Judge Alida Johanns on Monday rejected Pertjajah Luhur’s claim to compel the chairwoman of Parliament, Geerlings-Simons, to bar MP Raymond Sapoen and MP Diepakkoemar Chitan from sessions and parliamentary premises. The judge pointed out that the chairwoman has acted lawfully and that PL had recalled Sapoen and Chitan on June 25. By that time they were still not sworn into office. They became legislators at Parliament’s first session which was held on June 30. Judge Johanns explained that these two elected representatives of the people have become MPs after they were sworn in, thereby accepting the position. She also explained that only MPs can be recalled…[+]

“The Ministry of Trade and Industry (HI) must evaluate its policy on the establishment on bakeries,” said the District Commissioner of Wanica, Roline Samsoedin. “The things that are happening now are impractical.” People who want to run a bakery do not need a permit. They just need to sign the register at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and must the conditions of the Public Health Bureau (BOG). DC Samsoedin pointed out that the bakeries  do not do the latter. The Environment and Health Department of the DC’s Office recently had to shut down a bakery…[+]

Fifteen Moengo residents became homeless when their  house that was located at the corner of the Mahonylaan and the  Goudenregenlaan went up in flames. Olton Pinas, spokesman from the Fire Department Suriname (KBS),  told Times of Suriname that the KBS received the call around 5:50 a.m. on Saturday. Fire engines from the Tamanredjo Firehouse went to the scene first because their colleagues from the Albina Firehouse were busy extinguishing a fire at another location along the Patamaccaweg and had to drive 66 kilometers to reach Moengo…[+]

Billboards may no longer be placed along the public road, on lots and in front of buildings without a permit.  The District Commissioner of Paramaribo South-West Mike Nerkust told Times of Suriname that businesses or people who want to place these objects must first hand in a request a the DC’s Office. A permit is given after the request has been technically reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Public Works (OW). The owners of these billboards and the owners of the private lots must report to the DC’s Office to have these billboards and other objects registered. The owners who already have a permit must also report to the DC’s Office to present the permit…[+]

The Offender Care Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police recently announced that it has disarmed a prison guard. Deputy Director Paulus Pinas confirmed that a prison guard has been disarmed and pointed out that he has been admitted to the Psychiatric Center Suriname (PCS). Pinas also pointed out that the Offender Care noticed some things about the prison guard in an early stage and that it immediately took care of him…[+]

Jennifer Van-Dijk Silos, the attorney representing the chairwoman of Parliament in the case of Pertjajah Luhur versus the chairwoman, on Friday told the court that the judge should have declared herself incompetent. She explained that the judiciary, the executive branch and the legislature are equal to each other and that none of them may interfere in the organization  of the other. Van Dijk-Silos strongly believes that the judge may not interfere in the internal affairs of Parliament. “The Constitution clearly states that Parliament itself decides which members it grants admittance.” Parliament itself investigates the credentials of its members. The Constitution clearly states that the judge is competent to take cognizance of cases regarding civil rights disputes…[+]

Ronald Hooghart who was recently sworn in as Member of Parliament made it clear that he will not resign as chairman of the Central for State Employees (CLO).  He has in fact pointed out that now more than ever he will work harder to protect the interests of the working class. He deems his parliamentary  membership as tool to do more for the working class. Hooghart has already made it clear that  ministers and other top government officials will hear from in Parliament if they ignore labor rights…[+]

A police boat was stolen in Albina on Saturday night. The boat was at a location along the Marowijne River where there are also military boats. Police officers from the Albina Police Department are investigating the theft of the police boat. The investigation was launched after the theft had been discovered on Sunday…[+]

RR (34), the driver who was involved in a deadly traffic accident along the Magentaweg around 18:25 on Wednesday told the police that he fled the scene because he was scared. The traffic accident claimed the life of a  47-year-old man who was driving a moped. The driver also told the police that he is a heart patient and that he abandoned the victim after the traffic accident…[+]

Judge Alida Johanns will announce a verdict in the case of Pertjajah Luhur (PL) versus Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, chairwoman of Parliament, before the election of the nation’s president and vice president which is scheduled to take place on July 14. Nailah van Dijk, attorney of Geerlings-Simons, told Times of Suriname that the judge has honored the PL’s attorney’s request to announce the verdict before July 14.  The request for written pleas was also made but Van Dijk pointed out that it would be impossible to that within two days…[+]