Suriname Post Report 1985

Table of Contents

Preface

Suriname, located on the northeast coast of South America, received independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975. While retaining much of its Dutch heritage in language, culture, and institutions, Suriname is also striving to shape its identity in terms of the Caribbean/South American environment and its commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

With a small population and with economic development restricted to a narrow coastal band, the Government of Suriname is focusing on diversifying its economy while extending benefits to a wider cross section of people. To this end the government solicits and accepts foreign assistance from a variety of sources in addition to the principal source, Holland.

The Embassy—a class IV mission with 18 authorized American positions in early 1985—performs most of the functions of a larger post. This provides the staff with direct experience and cross training in most areas of Foreign Service work. All aspects of the post’s work—political, economic, commercial, consular, cultural, informational, and administrative—are intricate enough to challenge experienced officers and to provide excellent training for junior personnel.

Paramaribo is a hardship post. But the Surinamese, who are gentle, outgoing, and friendly, make sojourners feel at home. Although the day-to-day scene lacks variety and excitement, and some consumer goods are not always available, living conditions in the metropolitan capital area are healthy and comfortable.

This is the official post report prepared by the post. The information contained herein is directed to official U.S. Government employees and their families. Any other information concerning the facts as set forth herein is to be regarded as unofficial information.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 9239
Department and Foreign Service Series 279
Foreign Affairs Information Management Center
Publishing Services Division
Revised October 1985

“Amoksie,” meaning “mixture,” symbolic of Suriname society.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402
51.1271 Su 7/985

The Host Country

Area, Geography, and Climate

Roughly square, Suriname lies on the northeast coast of South America, bounded on the east by French Guiana, on the south by Brazil, and on the west by Guyana. Most of the 220-mile shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean consists of mudflats and swamps. Parts of Suriname’s inland boundaries with French Guiana and Guyana are in dispute.

Suriname’s land area of roughly 63,000 square miles (163,000 sq. km.) is about the size of the State of Georgia. However, most Surinamese live in the 1,900-square mile narrow coastal plain in and around major centers of Paramaribo, Moengo, and Nieuw Nickerie.

Suriname’s coastal area is flat. Hills and low mountains reach a maximum height of about 4,000 feet (1,230 meters) in the heavily forested interior. Between these two zones lie savanna lands, 30-40 miles wide. Large rivers and streams cross Suriname from south to north and provide major transportation routes between the coast and interior. However, they hinder east-west land transportation.

Suriname has a tropical climate—hot and humid year round. Daytime temperatures in Paramaribo average 80°F (27°C), but evening and night temperatures are cooler (70°F or 21°C).

Temperatures in the interior, not moderated by steady coastal breezes, follow different patterns. Most Americans at post find the climate more agreeable than they had anticipated. On a normal day outdoor activities such as golfing, fishing, and jogging are pleasant except between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun is high.

Seasons are distinguished by more or less rain, with annual rainfall averaging 87 inches. December-February and April-August are the periods of heaviest rainfall. The hottest months are September and October with temperatures averaging 89°F, or 35°C. Suriname lies outside the hurricane and earthquake area.

Suriname’s climate promotes mildew which can affect clothing, furniture, and books if not countered by air-conditioning. Dust is an occasional problem in Paramaribo, during infrequent dry spells. Air pollution is not a problem, as the sky is often brilliantly clear.

Outside the city, unpaved country roads into the southern interior can generate considerable dust from fine soils or red bauxite, which is difficult to remove from tires or clothing of travelers.

Paramaribo is not afflicted with floods, although heavy rains can exceed the city’s drainage capabilities and create isolated flooding on some streets and in low-lying areas for up to 24 hours.

Population

Suriname’s population (1985 estimate) is approximately 370,000. Because of emigration to the Netherlands the population declined by 7.3% per annum between 1972 and 1980. Since 1980, the population has been growing by less than 2% per annum—although the birthrate exceeds 3%. The population is divided among the following ethnic groups: Hindustanis (East Indian) 37%, Creoles 32%, Javanese 15.3%, Bush Negroes 10.3%, Amerindians 2.7%, Chinese 1.7%, and Europeans 1%. Hindustanis are predominantly Hindu, though they include a substantial Muslim minority. They are descended from contract farm laborers brought to Suriname in the latter part of the 19th century. Hindustanis are still heavily engaged in agriculture but have become increasingly urbanized and are often active in business and commerce.

Creoles, of mixed African, European, and other ethnic ancestry, are descendants of slave laborers emancipated in 1863. In this century they have filled the ranks of the Civil Service and have held a majority of office jobs in Paramaribo. The Javanese, who are descended from farm laborers brought to Suriname on contract from Java in Indonesia, remain chiefly active in agriculture and in fishing. They have retained their own language. Bush Negroes are descended from African slaves who ran away from plantations after they were brought to Suriname from Africa. Many escaped before losing their African culture which has been maintained in primitive villages along streams and rivers in the interior. Although such communities still exist far removed from the developed coastal region, many Bush Negroes are abandoning their traditional lifestyle to move to population centers with better education and job opportunities.

Amerindians, descendants of original pre-Columbian inhabitants, also live in tribal villages along interior streams and rivers. They are often shyer, less hospitable, and desire more privacy than Bush Negroes. Certain small Amerindian tribes in Suriname have been discovered recently.

Many Chinese

Chinese are active in business, running small shops and restaurants. Many speak Chinese (Hakka and Cantonese) among themselves. They support a Chinese newspaper. Caucasians are mainly descended from Dutch farmers who came here in the 18th and 19th centuries, though some are descended from early Jewish, French, and German immigrants. A small community of expatriate Europeans, mostly from the Netherlands, work in some local businesses.

Approximately 300 Americans are in Suriname. Most reside in Paramaribo. Some American Protestant missionaries spend most of their time in the interior.

Ethnic groups have maintained their identities and customs. Some groups wear distinctive clothing. Most practice their own religions, and except for sophisticated city dwellers, associate with members of their group in exclusive or semi-exclusive social clubs and societies. Pre-1980 political parties were largely racially or ethnically oriented. The government is seeking to break down ethnic barriers and forge a national identity.

The official language of Suriname is Dutch. However, Sranan Tongo (literally “Suriname tongue”) also called “Surinamese,” a nontonal English-based Creole language, is the most widely understood language in Suriname.

Dutch is the teaching medium in schools and is used exclusively by the government and law courts. Government publications and newspapers are in Dutch, as are radio broadcasts and television. English is widely understood; most educated Surinamese speak it fluently, clearly, and correctly—which facilitates relaxed social contacts by Americans with Surinamese. Many Surinamese speak three or four languages—Sranan Tongo, Dutch, and English—plus Hindi, Chinese, or Javanese.

Most officer positions at the American Embassy have been declared Dutch-language essential. Officers speaking Hindi, Urdu, Cantonese, Malay, or Indonesian will also find their language skills appreciated by local groups. A command of French or Portuguese by staff and family members will add to the enjoyment of vacation trips to nearby French Guiana and Brazil.

