Suriname Justice Minister orders reduction in ministerial security details

Suriname’s Minister of Justice and Security, Harish Monorath, has announced a phased reduction of police personnel assigned to protect government ministers. The decision follows concerns regarding the high costs incurred by the Ministry of Justice and Security, which must cover overtime and meal allowances for all security details.

Monorath specifically questioned the necessity of the 17-person security detail assigned to Transport, Communication, and Tourism Minister Raymond Landveld, noting that Monorath’s own security detail is significantly smaller. The minister stated that the goal is to return these officers to regular police duties to strengthen general service.

Public commentator Bennie Miranda criticized the scale of the security details, suggesting that ministers should require no more than three to four officers. Miranda expressed frustration over the perceived misuse of privileges by politicians while the general public is asked to endure austerity measures.