Browne thankful for Ramsamooj's release in Suriname

FOREIGN and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne was thankful on Thursday to everyone who played a role in the release of Derek Ramsamooj of Trinidad and Tobago.

Ramsamooj, a political analyst, was released from detention in Suriname, earlier this week.

Browne said, "I am pleased that the loving efforts of his family and the actions taken by the Government of TT have produced results, in that Mr Ramsamooj has been released from detention in Paramaribo.

"I want to specially salute the dedication of his dear wife (Camille Pagee), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, the Deputy Permanent Secretary and our honorary consul in Suriname."

Browne said during this entire process, the Prime Minister "remained informed and concerned, particularly about the health of our citizen and his ability to access both justice and proper health care for his chronic conditions."

Ramsamooj has been in Suriname before March, analysing the politics ahead of that country's general election.

He was initially asked by Suriname authorities to assist them with an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption at the Surinamese Post Savings Bank (SPSB) and was subsequently detained at the Santa Boma prison. He was not charged with any offence.

One media report said Ramsamooj appeared in court on December 21, but police found no basis to detain him.

A second report said Ramsamooj will stay in Suriname until a trial is scheduled to deal with bank fraud allegations against the former SPSB CEO, Ginmardo Kromosoeto. That trial is expected to begin in early January.

In a television interview, Pagee confirmed her husband's release. While she was uncertain what Ramsamooj's thoughts were, Pagee believed he was relieved to be free and looking forward to resuming life.

"For two and a half months, he has been cut off from family. He has been in very restricted circumstances."

Pagee said she was hugely relieved Ramsamooj was out of detention.

"It has been an incredibly long and anxious period. So many unknowns. So much dramas going on behind the scenes and really all through it, just a lot of anxiety and worry about his health and if he was going to be okay."

Pagee said Ramsamooj seemed to be in good health, stable and calm.

On December 8, Newsday reported that Ramsamooj, who has diabetes, had threatened to go on hunger strike, to bring regional and international attention to his continued detention.

His 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. Ramsamooj was subsequently moved to the prison's infirmary on the insistence of Pagee and TT authorities.