Text and image Jason Pinas
PARAMARIBO — The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) will not hesitate to take tough action against anyone who tries to bring agricultural crops into the country outside the rules. Minister Mike Noersalim assures this the True Time in response to a recent controversial rice import from Guyana. This concerns almost 385 tons of rice that was brought in via Nickerie by rice factory B. Ramadhin.
The shipment has been seized by the authorities. “You should not underestimate this. The rice was brought in without permission from LVV. So it is smuggling and we must protect our people. We will not compromise!” Noersalim emphasizes.
“Our farmers have to produce under difficult conditions. Then we cannot allow anyone to bring in rice without following the procedures.”
LVV Minister Noersalim
Deception
The minister points out that apart from the unfair competition for Surinamese rice farmers, all kinds of diseases can also be imported with the cargo. He emphasizes that the entrepreneur tried to circumvent LVV’s control system. For example, he has not complied with the mandatory phytosanitary import conditions.
When it turned out that the authorities were aware of him, the importer subsequently submitted a request for a phytosanitary certificate. The minister describes this as “deception”. “The smuggling decree has been introduced. The fine will not be lenient for people who are guilty of smuggling,” the minister warns.
He emphasizes that the ministry takes its task as co-guardian of public health very seriously and will not accept these types of actions. “The time of LVV as a ministry where you come to buy a plant or come to work for a while is over. LVV is the heart of the future of the people of Suriname, because it covers all aspects. And we must guarantee that security.”
Protecting farmers
Noersalim also stands up for the farmers in Nickerie. “If we do this (the smuggling,… ed.) allow, we create an unfair playing field. Our farmers have to produce under difficult conditions and we cannot allow anyone to bring in rice without following the procedures to compete with our hardworking rice farmers. Whoever it may be, this minister will not allow it,” the minister makes clear.
The entrepreneur has reportedly filed summary proceedings against the state to release the cargo.
