Algoe: “President has not taken a single security measure in five years”

In no uncertain terms, attorney and former public prosecutor Chandra Algoe expressed strong criticism of the government, and particularly of President Chan Santokhi. During the election debate “Suriname Chooses Today”, where she appeared as an expert, Algoe stated that the administration’s security policy has completely failed.

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“You are no longer safe anywhere,” she emphasized. “Not in your home, not on the street, not even after a traffic accident. Even then, you risk being robbed.” Algoe pointed out that children at school and people at work are also in danger, especially in places where financial transactions occur.
According to her, there is structural corruption within the police force. “If police officers are in prison throughout the year, then something is fundamentally wrong. Corruption has become institutionalized, and wrongdoing goes unpunished.”
She cited the example of a police inspector who was robbed of millions, without any investigation into the origin of the money. “Even the Public Prosecutor’s Office doesn’t ask questions. That’s how we maintain this culture.”
The sharpest criticism, however, was aimed at President Santokhi, who himself comes from the police force. “He knows what’s going on. But in five years, he hasn’t taken a single special measure to give the people a sense of security.”
Justice and Police Minister Kenneth Amoksi was also strongly criticized. “Every time something tragic happens, he says he had a good talk with the police force. But believe me: no robber is afraid of a good talk.”
Algoe concluded with a harsh verdict: “The government has completely failed in the area of public safety.” The election debate “Suriname Chooses Today” sharply highlighted a range of differing views.

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