Freedom of religion is legally protected in Suriname. Hindus and Muslims comprise the two largest religious groups, but there are also many Roman Catholics and other Christians (primarily Moravians) and a small number of Jews and Bahais. Many Amerindians and Bush Negroes follow animistic religions—though the majority of both groups profess Christianity in either its Catholic or Moravian form.

Public Institutions

On February 25, 1980, the military, led by a group of sergeants demanding pay raises and the right to form a union, overthrew the Dutch-model parliamentary democracy under which Suriname had been governed since independence in 1975. Initially the constitution and incumbent President were retained, but in August 1980 the President resigned and the constitution was suspended. Traditional political party activity was banned, and no political elections have been subsequently held. From 1980 until January 1985, the country was governed by decree under a succession of civilian cabinets appointed by the military. Final authority rested with the army commander. The structure of government institutions continued to change as the ruling nonelected elite searched for a combination that would fit Suriname’s historic experience and serve the needs of Surinamese people.

In February 1984 a new cabinet was formed containing representatives selected by the military, trade unions, and business associations. The Prime Minister and Cabinet were made responsible for day-to-day operations of the government, but other smaller, consultative bodies were charged with formulating policies for the creation of lasting democratic structures and the solution of the country’s mounting economic problems.

The Office of President of the Republic was not abolished following the 1980 coup. Its incumbent, a High Court Judge, uses the title “Acting President.” He performs ceremonial functions as chief of state. The judiciary is composed of a Court of Justice and lesser magistrate courts. All judges are appointed for life by the President on advice of the government.

Since the coup of February 25, 1980, the Armed Forces of Suriname consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Police. The National Army “Nationaal Leger” is a battalion-size organization with a primary mission to provide for the safety and security of citizens and Suriname itself. The Navy provides some coastal and river-patrolling services, which are of a Coast Guard nature. The Air Force is small and has five airplanes. The National Police, under control of the Police Commissioner, performs its duties as prior to the coup but now with the assistance of the growing Military Police. The Commander in Chief, the Garrison Commander, and the Battalion Commander constitute the Military Authority or “Militair Gezag” in Suriname.

Since January 1985, a 31-member National Assembly has existed with 14 members nominated by the Armed Forces, 11 by labor, and 6 by a small business association. The Assembly’s tasks include drafting a constitution, approving the national budget, and preparing for a definitive form of democracy to be in place by April 1, 1987.

Arts, Science, and Education

Some local cultural activities are available. Occasional Dutch-language plays and concerts are offered at the Suriname Cultural Center, Ons Erf Cultural Center, and elsewhere. Two or three times a year foreign groups arrive for performances, such as Chinese acrobats and American jazz groups.

Live theater is confined to two companies which occasionally produce plays and skits in Dutch and Sranan Tongo. A music school offers instruction in a range of musical instruments. Several small private ballet schools operate in Paramaribo. Each Government Cultural Center maintains a public library with a limited collection of English editions. English-language paperbacks and hardcover books are available from several retail outlets in Paramaribo but are expensive.

Ons Erf, a Roman Catholic Church-related organization, maintains an arts and crafts center and sponsors activities for younger children. Suriname’s main ethnic groups – Hindustanis, Creoles, and Javanese – have associations which occasionally sponsor cultural activities.

Suriname has an extensive educational system with free schooling compulsory until age 14. Its Anton de Kom University in Paramaribo has faculties of medicine, law, natural resources, and social and technical sciences. However, transfer of individual course credit to or from the U.S. is unlikely even when a non-Dutch-speaking person is allowed to enroll. Teacher-training institutes, secondary schools, and technical schools provide terminal degrees. Nurses and dental technicians are trained with medical faculty. The adult literacy rate is approximately 65%. The government, and the Roman Catholic and Moravian Churches provide education from kindergarten through secondary school. Instruction is in Dutch except at the American Cooperative Elementary School administered by the Suriname Aluminum Company (SURALCO) and in two private schools administered by American missionaries. These missionary schools are not open to Embassy dependents.

Many students still attend high school and universities in the Netherlands; a growing number attend U.S. universities.

The Government Language Center offers courses in Dutch, English, Spanish, and Sranan Tongo. Language courses are offered by the Alliance Francaise (French), the Andres Bello Center (Spanish), and Brazilian Cultural Center (Portuguese). In some cases the student must be a Dutch speaker to enroll in language courses. The Indonesian Cultural Center and Indian Cultural Center give instruction in their native folk art and dance.

Commerce and Industry

Approximately 75% of Suriname’s exports by value are bauxite and its aluminum derivatives. The attractiveness of Suriname’s bauxite reserves has diminished in recent years as more economical sources have been developed elsewhere in the world and the worldwide marketing of bauxite and aluminum has become more complex. SURALCO, a subsidiary of Alcoa and the biggest private firm in Suriname, has reduced its labor force as its bauxite and aluminum shipments have fallen and internal costs have risen.

Agriculture is important as a major source of employment. Rice, citrus, and other tropical fruits like bananas, vegetables, seafood, and a few other commodities are available. However, production of other foodstuffs is inadequate to meet the needs of the country.

Importation of a wide variety of foods is therefore necessary. Rice, citrus fruits, and bananas are exported in significant quantities. The principal food crop is rice. Suriname also produces half of the sugar it consumes. Commercial fishing is undertaken by Japanese, Korean, and Surinamese companies using imported labor. Shrimp is a major export. Shrimp catch has diminished since 1982 as the shrimp have at least temporarily moved to grounds closer to Guyana.

Forestry is an important sector of the economy, dominated by the state-owned company, Bruynzeel, which exports products derived from tropical hardwoods. Wheat, potatoes, some poultry, milk powder, cheese, and many other commodities must be imported. Protective tariff and nontariff barriers and import substitution plans have been put into effect, which sometimes limit the variety of foods available on the local market (e.g., coffee). Local manufacturing consists of saw mills, shrimp-packing plants, a cigarette factory, a rum distillery, a brewery, soft drink bottlers, ice cream makers, and a few other light industries which produce household durables on a small scale.

A rapid deterioration in the Surinamese balance of trade set in. It was brought about both by reduced bauxite revenues and by termination—due to Dutch displeasure with Suriname Government actions regarding human rights—of Dutch development aid. The virtual disappearance by late 1984 of freely available foreign exchange finally induced the government to clamp down hard on import of consumer and industrial goods.

High wages, low foreign exchange levels, a small domestic economy, and little experience in exporting limit Suriname’s competitiveness in international markets. Nonetheless, the country’s annual gross national product remains roughly one billion dollars in value. And per capita income is ten times that of the poorest Caribbean islands.

Suriname is a member of the Lome Convention and has observer status in the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM). The U.S. has traditionally been Suriname’s largest trading partner, accounting for slightly less than one-third of export-import trade. The remainder has been carried on with European countries, Japan, and to an increasing extent, neighboring countries in the Caribbean and South America. This pattern may change, however, as the Surinamese Government does more centralized procurement in bulk from lower-cost sources.

