November 23, 1998
Journalists at the STVS, one of the local Television studios in Suriname are reported to be
dissatisfied with the manner in which the news, especially the political news, is being prepared and
presented. For some time now young journalists have refused to prepare the news because they
may not do it in their own way. Director Kenneth Moerlie's effort of discussing this problem with
his staff has failed and a meeting about this has had to be rescheduled because a certain journalist
was absent. Although this was later denied by the STVS during a televised news broadcast, there
are still some questionable doubts around this information especially since the 5 o'clock news had
to be canceled because of the lengthy staff meeting concerning this matter.
The Joint-Forces-Unit (FOLS,CLO and VSB) has decided to boycott the installation of Alfred
Veldema that is scheduled to take place tomorrow. They plan to gather before the building where
the installation will take place to protest against it. In the meanwhile the strike continues and all
members have been instructed to gather at the SPA building for further instructions. Both Arthur
Lo Fo Wong (VSB) and Fred Derby (C-47/SPA) are said to be pleased with the results of the 2-days-actions that they had planned which had resulted in the closing down of most businesses
including banks etc in and around Paramaribo. When confronted with facts that some businesses
had not closed Lo FO Wong replied that the VSB has 300 members and that there were more
than 300 businesses closed during the two days. According to Lo Fo Wong the people have
expressed their feelings in wanting the sitting government to resign. The government for some
reason does not seem to get the message, but he promised that there will be further actions until
the message becomes clear to them and talks will be then be set up for an orderly resignation.
HOSPITALS SHOULD PAY WAGES INCREASES FROM OUT OF THEIR
OWN BUDGET
At a meeting with Hospital directors and the Minister of Public Health Theo Vishundatt where the
Minister of Foreign Affairs was also present, Vishundath announced that the hospitals will have to
pay wage increses to their staff through their own budget. The Minister stated that semi
government businesses should create healthy financial funds that will enable them to meet with
their expenses which includes wage increases. When confronted with the question about the
governments large debts to these institutions, the directors could only get a promise from the
ministers to speak with those involved with the payments to see about settling their bills. The
directors complained that the Government was the largest customer who did not pay their bills
and the situation at the hospitals is so bad right now that there is no money and unless the
Ministry of Social Affairs came up with payment this month there will be no money to pay the
salaries of the staff.
When questioned by journalists via radio stations about what he thought of the quiet procession
that was organized by the Christian Churches in Paramaribo, President Wijdenbosch replied that
he thought it was a huge success that in this way together with God we can try to find a solution
for the country's problems. The march which was organized by the women organizations from the
different Christina Churches was followed by thousands of people from all rangs of society. Pater
Troon will be remembered for his prayers for the salvation of the Surinamese youth that are being
drawn into prostitution due to the disastrous financial shortages in most families, the large
differences in the social problems where one has to live in a hut while others have large palaces.
At different points boxes were placed where people could deposit their prayers the largest prayer
was one and a half meter long.
-END-