Remarks by Ambassador Henry L. Illes on the Occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Suriname, November 25, 2005,
 “Hall of the Americas”

Washington DC.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me welcome you to this historic “House of the Americas” at this 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Suriname.

Thank you very much for joining us tonight in celebrating this very important occasion.

Today is certainly a very special day for every “Surinamer”, wherever he or she may reside, because November 25, 1975 Suriname broke its colonial ties and expressed its will to exist free and independent and to took up self-rule, putting itself in charge of its destiny according to internationally recognized democratic principles, values and believes.

During the past 30 years as a sovereign nation, Suriname has come a long way as a sovereign nation. We have had good times as well as very bad times. As you know, Suriname has not been spared from the terrible evils that have influenced the democratic and economic development of many countries in this hemisphere during the eighties.

For instance, the experience of the military dictatorship was extremely painful, but luckily today the Republic is once again a democracy where the rule of law, respect for human rights and high levels of religious and ethnic tolerance are yet again the basic pillars of our society, a matter of which we are indeed very proud.

When H.E. President Runaldo Venetiaan took office in the year 2000, one of the principle goals of his administration was to restore the economy; to stem the inflation; control the decline of the national currency (the old guilder), and in general to improve the economy.
 
This lofty goal has been reached and the new Cabinet Venetiaan that took office last August, immediately embarked on reviving and revamping structures for national development in order to continue to reduce the pain and suffering of our people by making it possible for every “Surinamer” to live a decent life and guide our country into a new epoch of prosperity.

It is my sincere hope therefore that we should use this happy occasion back home to rise up against the recent treat of disorderliness and bring everybody’s focus, back on the development of our wonderful country.

Before concluding I am tempted to tell you that Suriname has the world record in at least five valuable things:

1. Suriname has percentage wise the highest coverage of tropical rainforest in the world.
2. Suriname has the largest variety of insects in the world.
3. Suriname has one of the largest natural reserves in this world.
4. Suriname has proportionately the most ethnically varied population in the world.
5. Suriname is globally considered to be one of the top two countries with supreme water reserves.

Aren’t we a paradise for lovers of nature in this world?

I do hope to meet each of you someday in Paradise.

Friends,

Let me close by expressing my gratitude and the thanks of my family as well as the staff of the Embassy and Permanent Mission to all the people who have made and continue to make our presence in this country a fruitful, rewarding, pleasant, but most off all fulfilling experience.

To our many friends in the United States of America and the USA Government, I say thank you for standing by Suriname during the past thirty years. We on our part will continue to play our role as a responsible partner and we will support all efforts aimed at bringing prosperity, security, peace and happiness to our peoples.

To the “Surinamers” present here I say: Thirty years ago, we took the challenge upon us to maneuver our country towards ultimate prosperity and step by step we are moving towards this supreme goal. The unrelenting support and dedication to the Surinamese cause, which you have expressed in many different ways, is to a great extent, helping to make this a reality. Suriname is proud of you and together we will continue to search for the best for our beloved country…”Mama Sranang”.

Finally, let me now ask you to join me in raising a glass and toast to the Republic of Suriname and to a long and productive partnership with the United States of America……….”Cheers”.