Transportation

Automobiles

Private cars are the best means of transportation in Paramaribo, and an employee assigned here should have a car.

Personnel assigned to Paramaribo have experienced delays of several months in receiving their cars from previous posts or U.S. factories. Consider bringing a small 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder car, as roads are often narrow and traffic is moderately heavy in the city. Cars should not have any extraordinarily dark window tinting as this has caused cars to fail the initial or annual Suriname Government inspection. Newly assigned personnel should cable the Embassy with details about features of individual privately owned vehicles (POVs). As of early 1985 new cars were not locally available and secondhand cars sell for a premium. Diplomats with patience have had good results ordering cars from French Guiana and Brazil.

Auto trips within Paramaribo are short, rarely exceeding 15 minutes within the urban area. Most streets are narrow and a car with good maneuverability is helpful in traffic. Avoid shipping older, larger cars to Paramaribo as maintenance and repair costs may be excessive, if parts are locally available at all. American Embassy staff should bring basic spare parts including spark plugs and oil filters, and a service manual for any imported car for use by local mechanics.

Embassy official vehicles are air-conditioned; private car owners find air-conditioning an asset as well. Diplomats who have been in country for more than 2 years may sell their vehicle without the buyer being required to pay import duty. For the foreseeable future, personnel should have no trouble disposing of their POVs locally on conclusion of their tour.

Assigned personnel may buy all gasoline duty free at approximately U.S. pump prices. Embassy personnel may obtain a Suriname drivers license by presenting to the Foreign Ministry a valid U.S. license, two 3 cm. x 5 cm. photos, and paying a small fee. Liability insurance is required by the Embassy. Insurance can be purchased at reduced prices (10 percent per year up to 5 years), if one can obtain a statement from previous insurance companies that no claim has been made against them within the past 5 years. For other than liability you may wish to purchase additional insurance through a U.S. company, as prices are lower than through local companies.

Traffic moves on the left. Newly arrived staff may need a few days to get used to this before beginning to drive. Newcomers should be especially careful when crossing streets. It is easy to forget from which way traffic is coming. Also, there are narrow bicycle-motorbike paths along some streets. Look out when crossing these paths either on foot or driving, because motorbikes have the right-of-way. Right-hand-drive cars may, however, be imported and are numerous.

Local

Both private and government buses serve the entire city at low prices. However, service is sometimes erratic and buses are not air-conditioned, hence are hot and crowded during rush hours. Motorbikes, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles are important local means of transportation. Traffic can be hazardous, especially for riders of two-wheeled vehicles. The city has several taxi companies. Cabs are both expensive and hard to find except in front of hotels but you can phone for cab service. Rental cars are available in Paramaribo for approximately $30 per day.

Regional

Suriname’s extensive rivers and streams are important avenues of transportation. Some rivers are navigable by small ocean freighters for 100 miles inland. Hundreds of miles of smaller rivers are navigable by smaller boats and barges used widely for moving people and freight. Boats of the Amerindians and Bush Negroes are vital to them.

To the U.S. is limited to SLM, twice-weekly flights to Miami.

Suriname has no passenger railroad transportation. However, one small railroad of a few kilometers is maintained for occasional tourist travel between Onverwacht and Brownsberg, south of Paramaribo.

Communications

Telephone and Telegraph

Postal, telegraph, and telephone systems connect Suriname’s cities with each other and with the outside world and are reliable. Suriname has a dial phone system. Rates are moderate but rising. A long distance telephone call from Paramaribo to New York is Sf. 8.00 or $4.52 per minute. By contrast, a typical phone call from the States to Paramaribo can cost as little as $1.00 per minute.

Direct dialing from the U.S. to Suriname is possible. The direct-dial number from the U.S. to Suriname is 597 plus the local phone number in Suriname.

In case of emergency, the Embassy phone number is 72900, which after business hours has a recording with the duty officer’s home number. The Embassy telex number is 373 AMEMSU. American personnel may use it to send interested party telexes on a reimbursable basis.

Mail and Pouch

Authorized personnel are encouraged to use pouch facilities for personal mail and incoming packages that do not exceed 62″ in length and girth or weigh over 40 pounds. International airmail letters arrive twice weekly from the U.S.; transit time averages 10 days. Surface mail takes 2 months longer to arrive in Paramaribo. Local mail service is slow but reliable for letters and parcel post. Addresses are as follows:

Pouch Mail

Surinam Airways Ltd. (SLM) offers flights within Suriname between major populated areas. The only practical means of reaching some interior areas is by small plane using recently built “Grasshopper” airstrips. Chartered flights to these small fields are expensive.

Zanderij International Airport, 25 miles south of Paramaribo, can accommodate large jets. A small airfield on the edge of the city is limited to twin-engine propeller craft.

Zanderij is served by Surinam Airways Ltd., KLM, ALM, Guyana Airways, and Brazil’s Cruzeiro do Sul which connect Suriname via infrequent flights – often arriving or departing late at night – with the U.S., Europe, and nearby South American cities.

Service

(name)
Paramaribo
U.S. Department of State
20520*

International

(name)
American Embassy
P.O. Box 1821
Paramaribo, Suriname
South America

*Use ZIP code 20521 for surface-to-air packages, magazines, etc.

One unclassified air-letter pouch arrives from Washington, D.C. once a week. Transit time for letters from date of posting averages 15 days. Letters or packages sent via surface-to-air take from 1 to 3 weeks to reach post from date of posting.

International airmail rates to the U.S. are 95 Suriname cents for the first 5 grams and 15 Suriname cents for each additional 5 grams. Bring an ample supply of U.S. postage stamps.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Paramaribo are adequate for routine health problems and for emergency treatment. Serious medical conditions require evacuation, usually to Miami. Local general practitioners and specialists have received training in the Netherlands, U.S., and in the local century-old medical school.

Adequate dental care from dentists with modern equipment is available, but have all dental work completed before arrival.

Eyeglasses can be prescribed and fitted locally, but are expensive. Obtain contact lens prescriptions and treatment in the U.S., as local lens treatment is unsatisfactory.

As the economy continues to deteriorate, however, shortages of medicines are becoming more frequent. Insulin, for example, is not always available.

Some common prescription and patent medicines are available but bring any special pharmaceuticals to post in a 3–6 month supply. The Embassy maintains a small supply of basic medicines.

The regional medical officer visits post four times a year for administering shots, making diagnoses, and recommending treatment.

The post medical officer – a Surinamese doctor with U.S. training – provides medical consultation in the Embassy’s health room twice weekly to check blood pressures and offer routine care.

