Wednesday the 12th of August marked a poignant moment for the Rotary Club of Suriname as we bid farewell to Ambassador Walter Oostelbos, who has graciously served as the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Suriname. His tenure has been characterized by dedication, engagement, and an unwavering commitment to the community, culminating in a heartfelt farewell event that celebrated his contributions.
Dear Members and Guests,
We are thrilled to welcome you to our community! On behalf of the board, we extend our heartfelt greetings and look forward to an inspiring and productive time together.
Meet Your Board:
- Nessa Brahim – President
We are thrilled to welcome you to our community! On behalf of the board, we extend our heartfelt greetings and look forward to an inspiring and productive time together.
Meet Your Board:
- Nessa Brahim – President
- Ravindra Patandin – Vice President
- Vina Soerjoesing – Secretary
- Viren Ajodhia – Treasurer
- Nigel Sloot – 1st Sergeant-At-Arms
- Rajiv Hieralal – 2nd Sergeant-At-Arms
- Mikel Chan – Incoming President
- Rajiv Hieralal – 2nd Sergeant-At-Arms
- Mikel Chan – Incoming President
- Anand Gajapersad – Immediate Past President
As we embark on this journey, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will work towards achieving our goals and fostering a supportive environment for all members.
Thank you for being a part of our community and this will be an extraordinary experience!
Warm regards,
The Board of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo
On August 6, 2026, an important initiative aimed at supporting children with dyslexia was unveiled in Suriname. The event marked the launch of a free online learning platform designed specifically for parents, caregivers, teachers, remedial teachers and educational professionals.
On August 5th, our Rotary Club of Paramaribo held an engaging meeting featuring Minister Patrick Brunnings of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment and Fellow of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo. Minister Brunnings provided an in-depth overview of the Summit Duurzaam Suriname 3.0, which was launched on August 1st and aims to foster sustainable development in Suriname. The summit will include two working group days next week, with a concluding event scheduled for September.
From July 30th to August 1st, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo proudly participated in the Green Awareness Expo! We were thrilled to engage with our community and empower the next generation regarding sustainable practices.
On Wednesday July 29th, our Rotary club held a memorable meeting at the Waag, featuring inspiring presentations and a spirit of community support.
We welcomed Dirk Currie, Suriname's Secretary of Education, who discussed the importance of nurturing young leaders and integrating technology into education.
He emphasized fostering creativity and critical thinking to prepare the next generation for future challenges. This prompted engaging discussions among Rotarians about enhancing local educational practices.
On Tuesday, July 21, the Rotary Clubs of Suriname convened at the historic Elisabeth Samson House, a testament to the country's rich heritage and one of Paramaribo's oldest wooden structures. The gathering, spearheaded by Cynthia Mc Leod-an ardent advocate for the building's restoration-spotlighted the remarkable legacy of Elisabeth Samson, a figure often overlooked in history.
Today marks a significant milestone for the Rotary Club of Paramaribo as it celebrates its 73rd anniversary. The festivities took place at the historic Elisabeth Samson House, a fitting venue that resonates with the club's commitment to community service and empowerment.
On a night filled with excitement and camaraderie, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo organized a spectacular watch party for the highly anticipated football match between Argentina and England. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to witness what would become a historic moment for Argentine supporters, with Argentina clinching a thrilling victory of 2-1.
Yesterday marked a significant moment as we celebrated the board handing over ceremony of the Roteract Club of Paramaribo. A huge thank you to Chathera Adrai for your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment during your tenure as president. Your passion, hard work, and vision have not only inspired our members but have also made a lasting positive impact on our community. The initiatives you championed and the connections you fostered will continue to resonate far beyond your term.
On July 1st, 2026, Nessa Brahim officially took on the role as the new president of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo, marking the beginning of an exciting Rotary year. Her inauguration speech resonated with themes of community, leadership, and a commitment to making a lasting impact, reflecting her vision for the club and its members.
The Rotary Club of Paramaribo recently celebrated a significant milestone with its handing over ceremony, marking the transition from the outgoing board for 2025/2026 to the incoming board for 2026/2027. This event was held at the historically significant Cornerhouse in Paramaribo, Suriname, and featured an atmosphere of celebration, recognition, and community spirit.
