Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PARAMARIBO86
2009-03-19 18:40:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Paramaribo
Cable title:  

PARAMARIBO 2009 OSAC CRIME SAFETY REPORT

Tags:  AMGT ASEC 
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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