Community Health

The general level of sanitation and health in Paramaribo, although not of the standard found in the most advanced parts of the U.S., is good and better than most Caribbean Basin countries. City garbage collection is scheduled 3 times a week. Health programs administered by the government have eliminated yellow fever, malaria, and rabies from the Greater Paramaribo area. Local tapwater, milk, bottled drinks, and meat are safe. Proof of yellow fever inoculation

Traffic and Local Transportation

Traffic moves on the left. Newly arrived staff may need a few days to get used to this before beginning to drive. Newcomers should be especially careful when crossing streets. It is easy to forget from which way traffic is coming.

Also, there are narrow bicycle-motorbike paths along some streets. Look out when crossing these paths either on foot or driving, because motorbikes have the right-of-way. Right-hand-drive cars may, however, be imported and are numerous.

Local

Both private and government buses serve the entire city at low prices. However, service is sometimes erratic and buses are not air-conditioned, hence are hot and crowded during rush hours. Motorbikes, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles are important local means of transportation. Traffic can be hazardous, especially for riders of two-wheeled vehicles.

The city has several taxi companies. Cabs are both expensive and hard to find except in front of hotels, but you can phone for cab service. Rental cars are available in Paramaribo for approximately $30 per day.

Regional

Suriname’s extensive rivers and streams are important avenues of transportation. Some rivers are navigable by small ocean freighters for 100 miles inland. Hundreds of miles of smaller rivers are navigable by smaller boats and barges used widely for moving people and freight. Boats of the Amerindians and Bush Negroes are vital to them.

To the U.S. is limited to SLM, twice-weekly flights to Miami.

Suriname has no passenger railroad transportation. However, one small railroad of a few kilometers is maintained for occasional tourist travel between Onverwacht and Brownsberg, south of Paramaribo.

Communications

Telephone and Telegraph

Postal, telegraph, and telephone systems connect Suriname’s cities with each other and with the outside world and are reliable. Suriname has a dial phone system. Rates are moderate but rising. A long distance telephone call from Paramaribo to New York is Sf. 8.00 or $4.52 per minute. By contrast, a typical phone call from the States to Paramaribo can cost as little as $1.00 per minute.

Direct dialing from the U.S. to Suriname is possible. The direct-dial number from the U.S. to Suriname is 597 plus the local phone number in Suriname.

In case of emergency, the Embassy phone number is 72900, which after business hours has a recording with the duty officer’s home number. The Embassy telex number is 373 AMEMSU. American personnel may use it to send interested party telexes on a reimbursable basis.

Mail and Pouch

Authorized personnel are encouraged to use pouch facilities for personal mail and incoming packages that do not exceed 62″ in length and girth or weigh over 40 pounds. International airmail letters arrive twice weekly from the U.S.; transit time averages 10 days. Surface mail takes 2 months longer to arrive in Paramaribo. Local mail service is slow but reliable for letters and parcel post.

Pouch Mail

Surinam Airways Ltd. (SLM) offers flights within Suriname between major populated areas. The only practical means of reaching some interior areas is by small plane using recently built “Grasshopper” airstrips. Chartered flights to these small fields are expensive.

Zanderij International Airport, 25 miles south of Paramaribo, can accommodate large jets. A small airfield on the edge of the city is limited to twin-engine propeller craft.

Zanderij is served by Surinam Airways Ltd., KLM, ALM, Guyana Airways, and Brazil’s Cruzeiro do Sul which connect Suriname via infrequent flights – often arriving or departing late at night – with the U.S., Europe, and nearby South American cities.

Service

(name)
Paramaribo
U.S. Department of State
20520*

International

(name)
American Embassy
P.O. Box 1821
Paramaribo, Suriname
South America

*Use ZIP code 20521 for surface-to-air packages, magazines, etc.

One unclassified air-letter pouch arrives from Washington, D.C. once a week. Transit time for letters from date of posting averages 15 days. Letters or packages sent via surface-to-air take from 1 to 3 weeks to reach post from date of posting.

International airmail rates to the U.S. are 95 Suriname cents for the first 5 grams and 15 Suriname cents for each additional 5 grams. Bring an ample supply of U.S. postage stamps.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Paramaribo are adequate for routine health problems and for emergency treatment. Serious medical conditions require evacuation, usually to Miami. Local general practitioners and specialists have received training in the Netherlands, U.S., and in the local century-old medical school.

Adequate dental care from dentists with modern equipment is available, but have all dental work completed before arrival.

Eyeglasses can be prescribed and fitted locally, but are expensive. Obtain contact lens prescriptions and treatment in the U.S., as local lens treatment is unsatisfactory.

As the economy continues to deteriorate, however, shortages of medicines are becoming more frequent. Insulin, for example, is not always available.

Some common prescription and patent medicines are available but bring any special pharmaceuticals to post in a 3–6 month supply. The Embassy maintains a small supply of basic medicines.

The regional medical officer visits post four times a year for administering shots, making diagnoses, and recommending treatment.

The post medical officer – a Surinamese doctor with U.S. training – provides medical consultation in the Embassy’s health room twice weekly to check blood pressures and offer routine care.

Community Health

The general level of sanitation and health in Paramaribo, although not of the standard found in the most advanced parts of the U.S., is good and better than most Caribbean Basin countries. City garbage collection is scheduled 3 times a week. Health programs administered by the government have eliminated yellow fever, malaria, and rabies from the Greater Paramaribo area. Local tapwater, milk, bottled drinks, and meat are safe. Proof of yellow fever inoculation

Paramaribo

Oude Charlesburgweg
Kwatta Weg
Verl. Van
Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat
Cultuurtuin Laan
Prinsesse Straat
Graven Straat
Laan
Keizerstraat
Wagenweg Straat
Soldaten Straat
Verl. Wanicastraat
Waterkant
PALMENTUIN
Waterkant
Jodenbreestr.
Ferry Landing
Hotel Krasnapolsky
Zwartenhovenbrug H
Weidestraat
Rustmacca Straat
Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat
EMBASSY
Verl. Hoogestraat
Frederici straat
Straat Waaldijk
Hof En
Drambrandersgracht Straat
Straat Verde
Idsingastraat
Gravenberchstraat
MEMBRE
BOEKOE
KAZERNE
Gemenelandsweg 4369 2-82 STATE(GE)
Molenpad
Wanicastraat
Germenelandsweg Straat
Molenpad
LAND VAN DIJK
Van’t Hogerhuys
URINAME
Torarica Hotel
RIVER
INI
Caribbean Sea
Atlantic Ocean
Venezuela
Guyana
Paramaribo
French Suriname Guiana
Brazil (Fr.)

Paramaribo

Paramaribo is located 12 miles inland on the west bank of the Suriname River. Founded in 1613 as a trading post with the Indians, Paramaribo was at various times subject to alternating British and Dutch administration.

The city, with its wooden buildings, expanded and developed greatly during the 18th century but declined somewhat during the 19th century after two serious fires. Many of the city’s structures date from early and mid-20th century and exhibit a characteristic Dutch-colonial tropical style of architecture.

Approximately 150,000 people live in Paramaribo and its immediate suburbs. The city is the heart of Suriname’s political, cultural, and intellectual life, serving not only its own population but that of the entire country. Older cultural traditions prevail in isolated jungle villages.

