Granman Clemens: “I have not seen any Mennonites in my territory”

Granman Raymond Clemens of the Kwinti tribe stated in an interview with Suriname suriname that he has not seen any Mennonites in his territory. According to Clemens, his people have also not noticed their presence. “Perhaps they are in the Tibiti area, near Goliath heading toward Matawai, but not in the Kwinti area,” he remarked.
The tribal leader mentioned that he has seen the videos and photos circulating on social media but does not know the origins of the people reportedly in Witagron. “Here in Witagron and Kaaimanston, we haven’t seen them,” he affirmed.
Clemens also questioned where this group might be housed, as Witagron lacks sufficient housing to accommodate them. “Perhaps they are elsewhere, but they are not here,” he said. Currently in the city, Clemens added, “I heard they were headed to Witagron, but I don’t know where in Witagron they are staying because we didn’t allocate any space for them, and the government knows that as well.”
He reiterated his stance, stating that he is unaware of what President Chan Santokhi and Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk are doing or planning. During discussions with both leaders, Clemens made it clear that he does not want the group in his area. “They need to investigate properly where they are. If they are in that area, they should determine what to do with them. I’ve heard more Mennonites might come to our country, but I don’t know the government’s intentions regarding them,” Clemens said.
The arrival of Mennonites in Suriname has been a topic of debate for some time. Community meetings (krutu’s) have been held to discuss the situation and clarify the positions of those involved.