Suriname President Faces Court Challenge Over Indigenous Day Venue

The Stichting Amazone Markt Suriname (SAMS), which has organized the annual Dag der Inheemsen and Amazon Market in the Palmentuin for more than two decades, has filed an urgent short‑procedure (kort geding) against President Jennifer Simons. SAMS argues that the president’s decision to grant permission to another group, the Stichting Apache Social Network Suriname, to hold the 2026 events violates its long‑standing exclusive role. The foundation seeks a court order to cancel the president’s decision and to compel the government to grant SAMS the required permits within 24 hours.

President Simons’ office approved the request from the Apache foundation after SAMS did not receive a response to its repeated applications. SAMS contends there is no contractual “sole right” for any organization, stating, “Er is geen contract met de overheid waarin staat dat SAMS het alleenrecht heeft,” while Swedo of the Apache group says, “Er is geen alleenrecht.” The hearing is scheduled for 16 July 2026 at the Kantongerecht in Paramaribo. The outcome will affect thousands of expected visitors and the livelihoods of more than 150 market vendors who depend on the event to showcase indigenous culture, crafts, and products.