The only other communities are Nieuw Nickerie, 130 miles west of Paramaribo, and the bauxite-mining town of Moengo, 45 miles east of Paramaribo. About 300 American citizens live in Suriname. Most are employed by the U.S. Embassy or SURALCO (Alcoa), or serve as Protestant missionaries.

Other resident embassies are those of Brazil, the People’s Republic of China, France, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Libya, the Netherlands, U.S.S.R., and Venezuela.

Barbados, Belgium, Denmark, Ecuador, the Federal Republic of Germany, Great Britain, Haiti, Italy, Peru, and Sweden are represented by honorary consuls. Other countries have nonresident embassies.

The Post and Its Administration

For the first American Consul

Suriname was commissioned in 1790. Paramaribo was served by a consular agency from Georgetown or Port of Spain from 1897 to 1941. It became a Consulate again in 1941 and was elevated to a Consulate General in [text missing].

Since independence in 1975, the post in Paramaribo has been an Embassy.

The Chancery occupies a five-story building on Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat, about 4 blocks from the commercial center of town. Working hours are 7 am–3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The Chancery houses all components of the Mission including the Office of the Defense Attache (DAO) and the United States Information Service (USIS).

The staff totals 18 Americans and 15 Surinamese, supported by contract guards, maintenance personnel, char force, and others.

Executive Section

The Executive Section consists of the Ambassador, DCM, and two American secretaries. Two political officers and an FSN political translator/writer, and two economic officers with an American secretary are also present.

The consular commercial officer is assisted by an FSN consular assistant to provide the full range of consular services and by an FSN economic/commercial adviser.

Administrative Section

The Administrative Section consists of:

• an administrative officer
• communications programs officer
• support communications officer
• eight national employees:
  • a general services assistant
  • three employees who perform both general services and chauffeur duties
  • a personnel/protocol assistant
  • a fiscal-administrative clerk
  • a budget analyst/accounting technician
  • a cashier

USIS Staff

The USIS staff includes:

• the public affairs officer
• an information assistant
• an administrative assistant
• a receptionist/librarian

The DAO is made up of:

• one lieutenant colonel
• one warrant officer
• one NCO
• one FSN chauffeur

Housing

Temporary Quarters

The Embassy maintains no transient or temporary quarters. Upon arrival, assigned personnel stay at the Krasnapolsky Hotel, the Torarica Hotel, or the Ambassador Hotel until permanent housing is available, usually within 3–4 weeks.

Permanent Housing

Official American personnel are assigned detached furnished houses which are either owned or leased by the U.S. Government. All are in good residential areas within 3 miles of the Chancery. All houses now occupied are in good condition and suitable for reoccupancy.

Each house has a refrigerator, freezer, washer, dryer, and gas stove. Quarters are not shared. The style of houses varies, including single-story rambler, single-story elevated, two-story, and split-level.

The U.S. Government owns only two buildings in Suriname – the residences of the Ambassador and DCM.

Ambassador’s Residence

The Ambassador’s residence is a two-story, 30-year-old white brick home with swimming pool and small garden in a residential area 1 mile from the Chancery. Modest in size, it is nonetheless large enough for receptions of up to 200 guests.

Downstairs features include two kitchens and a small study. Upstairs there are:

• a master bedroom suite with dressing room and bath
• three other bedroom/studies
• one additional bathroom

DCM’s Residence

The DCM’s home is a one-story, 3-bedroom rambler located 2 miles from the Chancery in a residential area where most SURALCO senior executives and roughly half of the Embassy American families are housed.

The DCM’s home has:

• a large garden with raised beds for vegetables or flowers
• a bath and half-bath
• modest entertaining areas
• small kitchen
• servants toilet
• servants ironing room

The Embassy provides 6-day-a-week gardening services to both the Ambassador’s and DCM’s residences. Four servants are authorized for the Ambassador’s residence and two for the DCM’s.

Furnishings

The Embassy has a replacement program to supply residences with furnishings and appliances in good condition. The Embassy furnishes:

• rugs
• curtains or drapes
• air-conditioners for all residences

One bedroom has a queen-sized bed. Other bedrooms are furnished with twin-sized beds. Dining tables expand to seat twelve; each house has eight dining chairs.

Incoming personnel may use a Hospitality Kit until their effects arrive. The kit includes:

• dishes
• pots and pans
• cutlery
• eating utensils
• iron and ironing board
• small supply of linens

Staff should also include survival quantities of these items in airfreight.

Utilities and Equipment

All houses used by the Embassy have modern plumbing, although several experience occasional problems due to low water pressure. Showers are the norm; bathtubs are rare.

Hot water is furnished by small gas heaters at each location where hot water is used. All houses use bottled gas for cooking. In most houses, water is also heated by bottled gas. Both incandescent and fluorescent lighting are used.

Electricity is 127v, 60-cycle, 3-phase AC. With an adapter plug, American appliances, including TV sets, record players, etc., work well on this current without adjustment or transformers. Short power failures occur periodically. To counter them, the Embassy is installing diesel-powered generators at each residence.

All Embassy-leased houses have telephones. The occupant pays the monthly charge by reimbursing the Embassy Budget and Fiscal Office.

Food

Food is different from those in the U.S. and quality varies. Fresh fish is sold at markets, and frozen shrimp is available at lower than U.S. prices.

Some fresh vegetables can be purchased in markets during season:

• tomatoes
• cucumbers
• leaf lettuce
• eggplant
• green beans
• cabbage

Citrus fruits and bananas are excellent and inexpensive. Pineapples, coconuts, mangoes, papayas, and watermelons are also available seasonally, although at higher than U.S. prices.

Milk (combination of fresh and powdered) is available. Butter and cheese are imported from Europe and are unavailable for brief periods. Local ice cream is good but expensive.

Baby food and baby articles are expensive and hard to find. If needed, bring a good supply. A blender is useful for making baby food.

Tapwater is safe for drinking within Paramaribo. However, if you travel outside the city, boil the water for 20 minutes or buy bottled drinks.

Some carbonated soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Tab, and fruit flavors), soda water, and local beer can be purchased locally at moderate prices.

A small selection of tobacco products, liquors, and perfumes can be purchased at the airport duty-free shop located 25 miles from the Embassy. No other source of duty-free goods exists in Paramaribo.

Cooking enthusiasts should bring spices, baking items, and other necessities as these items are becoming harder to find. Many staff members take a 1½-hour drive to St. Laurent du Maroni on the French side of the Suriname/French Guiana border to procure French cheeses, wines, fruits, and vegetables. Apples, pears, grapes, carrots, and celery are available in St. Laurent.

Employees assigned to Paramaribo are authorized a consumables shipment of 1,000 pounds (2,500 pounds for DAO personnel) in addition to the household effects shipment. An increase in this consumables amount has been requested but not yet authorized by the Department of State.

