R 191840Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY PARAMARIBO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0644

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000086 
 
 
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA AND DS/OSAC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT ASEC
SUBJECT: PARAMARIBO 2009 OSAC CRIME SAFETY REPORT 
 
REF: 08 STATE 132056 
 
 
OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY 
 
Reported crimes in Suriname declined slightly in 2008, 
however violent crimes increased significantly. 
Foreigners in general are viewed as targets of 
opportunity.  In addition, poor neighborhoods and 
squatters are increasingly infringing on the residential 
neighborhoods housing the expatriate 
communities. This enables criminal elements to reside in 
close proximity to their most frequent targets.  Those who 
can afford it rely on guard services for 24-hour protection 
of their residences and places of business.  These local 
guards, as well as commonly added physical security elements 
(lighting, perimeter fences, and grilles), have been 
instrumental in deterring criminals. 
 
Traffic accidents are a major concern in Suriname.  Roads and 
driving conditions are poor.  Police only sporadically 
enforce local traffic laws and, as a result, local drivers 
drive recklessly. Stop signs and traffic signals are often 
treated as suggestions only. Be very cognizant of mopeds, 
scooters and motorcycles especially when making turns. They 
are very common and always have the right of way. 
 
If you are involved in an accident, you are expected to stay 
at the scene until the police arrive to take a report. This 
wait can often stretch into hours, and it is not uncommon for 
roads to be completely blocked by a minor accident while 
waiting for the police to arrive. 
 
Driving while talking on a cell phone is illegal and is one 
of the few traffic offenses that is regularly enforced. 
 
 
POLITICAL VIOLENCE 
 
Although Suriname has ongoing border disputes with its 
neighbors, Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname is not 
currently engaged in any armed hostilities with any country. 
Post does not anticipate violence resulting from existing 
territorial or political controversies in the near future. 
 
On November 30, 2007, former President and military strongman 
Desi Bouterse and 24 co-defendants went on trial for the 
December 8, 1982 murders of 15 members of the political 
opposition. The trial convened at the special court facility 
at the Naval base in Boxel, approximately 15 miles south of 
Paramaribo. While the trial is still ongoing, widespread 
fears that this might result in political violence have, so 
far, been unfounded. 
 
With a few minor exceptions there have been no incidents of 
political violence since the early 1980s. 
 
 
POST SPECIFIC CONCERNS 
 
In May 2006, Suriname experienced severe flooding in the 
interior of the country. The crisis stretched the Government 
of Suriname's resources beyond capacity and in the ensuing 
state of emergency, the GOS relied heavily on foreign and 
international assistance. The GOS would likely approach the 
UNDP, and the U.S. and Dutch embassies for guidance and 
assistance should any major emergencies take place in 
Paramaribo. 
 
Attacks on affluent families and business owners continued 
to increase in 2008 as they have in recent years. According 
to statistics provided by the Surinamese Police, Homicides 
were up 63 percent and Aggravated Robberies were up 45 
percent from 2007. 
 
There were several incidents of prominent business owners 
being targeted for robbery.  In each case, small teams of 
bandits conducted surveillance, formulated plans, and 
executed successful crimes.  Methods of attack ranged from 
car jacking to ambushes outside businesses to home invasions. 
 
The growing number and sophistication of illegal weapons and 
ammunition present in Suriname, especially in Paramaribo, 
threatens the public safety. 
 
Police fear neighborhood vigilante groups will be created to 
confront the local gangs.  The availability of illegal, and 
in most cases untraceable, weapons will only promote an 
escalation in violence should this type of scenario happen. 
 
Criminals in Suriname are increasingly willing to resort to 
violence while committing all types of crimes. Firearms are 
the weapons of choice for criminals and there seems to be no 
inhibition to using them if challenged. 
 
If confronted by an armed criminal, do not argue or attempt 
to confront him/her in any way.  Quickly relinquish what you 
are asked to surrender. 
 
Most foreigners are very visible in public and should take 
precautions when visiting downtown areas.  Visitors should 
avoid wearing expensive jewelry, displaying large sums of 
cash in public, or otherwise appearing ostentatious. 
Visitors are advised to make every attempt to change currency 
at hotels, local banks, or official cambios.  Visitors are 
strongly discouraged from exchanging currency on the street, 
as this is both dangerous and illegal. 
 
There have been reports of criminal incidents in the 
vicinities of the major hotels used by tourists and US 
Government employees traveling on official orders.  Walking 
alone outside at night, even in the immediate vicinity of 
these hotels, is not recommended. 
 
Most violent crimes against foreigners have been confined to 
the capital.  However, there have been a few incidents of 
violent crimes committed in other parts of the country as 
well. 
 
POLICE RESPONSE 
 
Local police in Suriname have resource and manpower 
limitations that inhibit their ability to deter or respond to 
criminal activity.  Police patrols are rare or nonexistent. 
There is an emergency telephone number; "115" for police, 
fire, or rescue.  The fire department provides a timely 
response, while a police response, especially during the 
night, is a rarity for all but the most serious crimes. The 
Police response to alarms or emergency calls is often too 
slow (15 minutes or longer).  It is not unusual for the 
victim of a crime to transport the police from the police 
station back to the crime scene. 
 
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 
 
Emergency medical services can be contacted by calling either 
"115" or 448-888. Ambulances will not be dispatched unless 
directed to do so by the police or a physician. Persons 
calling the emergency telephone number for immediate medical 
service are usually instructed by the police to take the 
injured party by taxi to the nearest medical facility rather 
than wait for an ambulance. 
 
The Academic Hospital is the one commonly used for responding 
to medical emergencies and trauma such as traffic accidents. 
The hospital is located less than one mile from the American 
Embassy at the intersection of Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat Prof. 
Kernkampwegand and has adequately trained staff and equipment 
to stabilize those in need of attention, before medical 
evacuation can be arranged. Travelers should be aware that 
medical standards are far below what one would expect in the 
United States. 
 
 
TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS 
 
All Americans are reminded to be aware of their surroundings 
at all times.  Local and international news broadcasts should 
be monitored for events that may impact on the local security 
situation.  Americans who become victims of crime while in 
Suriname are advised to contact American Citizen Services at 
the Consular Section of the American Embassy at 
011-597-472-900 extension 2235, or the Embassy after hours 
Duty Officer at 011-597-0-880-8032. 
 
The use of public transportation, such as mini buses, by 
visitors unfamiliar with the country is highly discouraged. 
The use of reputable taxis however is generally acceptable. 
Those services offered through the major hotels and tourist 
agencies are usually safer, more reliable and inexpensive. 
Travel to the interior of the country requires caution; 
therefore, travelers wishing to visit the interior are 
advised to make use of well-established tour companies for 
safer experiences. There have been reports of tourists and 
foreigners being robbed while traveling in the countryside, 
and occasional reports of bandits on rural roads. 
 
FURTHER INFORMATION 
 
American Citizen Services can be contacted at 
 
011-597-472-900, extension 2236 or 2237.  The Embassy Duty 
Officer can be reached at 011-597-0-880-8302 
 
OSAC COUNTRY COUNCIL 
 
There is no Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in 
Suriname.  The Embassy maintains contact with the business 
community through its Economic Office and through the 
Surinamese Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce.  The 
number of the Embassy is 011-597-472-900. The RSO, Douglas C. 
Marvin, is available to provide security information and 
briefings to any American company. RSO Marvin can be contacted 
via email at marvindc@state.gov or through the Embassy at 
extension x2262. 
 
 
SCHREIBER  HUGHES