Military deployed to streets in Suriname: Simons accelerates security plan after two deaths in Paramaribo
President Simons wants to deploy military personnel to support police following two fatal violent incidents in Paramaribo. Security measures are being accelerated.
Military support for police following deadly violence in Paramaribo
According to waterkant.net, President Jennifer Simons wants to deploy the military to support police in fighting crime in Suriname. The announcement came on Monday 9 November during a government press conference, two days after a series of fatal violent incidents in the capital.
Following consultation with responsible security officials, a decision was made to accelerate the planned measures. In the coming weeks, more officers will be visibly present in the city centre and the entertainment district. Cooperation with the military has been decided politically, but still needs to be worked out organisationally. Additionally, the government wants to reopen a former security post in the city centre, so residents, business owners and visitors have a fixed point of contact.
The measures come after two fatal incidents. On Friday 6 November, a man was shot during an armed robbery on Wilhelminastraat, near David Simonsstraat. A day later, 22-year-old H.C. died as a result of a shooting on Jozef Israëlstraat. Suspects have been arrested in both cases. The VHP faction submitted an interpellation proposal regarding the handling of the violence.
Simons also wants police to operate more strategically at locations and times where crime data indicates a high number of offences. Outside the city, attention is focused on gold mining areas: the government is considering reopening security posts, better observation via satellite imagery and tightened surveillance of air traffic over remote areas.
According to Simons, substantial investments are needed for these plans, including helicopters, equipment and supplies. She does not rule out Suriname having to take out loans for this. She does not want to wait for higher revenues from the reform of the gold sector: security is too urgent for that.
Source: Google News SR — Crime