Text and image Edwien Bodjie
The first edition of the Afro Ubuntu Fair of the Afro Group of Business started in the Conference Hall on Saturday. Visitors can visit the fair until eight o’clock in the evening on Sunday. The room is filled with stands from various companies, colorfully decorated with Surinamese plants, fabrics with African prints and the bright colors of the Surinamese flag.
In this lively setting, the diversity and creativity of the participants are clearly evident. During the fair, Afro-Surinamese battle songs will be played, focusing on themes such as slavery, emancipation and identity. The music contributes to the atmosphere, awareness and cultural connection that characterize the fair.
“If you believe in something, you should go for it”
Entrepreneur Chaven Pinas
Small entrepreneurs promote their products and services to the public: from agricultural products from the distant interior, traditional herbs, coaching and consultancy in Paramaribo to care products, clothing and beauty items. More than fifty Afro-Surinamese entrepreneurs present themselves during this two-day fair, which, in addition to trade, is mainly about identity, awareness and mutual reinforcement.
Guidance is important
At Top-Z Training & Consultancy the emphasis is on the people behind entrepreneurship. Owner Tosca Pinas, a business economist and certified coach and counselor, says that her company has been active since 2021 and focuses on both companies and individuals. “We do business coaching, such as setting up business plans, risk management and continuity plans. But we also look at the other side: there are people working in those companies. People who live in a society in which a lot is happening,” she says. the True Time.
According to Pinas, many people get stuck, not only due to economic circumstances, but also due to personal experiences. “We notice that people get stuck in certain patterns. They keep making the same choices and don’t know why. Then we look together: where does that come from? Is it something of your own, or is it in your background, your biography?”
Space for emotion is central in her sessions. “We don’t tell you how to do it. Every emotion has a right to exist. If you cannot feel pain, you cannot heal. We guide people so that they can first feel what is going on. From there, the process of recovery can begin.”
Colleague Filia Macnack-Boschveld, also a coach and counselor and affiliated with a coaching academy, sees every day how great the need for guidance is. “We work a lot on self-confidence, communication and perseverance. Many problems start in the family. People have never really learned to talk to each other.”
She emphasizes that change often starts with small steps. “Sometimes it’s simple things. Start in your own environment, dare to make choices and work on your goals step by step. You can still move forward with the little you have.”
To collaborate
Another notable participant is the Abena Muyee Foundation, a women’s organization from the Netherlands. Chairman Jet Antomoi explains that the foundation supports women in the fields of agriculture and entrepreneurship. “We grow various crops, such as bananas, rice, cassava and vegetables. Here at the fair we promote, among other things, our highland rice and cassava crackers, which we produce ourselves,” she tells the True Time.
The organization works collectively and also supports other women in the village of Abenaston on the Upper Suriname River. “Women who produce themselves can sell their products through us. This way we strengthen each other.”
In addition to agricultural activities, the foundation offers tourist services. “We have a guesthouse in the village, along the river. People who are looking for peace and quiet can stay there and at the same time get to know our products and nature.”
Natural products
Young entrepreneurs also use the fair to share their story. Chaven Pinas, better known as Manbatrabasi, born in Marowijne and living in the Coronie district, is at the fair with a range of natural products from the coconut district. His stand includes coconut oil, herbal mixtures and the well-known ‘manbatra‘, a bottle filled with various medicinal herbs. “These are products with a medicinal effect. For example, they help clean the blood, increase resistance and support the body,” he explains. the True Time.
Some of his knowledge comes from home. “My father was deeply involved in culture and passed on a lot of knowledge to me. I learned the rest from people in Coronie.”
However, the road to success was not easy. “In the beginning I received a lot of criticism. People called me a scammer or a quack because they had bad experiences with similar products. I could understand that. Then you have to prove yourself.”
By persevering and investing in quality, he managed to build trust. “I have been in business for three to five years now and have had thousands of customers. People see that it works.”
His message to other young people is clear: “Don’t wait. Get out of your comfort zone and start. If you believe in something, you have to go for it.”
Culture and awareness
In addition to entrepreneurship, there is also room for culture and awareness at the fair. The hip-hop formation Oud10thiek, including rapper Crazy G, uses music and merchandise to convey a broader message. Gino Ammersingh, as he is officially called, founded Oud10thiek together with Ori ‘Ori De Don’ Plet and Wendel ‘Tattoo’ Gefferie at the beginning of this year. “We stand for brotherhood and independence,” he says the True Time. “Our name represents our core values. If you are independent and in your own strength, you can reach your full potential. And when people do that, they can strengthen each other.”
According to him, their products are about more than just appearance. “You don’t just buy a shirt or a cap. You support a line of thought. A way of thinking that revolves around awareness and being strong together.” Their stand at the entrance mainly attracts young people, with black T-shirts, caps and shoulder wraps that convey this message.
Speeches were given at the opening by, among others, Ministers Andrew Baasaron of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation and Dirk Currie of Education, Science and Culture. DNA chairman Michael Adhin was also present as a guest.
