PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Suriname's government says it will not hesitate to take firm action against any importer attempting to bring agricultural crops into the country without the necessary permits.
Mike NoersalimThe statement by the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Mike Noersalim comes amidst an ongoing court matter involving the seizure by Customs of 282 big bags of parboiled rice imported from Guyana by a local businessman.
“You must not underestimate this. The rice was brought in without permission from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. It is therefore smuggling, and we must protect our people. We will not compromise,” Noersalim told the De Ware Tijd newspaper.
He said that apart from the unfair competition for local rice farmers, various diseases can also be imported and tthat the importer had attempted to circumvent the ministry’s control system, including failing to comply with the mandatory phytosanitary import conditions.
Noersalim said that the importer had only submitted the necessary documents after the authorities had been made aware of his activities, describing the situation as “deception."
“The smuggling decree is here. For those guilty of smuggling, the fine will be severe,” he said, adding “If we allow this we create an unfair playing field.
“Our farmers have to produce under difficult circumstances, and we cannot allow anyone to bring in rice without following the procedures to compete against our hardworking rice farmers. Whoever it may be, this minister will not allow it.”
Meanwhile, the court case involving the seizure of the rice is due to resume on Thursday after the importer filed summary proceedings against the State to release the shipment.
During the proceedings on Tuesday, the court heard that the Customs Department and not the Economic Control Service (ECD) had seized the controversial consignment of parboiled rice.
A Customs official said that the seizure was made on Monday on the orders of the Inspector of Import Duties and Excise. The consignment had been declared on September 30, but the authorities said that not all the necessary documents were available.
