As part of a Public Private Partnership initiative, between the Rosebel Community Fund (RCF), Sarafina NV and the Ministry of Justice and Police, a police unit including sleeping accommodations was built to facilitate police operations in the Matawai area. The RCF generously financed the provision of a fully-equipped 2024 Ford Ranger XLT pick-up truck, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), two drones, and the complete furnishing of the sleeping and lodging facilities. Valued at USD 78,525, this donation from RCF, alongside the construction of the police unit by Sarafina NV, was formally handed over to the Minister of Justice and Police, Kenneth Amoksi, on Friday, March 8, 2024.
Henk Faerber, Interim Finance Manager at Rosebel Gold Mines (RGM) and Treasurer at RCF, represented both RGM and RCF in the equipment handover, while Claudetta Toney, on behalf of Sarafina NV, delivered the police unit. “Today I officially hand over this building to the Ministry, but I also respectfully ask the police organization to properly staff this facility so that crime in the area can be dealt with, and there can be such security here that criminals are scared off to come through,” said Ms. Toney while addressing the government officials. She also acknowledged the significant contribution of entrepreneur Pieter Peneux, who supported half of the building costs.
Minister Amoksi expresssed his gratitude to Sarafina NV and the Rosebel organization, recognizing their continuous support for educational initiatives in the region through their Community Relations Department. He praised the Matawai traditional authority for their persistence in addressing the escalating criminality issue, commending Ms. Toney and Mr. Peneux for their proactive measures in constructing the accommodation. “The traditional authorities have often approached me to talk about the unsafe situation in the area, especially the frequent robberies. They have truly persevered with this request, and I’m glad Ms. Toney and Mr. Peneux decided to take action and built this accommodation, which our policemen will surely make great use of while protecting these communities,” Minister Amoksi affirmed. He further stated that the police unit will serve as a checkpoint, aligning with a broader strategy to enhance surveillance capabilities across strategic locations in Suriname’s interior.
This joint effort underscores the importance that both Rosebel and local stakeholders place on ensuring safety and well-being within our Communities of Interest (COIs). Through practical cooperation and investment in infrastructure and resources, we strive to create a safer and more resilient environment for all our stakeholders. The support from RCF focuses not only on protecting the interests of the company, but also on improving the overall quality of life of the communities throughout operations. This coordinated approach promises to not only increase safety, but also strengthen the ties between the mining sector and the local communities, which is crucial for a sustainable and prosperous future.
