-47 and other unions launched an on-going strike in order to best defend its members' interests.
In the meantime, the president has been using various means to increase his powers. C-47 believes he may be preparing the way for dictatorship and may eventually even call in the armed forces to put down the protest movement.
In support of the C-47's struggle, the IMF would greatly appreciate if its members could write to:
President Jules Wijdenbosch
Office of the President
Paramaribo, Republic of Surinam
Fax: (597) 475266
- expressing concern at the dire economic situation of the country;
- requesting the President listen to the unions and the people of the country;
- urging him not to repress the civil movement for change;
- stressing the importance of democracy and accountable government, social justice, peace and stability.
Kindly send copies to C-47, President Fred Derby, Fax: (31/24) 653 0413 (in the Netherlands) and to the IMF.