Surinamese people in the Netherlands can kneel down and thank God for giving them Dutch passports

Opinion- As a Surinamese with Dutch nationality, I feel the need to share my thoughts on the privileges we have.

In a metaphorical sense, we can thank God on our bare knees for giving us the Dutch passport. This opens up a world of possibilities that is still out of reach for many in Suriname.

Our unique position cannot be taken for granted. We owe this to the historical ties between Suriname and the Netherlands, which provide us with advantages that many other countries can only dream of.

Unrestricted access to Europe, the right to work, study and live in the most prosperous country in the world – these are privileges we often take for granted.

It touched me that many Surinamese Dutch were harshly critical of the Netherlands without realising how privileged they were.

While we live and work freely here, our peers in Suriname are trapped in a system that gives them little opportunity to advance.

They will do whatever it takes to move to Europe to ensure a better future for themselves and their children.

I’m sad that you try so hard EBS workers in Suriname The maximum amount one can survive on is SRD 9,000 per month, which does not exceed EUR 300 at the exchange rate in June.

This is painfully obvious when you consider that the average gross hourly rate charged by an electrical installer in the Netherlands is €40 excluding VAT. The inequality is stark.

The Surinamese Dutch must be aware of their privileged position.

Instead of criticising the Netherlands, we should use our voices to draw attention to the situation of our family and friends in Suriname and try to improve it if possible.

Surinamese critic and analyst Pinas is known for his critical approach to social issues. He often highlights the weaknesses of Surinamese society and actively suggests areas for improvement. His opinion articles stimulate awareness and discussion on important social and political topics in Suriname.

Contact: pinas@gfcnieuws.com

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