The Embassy does not have a commissary. A limited variety of imported food items is available locally, but prices are at least double U.S. prices. The Embassy has recent successful experience with group purchases from the U.S. of frozen food, grocery items, and liquor. Duty-free liquor is not available locally except at Zanderij Airport, 25 miles from Paramaribo. Plans are afoot to create an Employees’ Association to facilitate group orders.

Good-quality chicken and eggs can be obtained. Excellent local beef, ham, and pork are available, but cuts are different from those in the U.S. and quality varies.

Clothing

Due to warm humid climate in Paramaribo, only lightweight summer clothing is worn. Bring a lightweight sweater and jacket for air-conditioned offices and for trips to the interior.

Evenings in the rainy season are cooler than in the dry season. In the two rainy seasons, it rains heavily almost daily, so bring an umbrella for each family member. Due to heat and humidity, raincoats are seldom worn except by cyclists.

Bring a substantial supply of wash-and-wear clothing. Two dry-cleaners offer dependable service for suits and pants at higher than U.S. prices. Woolens, heavy knits, and leather items are undesirable, as they are attacked by mildew and moths.

Winter clothing for possible trips to cooler climates should be brought and stored in air-conditioned rooms and aired frequently. Clothing and shoes can be purchased locally, but styles, sizes, and quality are not of U.S. standards. Many U.S. employees use mail-order houses for replacement clothing. Pouch times average 6–8 weeks for the turnaround. Local tailors and seamstresses of average abilities can be found. Personnel being assigned to Paramaribo should bring a 2-year supply of basic clothing items and shoes.

Men

Men wear light cotton shirts and lightweight tropical worsted, dacron, orlon, palm beach, or cord pants. Some officers and staff bring tuxedos (and long evening gowns for ladies), although occasions when these are required are rare. Officers should have business suits for more formal cocktail parties, official receptions, and for calls on high-level government officials. Most officers find that dress short-sleeved shirts with or without ties are acceptable for casual and official gatherings. On many social occasions, more sporty, casual attire is worn.

Women

Women wear skirts or slacks while shopping in the city but should not wear shorts in public. Shorter casual dresses are popular for social events. Surinamese women are more dressed up than men at social events. They wear stylish tailored dresses or occasionally fancy pants outfits. Pants and pantsuits are often worn in casual social situations.

Clothing accessories can be purchased in the city, but selection is limited and prices are higher than in the U.S. Bring a reserve supply of undergarments.

Uniforms are worn by DAO members when making official calls, visiting military installations, and attending diplomatic functions. Wearing of the summer uniform with or without tie is most common. A more formal dress might be required for social functions in the evening and for certain special official functions as determined by the Defense attache.

A sewing machine can be useful. Imported fabrics and dressmaking supplies are available but higher priced than in the U.S. If you plan to sew, bring a supply of zippers, buttons, thread, and patterns.

Supplies and Services

Supplies

Most miscellaneous household items, present in Suriname—as is often the case with Guyanese and Haitians. The Embassy Personnel Office will advise on legal status of individual candidates for domestic employment.

The Ambassador employs a cook and two (non-live-in) maids; the DCM has a cook and a maid. The Embassy provides gardening services for residences of both the Ambassador and the DCM. Other personnel have a full-time or part-time maid. Some employees have part-time gardeners who will also do other heavy tasks when required. For entertainment, ample help is available and includes bartenders, servers, etc., at a cost of $5–$10 an hour.

Kitchen and bathroom supplies, patent medicines, and tobacco are available locally. Since nearly everything must be imported, prices are high. A supply of paper goods, detergents, candles, and special or unusual medicines or toiletries should be brought.

Basic Services

The city has two laundries and two drycleaners. Work is average in quality and prices are higher than those in the U.S. A few dressmakers and tailors do adequate work. Hairdressers and barbers are few in number and provide little advice about style, etc. Prices for a simple cut are comparable to U.S. prices.

Repairs of any kind—electronic equipment, carpentry, appliances—are adequate but slow. However, parts are becoming increasingly unavailable. Qualified technicians for many repairs do not exist in Paramaribo. Mechanics are sometimes self-taught. Likewise, many repair shops lack modern equipment. Many auto garages, especially dealers, have modern facilities and skilled mechanics who do adequate work, although they lack necessary parts and supplies.

Domestic Help

English-speaking domestic servants—especially good cooks—who are Surinamese citizens are hard to find, expensive, and rarely willing to live in. A full-time English-speaking maid (6 hours a day, 6 days a week) might command as much as Sf. 400.00 ($226) a month plus food and transportation, and would be paid overtime if expected to stay in the evening. Staff should be careful not to hire persons not legally authorized.

Religious Activities

Paramaribo has Christian religious communities and churches organized by the following denominations:

• AME
• Anglican
• Assembly of God
• Baptist
• Dutch Reformed
• Jehovah’s Witnesses
• Lutheran
• Moravian
• Roman Catholic
• Seventh-day Adventist
• Southern Baptist

Also, two synagogues, a Bahai Center, several Muslim mosques, and Hindu temples are located here.

English services are held each Sunday at the Anglican Mission and AME Church. The Anglican Mission has no priest of its own; a priest visits once each month from Guyana. A Catholic Mass in English is held once a month.

Many Americans attend an interdenominational Protestant service each Sunday based on sermons recorded in the U.S. A Sunday school for children is also associated with it.

Education

The American Cooperative School, operated by SURALCO, presently has grades 1 through 8. Embassy school-age children go there. Instruction is in English and is up to American standards. The post education allowance is based on this school and covers its costs. The school year runs from late August until May.

Parents intending to enroll their children in this school should notify the Embassy as early as possible, giving ages and school level of students. Children must be at least 6 years old to attend. Parents arrange unofficially for a kindergarten class held on school premises. Enrollment of Embassy children is not automatic.

Suriname has an impressive dual religious and secular educational system conducted in Dutch. Schools are run by Catholic and Moravian Churches and by the state.

Although some foreign children, including those of diplomats, enroll in Surinamese schools, the necessity of learning Dutch and difficulty of transferring credits make this difficult, if not impossible, for Americans. Standards vary from school to school, with the best schools having an excellent record in placing students in universities in Suriname, the U.S., the Netherlands, and elsewhere.

Suriname’s Anton de Kom University has a medical faculty, a law faculty, a natural resources faculty, and technical and social sciences faculties. Other higher educational institutions exist, but no dependents of Embassy personnel have sought education in Paramaribo at this level.

Recreation and Social Life

Sports

From the Chancery: formerly a rice paddy field, it is flat and low. Drainage, though extensive and well planned, is strained during the rainy season.

A 9-hole golf club is located 4 miles from the Chancery. Membership costs Sf. 200.00 ($113); dues are Sf. 40.00 ($23) a month. Many members of the diplomatic corps participate in weekly Saturday afternoon tournaments during dry seasons. The club is well staffed. Many Americans have found Paramaribo an excellent place to learn to play golf under uncrowded but civilized conditions.