Dear Rotarians and Friends,
As I prepare to step down as President of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo today, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey together and express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support and camaraderie we have shared.
Serving as your president has been an immensely rewarding experience, one filled with challenges and triumphs that have enriched not only my life but also our entire club. Together, we have embarked on transformative projects that have made a significant impact on our community.
As I prepare to step down as President of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo today, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey together and express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support and camaraderie we have shared.
Serving as your president has been an immensely rewarding experience, one filled with challenges and triumphs that have enriched not only my life but also our entire club. Together, we have embarked on transformative projects that have made a significant impact on our community.
As the sun sets on the Rotary year 2025/2026, President Anand Gajapersad concluded his final meeting with a heartfelt and inspiring speech, reflecting on a year filled with passion, dedication, and transformative projects. The Rotary Club of Paramaribo gathered to honor his incredible leadership, celebrating achievements that have made a lasting impact on our community.
On May 23, 2026, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo, in partnership with Stichting Alzheimer Suriname, hosted a meaningful seminar focused on the challenges faced by families caring for individuals with dementia. Titled "How to Handle Problematic Behavior in Dementia," the event became a crucial resource for attendees looking to better understand and manage the complexities of caregiving.
The Rotary Club of Paramaribo had the pleasure of visiting Radiology Clinic Halfhide, led by dedicated radiologist Ben Halfhide. This visit took place on Wednesday May 20th and was a great opportunity to learn about medical care in our community.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Hugo Fernandes Mendes delivered a lecture at the Rotary Club of Paramaribo on the current constitutional reforms within the Surinamese judiciary. During his presentation, he highlighted the recent proposals aimed at revising the organizational structure of the judiciary and the Public Prosecution Service.
On Saturday, May 16th an engaging event took place at The Community Hub, organized in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Paramaribo. The highlight of the day was the theatrical performance titled “Leeskoorts,” which translates to “Reading Fever.” This fun and imaginative production aimed to encourage reading among participants of all ages.
Paramaribo, Suriname – The Rotary Club of Paramaribo is proud to announce that the final week of the Suriname Model United Nations (SUMUN) took place on May 2, 2026. The event began with a grand opening ceremony in the new DNA building, attended by distinguished guests.
As part of the Suriname Model United Nations (SUMUN) program, a dedicated session focused on the historic and continuing partnership between the United Nations and Rotary International (see: www.rotary.org/en/history-rotary-and-united-nations ), and on how this relationship translates into concrete action through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kirtie Algoe recently delivered a compelling presentation at the Rotary Club of Paramaribo, addressing the significant contrasts within Surinamese society. She stated, “The contrast in Surinamese society has, in my view, never been greater. There’s the implosion of vital functions and structures on one hand, and on the other hand, there is the overconfident euphoria about levers in the economy.” Her presentation highlighted the stark differences within the nation today, pointing out that Suriname faces challenges of shrinking vital functions.
On March 18th, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo welcomed Dr. Gavin Ooft, a distinguished speaker known for his profound knowledge of artificial intelligence. Gavin's background sets him apart in the realm of technology; he honed his analytical skills at Johns Hopkins University.
On March 14, 2026, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo organized a significant event dedicated to caregivers of individuals living with dementia. The gathering took place at De Mantel, located on Verlengde Keizerstraat, and brought together caregivers from different backgrounds to share experiences and gain knowledge.
On March 14, 2026, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo held its much-anticipated Jeans Party at the TLS Event Complex. This event marked the 3rd Edition of the Jeans Party, and it was an incredible evening filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit.
The Journey of Suriname Model United Nations 2026 has officially begun! Our first training day brought together motivated delegates ready to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, and prepare for impactful debate.
On Saturday, February 21, a special event took place at The Hub Library & Community Center. This day was not only a celebration of the power of stories but also a platform for creativity, interaction, and learning as the project "Hoe lees ik hardop/How do I read aloud" was launched which will be executed in the following months.
The Rotary Club of Paramaribo supports the Hub in a variety of ways and facilitates ongoing annual projects to secure a safe haven for the children of the Flora- and surrounding neighborhoods.
