Suriname: Connecting Maroon Communities Across the Diaspora

July 24, 2021

Suriname, once known as Dutch Guiana, is one of South America's smallest countries. It enjoys a relatively high standard of living but also faces serious political and economic challenges. Since independence from the Netherlands in 1975 Suriname has endured coups and a civil war. Suriname is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the Americas. Most of its people are descended from African enslaved people and Indian and Javanese indentured by the Dutch to work in agriculture. Most political parties are ethnically based. Gold, oil and agriculture are key economic sectors. Bauxite mining has gone into decline. Efforts have been made to diversify the economy.

Welcome the REPUBLIC OF SURINAME!!!

FACTS

Republic of Suriname Capital: Paramaribo

• Population 534,000

• Area 163,265 sq km (63,037 sq miles)

• Major languages Dutch (official), English, Sranang Tongo, Hindi, Javanese

• Major religions Hinduism, Islam, Christianity

• Life expectancy 68 years (men), 74 years (women)

• Currency Suriname dollar UN, World Bank

PURPOSE OF VISIT

To talk about cultural connections, developing community-centered, locally-owned economies and Diasporan trade opportunities in the Africatown region, Louisiana, California, Suriname, Quilombola communities of Brazil, the Congo and to get spiritual nourishment.

ABOUT POA

The POA (Port of Africatown) is a portal for business and economic development. The mission of the port is to connect the region to global trade and commerce through learning trips, business bootcamps, business acceleration and capital investment. We take a “whole person” approach to this goal, with a focus on improving and enriching the physical, environment, mental, and social health of our community.

Absolutely NO SOLICITATIONS OR PITCHES, please.