Balingsoela, Suriname— On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, a handover ceremony was held for a Kuutu Wosu (Community Center) for the Community of Balingsoela. The Kuutu Wosu was renovated with financial support of the Rosebel Community Fund. The Kuutu Wosu is a space where the community holds its meetings and activities of the community. The community had submitted a request for renovations to the Kuutu Wosu, including updates to the sanitary facilities and the electrical and plumbing installations. The Rosebel Community Fund (RCF) was represented by its vice-chair, Mr. Jerry Finisie, and the Balingsoela Village Community was represented by its captain, Mr. Hugo Kentie. The event was also attended by the District Commissioner of Brokopondo, Mr. Ludwig Mendelzoon.
In his speech, Mr. Finisie expressed that Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. is honored to support the needs of its Communities of Interest through its Rosebel Community Fund and looks forward to supporting future community-led projects in Balingsoela. He also highlights the strength of the community in uniting to drive their own development. The Kuutu Wosu stands as a symbol of collaboration, representing a space where people come together to work toward shared goals. Mr. Finisie expresses his hope that the community will view this project as a model for future initiatives driven by their collective efforts.
Captain Kentie thanked Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. and RCF for financing the project and acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders in completing the Kuutu Wosu. He emphasized the responsibility of each community member in preserving the Kuutu Wosu.
During the ceremony, Mr. Mendelzoon, Brokopondo’s District Commissioner, encouraged the Balingsoela community to use this space for various activities beyond meetings. He also recommended that the community consider collaborating with stakeholders, as diverse expertise can contribute positively to the planning and execution phases of future projects. The District Commissioner expressed his gratitude to Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. and the RCF, emphasizing that through this and other initiatives, the company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to being a sustainable partner in the development of the Brokopondo district.For the event, the Kuutu Wosu was decorated with pangi, traditional fabrics that hold great importance in Afro-Surinamese culture. The attendees joined in prayer and offered their blessings. Students performed songs and dances, and pangies were given to all guests as gestures of appreciation by the women of Balingsoela.
