PARAMARIBO — The new interpretation of the Disciplinary Board for the Notary and the Lawyers Disciplinary Board is a fact. The formal swearing-in of the members was performed by President Jennifer Simons at the presidential palace on Friday. This guarantees the continuity of disciplinary justice and the strengthening of the rule of law. There will also be an end to the stagnation in various disciplinary cases that could not be processed due to the lack of swearing-in.
President Simons underlined the disciplinary powers of the colleges, which assess the content of complaints and can impose sanctions in the event of violations. This varies from a warning to removal from office. The head of state also reflected on the social significance of these control mechanisms. “Citizens place their trust in lawyers and notaries to represent their interests. As independent disciplinary bodies, you strictly monitor compliance with professionalism, quality and integrity. I count on you to carry out this important task in good faith to strengthen the rule of law,” the president said.
“The office requires an independent judgment, a careful weighing of facts, hearing both sides, as well as the courage to be clear if standards are exceeded”
On behalf of the Lawyers Disciplinary Board, Nailah van Dijk expressed her gratitude to the Head of State, the Minister of Justice and Police, the Court of Justice and the Surinamese Bar Association for the confidence placed in the new members. She described disciplinary law as “an indispensable normative compass for the protection of citizens, the administration of justice and the profession itself”. The office requires an independent judgement, a careful weighing of facts, hearing both sides, as well as the courage to be clear if standards are exceeded.
Siegline Wijnhard, on behalf of the Disciplinary Board for the Notary, thanked the government for the renewed confidence at the start of the board’s second term of office. She underlined the great responsibility in weighing social interests and the interests of the notaries involved. According to her, the Disciplinary Board for the Notary has carried out its work independently, impartially and conscientiously in the recent period. This course will be continued with full consciousness.
The Disciplinary Board for the Notarial Profession will be chaired by Siegline Wijnhard for the period running from June 1, 2025 to June 1, 2029, with Maytrie Kuldipsingh as deputy chairman. The other members are Jane Jensen and Gunter Blom. Sandra. Nanhoe-Gangadin and Kitty Astwood-Olff join as alternate members
The Lawyers Disciplinary Board is chaired by Robert Praag, supported by deputy chairman Alida Johanns and secretary M. Wesenhagen. Nailah van Dijk and Lilawatie Punwasi-Raghoebier are members from the legal profession. Benito Pick and Sardha Sitaram have been appointed as alternate members.
