Foreign Affairs Ministry to intervene over political scientist jailed in Suriname

MINISTER of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne has asked for Trinidad and Tobago’s honorary consul in Paramaribo to make another visit to detained political analyst Derek Ramsamooj as soon as possible.

Ramsamooj, who is diabetic, has said he will go on hunger strike, to bring regional and international attention to his continued detention.

Browne wants to know the state of his health and what kind of medical care he is receiving.
Three months ago, Ramsamooj, who helped the former Surinamese government which lost the election earlier this year, was initially asked by the present Suriname authorities to assist them in an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption at the Surinamese Post Savings Bank (SPSB).

He is being held at the Santo Boma prison but has not been been charged with any crime.
Since he was detained in October, Browne has helped Ramsamooj’s wife Camille Pagee get information and legal representation for him. He has also been in communication with the

Surinamese Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Ramsamooj’s pending hunger strike brought a warning from Dr Joel David Teelucksingh, a specialist in internal medicine, diabetes and endocrinology, that such action could be life-threatening.

Newsday spoke to Browne about what can be done to assist Ramsamooj.
Browne said, “The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs has previously intervened in the matter involving Mr Ramsamooj, and continues to treat with same in accordance with our mandate."
He mentioned the request for another visit by the honorary consul, saying this “follows previous provision of consular support and our ongoing direct communication with the Surinamese authorities.”

Browne said this would “further assist to ascertain the quality of medical care being made available to him and to clarify some conflicting information on the status of legal proceedings in his matter.”

Ramsamooj was reportedly moved to the prison infirmary two weeks ago at the insistence of his wife and the TT authorities.

Ramsamooj's attorney Maureen Nibte, who confirmed to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that he had decided to go on hunger strike, said he has also asked the Public Prosecution Service, through her, to provide a diabetes specialist to monitor his health.
But she said this has not been done.