PARAMARIBO — “We want ‘Sosis’ to be like it was back then, so that everyone can come for all the sports they want to practice.” This is what Jorgienjo Orassie, head of Management and Maintenance of the Sub-directorate of Sports Accommodations and Spaces (SAR) at the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, tells the Suriname Communications Service. He would like to see ‘Sosis’ transform into the best that Suriname has in terms of sports fields and calls on all users to help keep the site clean and tidy.
It will not be easy to restore the Will(ebrod) Axwijk Sports Center, as the facility on Marowijnestraat is formally called, to its former glory. The accommodation, which has nine sports fields, was completely neglected for a long time due to a legal dispute between the state and Winston Vyent’s Florentina foundation, which managed the complex.
“If we install a hydrophore today, it will be stolen in two days”
Jorgienjo Orassie
On July 9, the subdistrict court largely granted the state’s claims for summary proceedings. As a result, the management agreement for the sports fields and facilities of the Willebrod Axwijk Sports Center was suspended with immediate effect. There has not yet been a ruling in the substantive proceedings regarding the final dissolution of the agreement. The summary proceedings judge did order the foundation to vacate the sports grounds and facilities within 24 hours of service of the judgment.
Challenges
However, according to Orassie, the biggest challenge is the vandalism and theft that takes place there. “If we install a hydrophore today, it will be stolen in two days,” he describes the dire situation. In addition, there is nuisance from homeless people and people who, according to him, use the site for other purposes.
The head of department therefore urgently appeals to local residents and others to help protect the sports complex. But according to him, support from the police will also be necessary for safety on the site. Orassie says that discussions about this are being held with the Ministry of Justice and Security. “The idea is to get an aid station here so that it is safe again,” he reveals.
In any case, the overdue maintenance is already being addressed. Currently, pruning and mowing work is being carried out. The work has been going on for three weeks and is taking place with the support of the Public Green and Waste Management Directorate. The office spaces, which were destroyed by fire in June 2025, are also finally being cleared. Furthermore, the water problem will be solved with the cooperation of the Suriname Water Supply Company.
