GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Tuesday congratulated Suriname on its 50th anniversary of political independence from the Netherlands.
To commemorate the milestone, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands will later on Tuesday, open the Suriname Museum in Amsterdam.
In a congratulatory message, CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett said that for 30 years, the Ducth-speaking country has been a “valued” member of the regional integration movement, being its first non-English speaking member country.
“This visionary action has been well-demonstrated though its commitment to regional integration, including as the lead Head of Government in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet on Community Development and Cultural Cooperation, including Culture, Gender, Youth and Sport, as well as Industrial Policy.”
She said that the theme for the Golden Jubilee, “Srefidensi na Srefidenki” (Independence through Reflection), “reminds that independence is best anchored on courageous thoughts, decisions, and actions, thereby giving true meaning to sovereignty”.
Barnett said that further, Suriname’s stewardship and advocacy on climate change and forests have strengthened our Community’s global voice on this critical issue.
”We look forward to your continued active engagement within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet on these issues, which lie at the heart of regional transformation, resilient societies, creative economies, and an empowered citizenry.
”CARICOM values the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation that we share with Suriname. On this momentous occasion, the Community extends very best wishes to the Government and People of Suriname for joyous celebrations, and continued peace, prosperity, and progress. Happy Fiftieth Independence Anniversary,” Barnett added.
Meanwhile, Suriname’s closest neighbour, Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations as it highlighted shared achievements and future collaboration.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips told a ceremony to mark the occasion that “Guyana and Suriname have set an example for the region and the world, showing that neighbours can collaborate meaningfully; that shared development is not a slogan but a practical path forward. “Whether in energy, infrastructure, trade, security, or people-to-people connections, our cooperation reflects the maturity and trust that our leaders have worked tirelessly to build and maintain.”
Prime Minister Phillips described the two countries as “neighbours by geography, partners by necessity, and friends by choice,” noting that enduring bilateral relations are underpinned by regional cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to prosperity.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Phillips reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to transforming the Guyana–Suriname corridor into a model of regional integration, with deeper collaboration in food and energy security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
