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Braganza Marketing Group threatens Suriname with $86M claim over Mennonite projects
A legal and economic dispute has emerged in Suriname between the government and Braganza Marketing Group NV regarding Mennonite-led agricultural projects. The Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management has ordered Mennonites to vacate three locations—Bantipasi, Albergapasi, and Masoniakreek—stating they are operating illegally without permits and have caused approximately 15 hectares of deforestation.
Braganza Marketing Group NV disputes these claims, asserting that the Mennonites from Belize and Mexico are operating under formal agreements made with the previous administration and hold legal visas. The company maintains that the projects, covering 34,185 hectares, were intended to bolster the national economy and support Caricom food security goals.
In response to the government's actions, Braganza is preparing a $86 million USD damage claim against the state, citing the undermining of established agreements. The company notes that the projects have a projected annual gross turnover of approximately $78.8 million USD.
Entities
Albergapasi · Bantipasi · Braganza Marketing Group NV · Jennifer Simons · Masoniakreek · Mennonites · Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management · Stanley Soeropawiro · Suriname
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] All Mennonites involved in the projects hold legal visas. unitednews.sr · www.waterkant.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The projected annual gross turnover for the projects is approximately $78.8 million USD. unitednews.sr · www.waterkant.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The locations Bantipasi, Albergapasi, and Masoniakreek are being operated without necessary permits. abcsuriname.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government issued a bailiff's writ on July 20 ordering Mennonites to cease activities and vacate three locations. abcsuriname.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The disputed agricultural projects cover a total area of 34,185 hectares. unitednews.sr · www.dbsuriname.com · www.waterkant.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] Braganza Marketing Group is preparing an $86 million USD damage claim against the Surinamese government. unitednews.sr · www.dbsuriname.com · www.waterkant.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 15 hectares of forest have been deforested at the sites. abcsuriname.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mennonite activities are based on formal agreements made with the previous Surinamese administration. unitednews.sr · www.dbsuriname.com · www.waterkant.net