Suriname Agriculture Minister denies entry to rice shipment

Suriname’s Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Mike Noersalim, has confirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) denied permission for a rice shipment belonging to importer Bhagwatpersad Ramadin to enter the country. The decision was based on the failure to provide required documentation, specifically the absence of a mandatory pest risk analysis.

Following the seizure by Customs, the shipment was transferred to the police for investigation into potential violations of the Smuggling Decree and the Ship Worthiness Act. The goods are currently held in a police-supervised storage facility.

Former Minister Soeresh Algoe has criticized the handling of the situation, suggesting the current administration may be using the rice controversy to divert attention from the ‘Mennonite issue.’ Algoe expressed concerns regarding the environmental impact of large-scale agricultural plans proposed by Mennonites, specifically regarding deforestation, water supply, and the use of genetically modified crops and chemicals.