ST KITTS-Suriname is looking to T&T on energy projects, says upcoming Caricom chairman Suriname's President Desi Bouterse. Interviewed yesterday before the end of the Caricom summit, Bouterse said he had visited T&T "years ago." He said T&T was a very dominant member of the regional community.
Asked whether he was interested in T&T/Suriname trade, Bouterse said: "Yes...that's the purpose of the community and let's put it this way: T&T is one of the richest ones in the community so we always try to improve our trade among states in the region. "We're interested in T&T on energy, for instance, because when one is looking at your development, it's very important to have a clear picture of your energy...energy and food because of the price of oil."
Because of the oil price, Bouterse said energy and food would be very expensive in the near future.
He said Suriname needed energy since it exported bauxite and alumina. "So In that field we think we can do big things with T&T." he added. He said he planned to visit all Caricom member states including T&T, as Caricom chairman. Suriname recently discovered oil. Bouterse felt T&T's fast ferry proposal could be successful. He said he had learnt a lot at the summit and felt Suriname could approach some states.
Asked at the closing ceremony about handling of his Caricom duty, Bouterse said the secretariat needed restructuring. He also noted problems with resources. He said the issue was largely one of implementation so that regional people could start believing in Caricom. He said he was aware of the responsibility and Suriname's resources "and it's a different time."
He said Suriname had lumber, oil and other resources but missed development of human resources. He expressed interest in UWI, saying education was important for his nation. Saying he was one year in Suriname's Government, Bouterse said he had told Guyana President Bharat Jagdeo he was going to be Caricom chairman. "He said 'Doh worry man, I will guide you' but now the man is leaving, man." Bouterse quipped, adding that Jagdeo was still "next door" to him in Suriname. Asked about the timeline for Suriname's constitution which he had promised, Bouterse indicated thats might be ready by the end of 2015 due to various rounds of talks with groups and Suriname's Parliament.