The inaugural “We Are One” diaspora seminar was held in Suriname by the Diaspora Institute Netherlands (DIN). On August 21, the gathering was held in Mingle, which is a part of the Surinamese International Mall. President Chan Santokhi made the introductory remarks there. According to him, the DIN was reinstated in June 2023 in order to better implement the government’s second half of its agenda.
The president of state urged greater unity, collaboration, and cooperation inside and between Dutch and Surinamese society in a message to the diaspora. He understands that in order to adequately develop the diaspora’s contribution, resources and knowledge are required. Issues with banking, taxes, law, and compliance also come into play.
According to President Santokhi, the commitment of the diaspora to the development of Suriname is necessary. Santokhi therefore continues to adhere to the diaspora policy and diaspora capital. “Let’s not say that diaspora capital has failed,” said Santokhi, who emphasized that diaspora policy has not failed either. He pointed to the existence of the Diaspora Fund and Capital, led by Robby Makka.
“The diaspora story of developing Suriname with 1 million people is not a nonsense story, nor a fairy tale,” says the president. He calls the International Mall of Suriname “a clear example of diaspora entrepreneurship” and declares that even more companies in this context will come to the Ring Road.
