Tourtonne residents and government partner to combat local crime and nuisance

Government officials and residents of Tourtonne are collaborating to address rising local disturbances, including drug use, prostitution, noise pollution, and the issue of abandoned buildings. During a community meeting on August 14, local authorities, police, and district commissioner Marlon Budike discussed strategies to monitor problem areas more effectively.

Minister of Justice and Security Harish Monorath emphasized the need for sustainable solutions, particularly regarding prostitution, to prevent the issue from simply shifting to other neighborhoods. He also noted that abandoned properties, often owned by individuals living abroad, are being occupied by drug users and the homeless.

Under the National Program for Vagrancy & Resocialization, authorities have inventoried 503 homeless individuals, with approximately 60 already transitioned off the streets. Efforts continue to find housing and guidance for the remaining 440 people. Additionally, police have begun dismantling small drug hubs, recently conducting raids in Paramaribo that resulted in four arrests. To combat noise pollution from vehicles, the government is considering stricter legislation and has already issued thousands of fines.