Four private clubs have swimming pools and tennis courts and several Embassy families are members. Tennis rackets, balls, and dress are available locally but are expensive. Embassy members are welcome to join water polo teams and otherwise participate in private club life.

The most popular national sport is soccer. Basketball is also popular. Adult teams play regularly. Baseball, volleyball, cricket, badminton, horse riding, and aerobic exercise classes are also available. Gardening, boating on the river, bird watching, orchid raising, and horticulture are among the many things to do in one’s spare time.

Hunting and fishing are popular. Neither requires any unusual equipment. Both are attractive but can involve hard trekking in deep forests. Hunting, especially, is seldom engaged in by staff members. Stringent laws govern ownership of firearms and ammunition. Rifles and pistols are prohibited. An individual may own only one shotgun. Twelve- and 16-gauge shotguns are used almost exclusively. Night hunting is illegal.

Guides and transportation to the best hunting areas are expensive. Hunting without a guide is not recommended. It may be necessary to hire a powerboat and/or plane to get to the desired area (e.g., for shooting ducks). Dogs are needed for some kinds of hunting.

A gun club shoots pistols (owned by the club) at a range near the city three times a week, traps at Paranam, and at a range near Zanderij Airport once a month (rifles owned by the club). Ammunition is about 50% higher in price than in the U.S.

Fishing for 5–6 pound bass in Afobakka Lake, 2 hours south of Paramaribo, and in the Suriname and Saramacca Rivers and surrounding streams is not inconvenient. Trips to the interior or saltwater fishing are as difficult to organize as hunting trips. Tarpon is the principal saltwater sport fish. Catfish and other species are also popular. Many excellent streams and rivers in Suriname are suitable for small boats. Unfortunately, boats and engines are expensive. Some fishing can be done from the banks of rivers and creeks.

Camping and hiking are difficult due to heat, insects, and lack of organized campsites and marked trails. But adventuresome types might enjoy these sports at several of the national parks here. Bicycling is popular but risky due to traffic patterns. Sports equipment is expensive and limited. Bring whatever you expect to use.

The Suriname Aero Club has a Cessna plane and operates both a ground school and a flying school for those interested in flying or learning to fly. For the latter, at least a basic knowledge of Dutch is necessary, as the ground course and examination are conducted in Dutch. Costs are higher, but not prohibitively so, than those in the U.S.

Touring and Outdoor Activities

Suriname has no ocean beaches or lakes suitable for swimming. Several tannic acid-colored rivers and creeks offer interesting and safe swimming and waterskiing experiences. One public swimming pool is available in Paramaribo and four private clubs have pools for members and guests.

Opportunities exist for sightseeing. One can drive to Cola Creek, Groningen, Brokopondo Dam, Joden Savanna, or New Amsterdam for Sunday outings or picnics. Other government-maintained facilities for picnicking are also available. Longer drives to Wageningen, Totness, Albina, or Brownsberg are also possible in a day.

One can drive on fair to excellent roads to Cayenne, French Guiana, and to the border of Guyana. Scenery and climate in Guyana and French Guiana are similar to those in Suriname. French Guiana, however, offers French wines, cheeses, and meals, which make it a popular place to visit for Embassy personnel. Americans also enjoy visiting the French Space Center at Kourou and boat trips to the Iles de Salut, including the notorious “Devil’s Island.”

Beta format is the most popular among Surinamers and offers the most variety. Suriname TV has one channel which plays every evening and offers American variety programs and occasional feature films.

Although Suriname has legitimate theater, the Suriname Cultural Center (CCS) and Ons Erf sponsor occasional cultural plays, concerts, and other cultural presentations. Plays are almost always in Dutch or Sranan Tongo. Modest parades and trade fairs are sometimes held on holidays.

Good Chinese and Javanese food is served in at least five restaurants in Paramaribo. Prices are higher than those at good U.S. restaurants. The Ambassador Hotel has a good continental-style restaurant.

The Torarica Hotel has floor-shows on weekends, usually a solo performance by a singer, dancer, or musician. It also has a dance band, casino, and restaurant. A disco is open next to the Krasnapolsky Hotel.

No special or unusual etiquette is required when participating in any form of entertainment. Bush Negroes often object to being photographed in their villages.

A small museum and a natural history collection are located in Paramaribo and an open-air museum at New Amsterdam. Paramaribo also has one small zoo and numerous public parks.

Trips to the interior by plane or boat are attractive but can be expensive. No ordinary passenger railroad or intercity bus system runs in Suriname.

The second largest city, Nieuw Nickerie, has a population of only 10,000 and few sightseeing attractions.

Entertainment

Paramaribo has 10 movie theaters, but not all are patronized by Americans. Films in English are popular at most of the 10, but 5 specialize in East Indian Hindi-language movies. Performances begin at 8 pm or 8:45 pm each night, at 11 am on Sunday mornings, and at midnight on Friday or Saturday. Popular movies are occasionally given additional showings. Movies are censored and may be restricted to persons older than 14, 16, or 18 years. A “film league” shows art films about once a month. Membership is inexpensive.

One drive-in theater occasionally shows films in English. Video tapes in VHS or Betamax can be rented from commercial sources at low cost.

Among Americans, the American community (about 70 families in Suriname) is too small to support exclusive social activity, even in Paramaribo. Many Americans either work for the Embassy, SURALCO, or as missionaries. Most SURALCO and all Embassy families live in or near Paramaribo. Most missionaries live in remote areas.

International Contacts

Most of the non-Surinamese middle-class expatriate community is composed of Dutch Europeans and some Belgians with few other foreigners. Social calls and social affairs among both Surinamers and Dutch are more structured than U.S. custom requires. Close friends usually do not call on one another without prior notice. Officers use calling cards or business cards for first formal calls and during introductions. Printed cards are available here. You will need 500 cards for a 3-year tour or 250 for a 2-year tour.

A lot of formal and informal calling is done in Paramaribo, particularly for those new to post. Some government officials and others will expect calls from new officers.

Paramaribo is a friendly city. It is easy to meet people either through personal introductions or by making calls (appointments first). Among men’s and women’s service clubs, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Optimists, Soroptimists, and Toastmasters are represented in Paramaribo. Anyone interested in social work may volunteer help to the Salvation Army (Leger des Heils), Red Cross (Rode Kruis), YWCA, family planning organization (LOBI), or other secular or religious groups.

Official Functions

The national holiday of Suriname is Independence Day, celebrated on November 25, when the President or Acting President holds a large reception. National days are celebrated by resident embassies in Paramaribo (the Netherlands, Guyana, U.S., Venezuela, Indonesia, Brazil, France, Republic of Korea, China, U.S.S.R., Japan, Libya, and India) and honorary consuls in various ways, from brief noonday receptions for a small number of top officials to lavish evening affairs.

