No state-owned land in Suriname for CARICOM nationals

by Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent
Email: ivan@caribbeannetnews.com

Tuesday,  January 10, 2006

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: Although CARICOM nationals within the framework of the CSME are granted almost equal rights as Surinamese nationals, they cannot apply for state-owned land. This also applies to companies throughout CARICOM.

There are however no restrictions on the purchase of privately-owned land.

Minister of Land and Forestry, Michael Jong Tjien Fa informed Caribbean Net News that this was a deliberate choice of the Surinamese government. “We (the government) deliberately didn’t choose for that,” said the official.

He pointed out that, although Surinamese nationals legally may apply for land, they stumble upon numerous problems in their endeavors. “We can’t make the current situation more difficult than it already is by granting the same rights to other CARICOM nationals,” he further noted.

This issue was brought up during the discussions on the CSME and Suriname has opted for some restrictions on this matter, he added. “The policy regarding issuance of state-owned land therefore stays the same,” said minister Jong Tjien Fa. 

Meanwhile the government has removed restrictions for CARICOM nationals regarding purchase of privately owned land. Previously as all other foreigners they needed approval of the Foreign Exchange Commission when purchasing land in Suriname.

In a public notice the Foreign Exchange Commission informs that the restrictions has been removed. With the publication CARICOM nationals are granted general permission to buy land in Suriname and obtain the legal rights on their property. Persons involved should however are required to register their property with the commission within 30 days.

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version