Dress at the President’s Palace for receptions is a business suit for men with corresponding dress for ladies. At other receptions and dinners, business suits and dresses are often worn, but men wear sport shirts on more informal occasions. Receptions and cocktail parties begin at 7:30–8 pm and last for 2 hours. Dinners begin at 7:30 pm, 8 pm, or 8:30 pm. Formal sit-down dinners are rare. Generous buffets (stand-up or sit-down) are the commonest form of evening entertaining in the home. Women sometimes entertain at coffee or morning bridge. Entertainment does not take place in the afternoon.

Standards of Social Conduct

Foreign Service personnel are expected to take part in all official activities sponsored by the Embassy and to attend most outside functions to which they are invited. Courtesy calls on all persons with whom an American expects to have future contact are recommended. These calls are made by appointment and usually result in a pleasant chat and a new acquaintance.

Special Information

Curfew

Curfew has been imposed at various times since 1980 but has not been in effect since August 1984.

Left: Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Below: Downtown Paramaribo.

Getting to the Post

You can take alternate routes when traveling from the U.S. to Paramaribo. You can, for instance, travel from New York or Miami to Caracas and then to Port-of-Spain, and from Port-of-Spain via Georgetown to Paramaribo. For official travel, the direct flight aboard SLM from Miami to Paramaribo twice a week is used. Travelers can also reach Paramaribo by air from Cayenne, French Guiana; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Curacao, Netherlands Antilles; or from Bélem, Brazil.

Due to difficulty of traveling to and from Paramaribo, the post has been granted a waiver of the rule requiring entering and leaving the U.S. on an American carrier, and personnel may fly a foreign-flag carrier (SLM) in and out of Miami.

Airfreight takes about 4 weeks from Washington, D.C.; surface shipments, about 3 months. Only lightweight tropical clothing is worn in Paramaribo. However, bring one set of all-weather clothing in case of return to the U.S. in winter. Include an umbrella in airfreight.

Newly arriving American personnel and dependents are met on arrival at Zanderij International Airport. If housing is not ready, rooms in a Paramaribo hotel will be reserved. If a traveler is not met at the airport, buses and taxis go regularly into Paramaribo.

The Torarica and the Krasnapolsky Hotels are modern hotels with coffee shops, restaurants, and swimming pools. The Ambassador Hotel also offers good-quality accommodations and a restaurant, but no pool.

The Ambassador Hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Embassy and is preferred by personnel on TDY. The Krasnapolsky is a 15-minute walk from the Embassy. Travelers should call 72900 if they need assistance. Outside office hours, a recording provides the duty officer’s number.

Notes for Travelers

Customs, Duties, and Passage

Customs and Duties

All U.S. Embassy employees and their families may import household effects and one automobile per adult family member duty free. To facilitate entry, shipments should be marked and consigned to the American Ambassador rather than to an individual. Shipments should be marked as follows:

American Ambassador
For (Name of Employee)
American Embassy
Paramaribo, Suriname
South America

No special charges or quotas are levied on unaccompanied baggage. A car of any type, weight, or color may be imported, although readily obtained exemptions are necessary for cars with more than six cylinders or for vans with a right-hand side cargo door. All must pass a safety examination to be licensed. No duty is charged on a reasonable amount of personal effects imported by a traveler for personal use. No special entry or exit regulations or restrictions on mail service are imposed.

Passage

To enter Suriname you need a passport and a visa. Diplomats can obtain diplomatic visas from the Surinamese Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Travelers checks are acceptable at many places in Paramaribo. Assigned personnel may exchange dollar checks for local currency at local banks. There is a bank charge of 1.50 guilders for each check. French francs are needed to make purchases in French Guiana. The inconvenience and expense of currency exchange in French Guiana can be avoided by bringing French currency from the U.S.

Pets

All imported pets must have a veterinary certificate stating they are free from diseases and have had rabies shots less than 30 days previously. Quarantine is waived if documentation is in order. No kennels are available in town or at hotels. DHL/Parvo pet food is recommended, especially for young dogs. Dry dog food and cat food is hard to find here and expensive. Cat litter is not available. Bring your own pet supplies.

Firearms and Ammunition

Importing and registering a shotgun is a long, slow process. Importing rifles or pistols is forbidden. Hunting licenses are obtained after one acquires a permit to own a shotgun. Obtain permission from the Chief of Mission before sending firearms to post.

Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures

The Suriname guilder (“Sf.”) is the national monetary unit; U.S. $1 = Sf. 1.77. Currency controls are stringent but do not affect Foreign Service personnel. Surinamers, however, must have a permit to buy foreign exchange.

U.S. Embassy employees can exchange personal dollar checks for Surinamese guilders through the Embassy or at most local banks at a flat charge of Sf. 1.50 per check. No limit is put on the amount of foreign currency, travelers checks, or guilders that may be brought into Suriname. A currency declaration should not be filled in at the airport by diplomatic passport holders. Departing Americans can convert reasonable quantities of guilders to dollars at the Embassy.

Paramaribo’s three internationally active commercial banks have U.S. correspondent banks. Some Americans have a local checking account in addition to their U.S. accounts.

The metric system is mandated by law in Suriname. An additional unofficial unit of weight measurement is the Dutch “pond,” which equals 500 grams, 46 grams more than an American pound.

Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Property Restrictions

Upon receipt of permission to do so by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, automobiles imported or purchased duty free and which have been in the country for at least 2 years may be sold locally by Embassy Americans without payment of import duty by the buyer. Automobile liability insurance is compulsory for U.S. Embassy personnel. Foreign Service personnel pay no local taxes.

Facilities

Local banking and exchange facilities are adequate. American dollars and travelers checks are widely accepted by banks at exchange rates nearly equaling the best official rate. No legal parallel currency market exists. Embassy employees are required to exchange at the official rate.

Recommended Reading

These titles are provided as a general indication of the material published on this country. The Department of State does not endorse unofficial publications.

• Caribbean Review. Selected articles. Florida International University: Miami.
• Dew, Edward. The Difficult Flowering of Suriname: Ethnicity and Politics in Plural Society. Martinus Nijhoff: The Hague, 1978.
• Foreign Economic Trends and Their Implications for the United States: Suriname. Prepared by American Embassy Paramaribo for the U.S. Department of Commerce. Available from Publications Sales Branch, Room 1617, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230.
• Herskovits and Herskovits. Rebel Destiny: Among the Bushnegroes in Surinam. 1934.
• Mitrasing, F.E.M. Suriname: Land of Seven Peoples. H. van den Boomen: Paramaribo, 1979.
• Naipaul, V.S. The Middle Passage—The Caribbean Revisited. Macmillan: New York, 1963.
• Oltmans, Willem. An Interview with Desi Bouterse. 1984.
• Stedman, J.G. Narrative of an Expedition to Suriname. Reprinted by Imprint Society in 1971.
• van Lier, R.A.J. Frontier Society: A Social Analysis of the History of Surinam. 1971.
• Vorhoeve and Lichtveld. Creole Drum: An Anthology of Creole Literature in Surinam. 1975.

Local Holidays

The Embassy observes the following Suriname and American holidays: