🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 167
🇸🇷 Chapter 1 – Part 1
Suriname: The Green Heart of South America
Indigenous Peoples, Arawak and Carib, Maroon Communities, Dutch Guiana, Plantations, Slavery, Resistance, Paramaribo, Independence, the Amazon Rainforest, Rivers, Biodiversity, Gold, Bauxite, Rice, Bananas, Multicultural Society, Dutch, Sranan Tongo, Hindustani, Javanese, Maroon Cultures, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Indigenous Spirituality, Colonial History, the Suriname River, Brownsberg, Central Suriname Nature Reserve, and Suriname's Kingdom Calling
"The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." — Psalm 24:1
Introduction
Suriname is:
One of South America's most culturally diverse nations.
It lies on:
The:
Northeastern coast of South America.
Its neighbors are:
Guyana to the west.
French Guiana to the east.
And:
Brazil to the south.
Its northern boundary is:
The:
Atlantic Ocean.
Suriname is:
A relatively small country by population.
But its cultural diversity is:
Extraordinary.
Its population includes:
Indigenous peoples.
Hindustani Surinamese.
Maroons.
Javanese Surinamese.
Creoles.
Chinese Surinamese.
Dutch descendants.
And:
People of many mixed backgrounds.
Its capital is:
Paramaribo.
Paramaribo stands:
Along the:
Suriname River.
The city's historic center contains:
Dutch colonial architecture.
Wooden houses.
Canals.
Religious buildings.
And:
Historic commercial districts.
Suriname's history cannot be separated from:
Plantation agriculture.
European colonialism.
African slavery.
Resistance.
Maroon communities.
Indentured labor.
Migration.
And:
The development of:
A remarkably multicultural society.
Indigenous Suriname
Long before European colonization:
Indigenous peoples lived:
Throughout:
The region.
Arawak
Arawak-speaking peoples inhabited:
Parts of:
The coastal region.
Carib
Carib-speaking peoples also inhabited:
Suriname.
Indigenous Communities
Indigenous peoples maintained:
Their own:
Languages.
Social systems.
Spiritual traditions.
Knowledge of:
Forests.
Rivers.
Plants.
Animals.
And:
Seasonal cycles.
Rainforest
Most of southern Suriname is covered by:
Amazonian rainforest.
Interior
The interior remains:
One of:
The least densely populated regions
of:
South America.
Rivers
Rivers are essential to:
Transportation.
Fishing.
Food.
Trade.
And:
Community life.
Suriname River
The:
Suriname River
flows northward:
Toward:
The Atlantic.
Maroni River
The:
Maroni River
forms much of:
The border between:
Suriname.
And:
French Guiana.
Coppename River
The:
Coppename River
is another:
Major river system.
Saramacca River
The:
Saramacca River
drains:
Western Suriname.
Colonial Era
European interest in:
Suriname
grew during:
The seventeenth century.
English Colonization
English settlers established:
Early colonies.
Dutch
The Dutch eventually:
Took control of:
Suriname.
Dutch Guiana
Suriname became:
Known as:
Dutch Guiana.
Plantation Economy
The Dutch developed:
A plantation economy.
Sugar
Sugar became:
A major:
Plantation crop.
Coffee
Coffee plantations also:
Expanded.
Cocoa
Cocoa became:
Another important:
Plantation crop.
Cotton
Cotton was:
Also cultivated.
Slavery
The plantation economy depended heavily on:
Enslaved Africans.
Atlantic Slave Trade
Enslaved people were:
Transported from:
Africa
to:
Suriname.
Plantation Brutality
Plantation slavery was:
Extremely violent.
Resistance
Enslaved people:
Resisted.
Escape
Many escaped:
Into:
The interior rainforest.
Maroons
These communities became known as:
Maroons.
Maroon Societies
Maroon societies developed:
Independent communities
in:
The interior.
Saramaka
The:
Saramaka
became:
One of:
Suriname's major Maroon peoples.
Ndyuka
The:
Ndyuka
also developed:
Strong independent communities.
Aluku
The:
Aluku
formed:
Another major Maroon society.
Paramaka
The:
Paramaka
became:
Another Maroon community.
Matawai
The:
Matawai
also developed:
Inland communities.
Maroon Culture
Maroon societies preserved:
African cultural traditions.
Music
Maroon music contains:
Distinctive:
Rhythms.
Dance
Dance remains:
Important to:
Maroon culture.
Oral Tradition
Oral history preserves:
Stories.
Genealogies.
Spiritual knowledge.
And:
Historical memory.
Languages
Maroon communities developed:
Distinctive:
Languages.
Sranan Tongo
Sranan Tongo
became:
One of:
Suriname's most widely understood:
Languages.
Dutch
Dutch
is:
The official language.
Multilingual Society
Many Surinamese speak:
More than:
One language.
Hindustani
Large numbers of:
South Asian descendants
speak:
Sarnami Hindustani.
Javanese
Javanese Surinamese communities preserve:
The:
Javanese language.
Chinese Languages
Chinese Surinamese communities have also:
Maintained:
Chinese linguistic traditions.
Immigration
After slavery was abolished:
The plantation economy needed:
New labor.
Emancipation
Slavery was abolished in:
Suriname
in:
1863.
Contract Labor
Indentured workers were brought:
From:
India.
Java.
And:
China.
British India
Large numbers of:
Indian workers
arrived:
Under:
Indentured contracts.
Hindustani Community
Their descendants became:
A major part of:
Modern Suriname.
Javanese Workers
Workers were also brought:
From:
The Dutch East Indies.
Java
Many came from:
Java.
Chinese Migration
Chinese migrants also:
Settled in:
Suriname.
Multicultural Suriname
The result was:
A remarkably:
Multicultural society.
Religion
Suriname contains:
Multiple major:
Religious traditions.
Christianity
Christianity is:
Widely practiced.
Roman Catholicism
Catholic communities exist:
Across:
The country.
Protestantism
Protestant churches are:
Also significant.
Moravian Church
The:
Moravian Church
has a:
Long history in:
Suriname.
Hinduism
Hinduism is:
One of:
Suriname's major religions.
Hindustani Heritage
Hindu temples can be found:
Throughout:
Suriname.
Islam
Islam also has:
A significant:
Surinamese community.
Javanese Muslims
Many Javanese Surinamese:
Are:
Muslim.
Judaism
Suriname has:
A remarkable Jewish history.
Jodensavanne
Jodensavanne
was:
A historic Jewish settlement.
Jewish Suriname
Jewish communities became:
Important participants in:
Colonial Suriname.
Indigenous Spirituality
Indigenous communities preserve:
Traditional:
Spiritual practices.
Religious Diversity
Suriname is notable for:
Its:
Religious coexistence.
Paramaribo
Paramaribo
is:
The political.
Economic.
And:
Cultural center
of:
Suriname.
Historic Inner City
The historic center contains:
Dutch colonial architecture.
Wooden Architecture
Many buildings were constructed:
With:
Wood.
Fort Zeelandia
Fort Zeelandia
is one of:
Paramaribo's most important:
Historic monuments.
Fort
The fort reflects:
Suriname's:
Colonial history.
Presidential Palace
The:
Presidential Palace
stands:
Near:
Independence Square.
Independence Square
Independence Square
is:
An important civic space.
Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
The:
St. Peter and Paul Cathedral
is:
One of:
The world's largest wooden cathedrals.
Neveh Shalom Synagogue
The:
Neveh Shalom Synagogue
is part of:
Paramaribo's:
Historic religious landscape.
Mosque
Paramaribo also contains:
Historic:
Muslim institutions.
Religious Coexistence
The proximity of:
Mosque.
Synagogue.
Churches.
And:
Temples
has become:
A symbol of:
Suriname's pluralism.
UNESCO
Historic Paramaribo is:
A:
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Independence
Suriname became:
Independent from:
The Netherlands
on:
November 25, 1975.
Republic
Suriname became:
A:
Republic.
Johan Ferrier
Johan Ferrier
became:
The first:
President of independent:
Suriname.
Independence
Independence brought:
New political opportunities.
Political Instability
But the young republic experienced:
Political instability.
1980 Coup
A military coup occurred:
In:
1980.
Desi Bouterse
Desi Bouterse
became:
A central figure in:
Surinamese politics.
December Murders
The:
December Murders
of:
1982
became:
One of:
The darkest episodes of:
Modern Surinamese history.
Civil Conflict
Suriname also experienced:
An internal armed conflict.
Jungle Commando
The:
Jungle Commando
fought:
The military government.
Marowijne
Conflict affected:
The:
Marowijne region.
Peace Agreement
A peace agreement eventually:
Helped end:
The conflict.
Democracy
Suriname returned:
Toward:
Democratic civilian government.
Economy
Suriname's economy has historically depended on:
Natural resources.
Bauxite
Bauxite
became:
One of:
Suriname's most important exports.
Aluminum
Bauxite supported:
Aluminum production.
Gold
Gold became:
Increasingly important.
Gold Mining
Gold mining now represents:
A major:
Economic sector.
Environmental Cost
Gold mining can cause:
Deforestation.
Mercury pollution.
And:
River contamination.
Oil
Suriname also possesses:
Offshore:
Oil resources.
Offshore Development
Offshore petroleum discoveries have:
Created:
Major economic expectations.
Agriculture
Agriculture remains:
Important.
Rice
Rice is:
One of:
Suriname's major crops.
Nickerie
Nickerie
is famous for:
Rice production.
Bananas
Bananas are:
Another important:
Agricultural product.
Plantations
Modern agriculture retains:
Connections to:
The colonial plantation era.
Forestry
Forestry is:
Important in:
The interior.
Rainforest
The rainforest contains:
Enormous:
Biological diversity.
Biodiversity
Suriname is:
One of:
The most heavily forested countries
in:
The world.
Forest Cover
A very large proportion of:
Suriname
remains:
Forest.
Amazonian Ecosystem
The southern interior forms:
Part of:
The broader Amazonian:
Ecological system.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
The:
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
protects:
A vast wilderness.
UNESCO
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve is:
A:
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brownsberg
Brownsberg Nature Park
contains:
Rainforest.
Mountains.
Waterfalls.
And:
Wildlife.
Raleighvallen
Raleighvallen
is another:
Important natural area.
Coppename River
The Coppename River flows:
Through:
Protected rainforest.
Wildlife
Suriname contains:
Remarkable wildlife.
Jaguars
Jaguars inhabit:
The rainforest.
Giant River Otters
The:
Giant river otter
is found in:
Suriname's waterways.
Giant Anteaters
Giant anteaters occur:
In:
Suriname.
Sloths
Sloths inhabit:
The:
Rainforest.
Monkeys
Several monkey species inhabit:
Suriname.
Harpy Eagle
The:
Harpy eagle
is one of:
The region's most impressive birds of prey.
Turtles
Coastal beaches support:
Sea turtles.
Leatherback
The:
Leatherback sea turtle
nests along:
Suriname's coast.
Galibi
Galibi Nature Reserve
is famous for:
Sea turtle nesting.
Atlantic Coast
Suriname's northern coast is:
Mostly:
Low-lying.
Mangroves
Mangrove ecosystems protect:
The:
Coast.
Mudflats
Suriname's coast contains:
Extensive:
Mudflats.
Migratory Birds
The mudflats support:
Large numbers of:
Migratory birds.
Guiana Shield
Southern Suriname lies within:
The:
Guiana Shield.
Ancient Geology
The Guiana Shield contains:
Some of:
South America's oldest:
Geological formations.
Waterfalls
The interior contains:
Spectacular:
Waterfalls.
Brownsberg
Brownsberg provides:
Panoramic views of:
Rainforest landscapes.
Rivers
Suriname's rivers are:
Essential to:
Interior communities.
River Transportation
Many interior communities depend on:
Boats.
Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous communities possess:
Deep knowledge of:
Medicinal plants.
Forest Medicine
Traditional knowledge includes:
Plant-based:
Medicines.
Conservation
Indigenous stewardship can:
Contribute to:
Forest protection.
Maroon Forest Knowledge
Maroon communities also possess:
Extensive knowledge of:
The rainforest.
Traditional Agriculture
Small-scale agriculture includes:
Cassava.
Rice.
Bananas.
And:
Other crops.
Cassava
Cassava is:
A major staple.
Food
Surinamese cuisine reflects:
The country's:
Multicultural history.
Pom
Pom
is one of:
Suriname's best-known:
Dishes.
Roti
Roti reflects:
South Asian:
Culinary influence.
Javanese Cuisine
Javanese dishes remain:
Popular.
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese culinary traditions are:
Also widespread.
Creole Cuisine
Creole food combines:
African.
European.
And:
Indigenous influences.
Maroon Cuisine
Maroon cuisine uses:
Traditional forest and:
River ingredients.
Music
Suriname's music reflects:
Its:
Multicultural population.
Kaseko
Kaseko
is one of:
Suriname's most distinctive:
Musical traditions.
Kawina
Kawina
developed within:
Afro-Surinamese culture.
Maroon Music
Maroon music contains:
Distinctive:
Drumming traditions.
Dance
Dance is:
An important part of:
Cultural celebrations.
Literature
Suriname has produced:
Important:
Writers.
Anton de Kom
Anton de Kom
became:
One of:
Suriname's most important:
Historical figures and writers.
We Slaves of Suriname
His book:
We Slaves of Suriname
became:
A landmark work on:
Colonialism and slavery.
Identity
Surinamese identity developed:
Through:
Multiple cultural traditions.
Dutch Language
Dutch remains:
The official language.
Sranan Tongo
Sranan Tongo functions:
As:
A widely understood:
Creole language.
Sarnami
Sarnami reflects:
The heritage of:
Indian indentured workers.
Javanese
Javanese reflects:
Indonesian heritage.
Maroon Languages
Maroon communities maintain:
Several:
Distinct languages.
Indigenous Languages
Indigenous communities preserve:
Their:
Own languages.
Multilingualism
Suriname is:
One of:
The world's most multilingual:
Societies relative to:
Its population.
Education
Education is:
Important to:
Surinamese society.
Anton Resida?
Suriname's educational institutions include:
Universities.
Colleges.
And:
Professional schools.
Anton de Kom University
The:
Anton de Kom University of Suriname
is:
The country's major:
University.
Paramaribo
Paramaribo remains:
The center of:
Higher education.
Sport
Football is:
Widely popular.
Football
Suriname has:
Produced:
International footballers.
Clarence Seedorf
Clarence Seedorf
was:
Born in:
Suriname.
Edgar Davids
Edgar Davids
also has:
Surinamese heritage.
Ruud Gullit
Ruud Gullit
has:
Surinamese heritage.
Dutch Football
Surinamese migration has:
Had:
A significant impact on:
Dutch football.
Cricket
Cricket also has:
A strong:
Surinamese following.
Suriname's Kingdom Assignment
Suriname's Kingdom assignment can be summarized as:
Amazonian nation.
Atlantic nation.
Guiana Shield nation.
Indigenous nation.
Maroon nation.
African-diaspora nation.
Hindustani nation.
Javanese nation.
Dutch-speaking nation.
Sranan-speaking nation.
Multilingual nation.
Multireligious nation.
Plantation-history nation.
Rainforest nation.
River nation.
Biodiversity nation.
Gold nation.
Bauxite nation.
Rice nation.
Agricultural nation.
Oil nation.
Cultural-diversity nation.
Freedom nation.
Independence nation.
Prayer for Suriname
Pray:
- For the President.
- For Parliament.
- For government officials.
- For judges.
- For local leaders.
- For Paramaribo.
- For Nickerie.
- For Albina.
- For Brokopondo.
- For Marowijne.
- For every district.
- For every village.
- For Indigenous communities.
- For Arawak communities.
- For Carib communities.
- For Maroon communities.
- For Saramaka communities.
- For Ndyuka communities.
- For Aluku communities.
- For Paramaka communities.
- For Matawai communities.
- For Hindustani communities.
- For Javanese communities.
- For Creole communities.
- For Chinese communities.
- For mixed communities.
- For every Surinamese family.
- For children.
- For youth.
- For women.
- For men.
- For elders.
- For farmers.
- For fishermen.
- For miners.
- For forestry workers.
- For entrepreneurs.
- For teachers.
- For students.
- For doctors.
- For nurses.
- For scientists.
- For engineers.
- For artists.
- For musicians.
- For writers.
- For churches.
- For pastors.
- For priests.
- For Christian communities.
- For Hindu communities.
- For Muslims.
- For Jewish communities.
- For Indigenous spiritual traditions.
- For religious freedom.
- For Dutch.
- For Sranan Tongo.
- For Sarnami.
- For Javanese.
- For Maroon languages.
- For Indigenous languages.
- For language preservation.
- For schools.
- For the Anton de Kom University.
- For libraries.
- For historians.
- For archaeologists.
- For Paramaribo's historic center.
- For Fort Zeelandia.
- For Jodensavanne.
- For historic churches.
- For historic mosques.
- For historic synagogues.
- For cultural preservation.
- For Indigenous rights.
- For Maroon rights.
- For rainforest protection.
- For the Central Suriname Nature Reserve.
- For Brownsberg.
- For Raleighvallen.
- For Galibi.
- For the Guiana Shield.
- For the Suriname River.
- For the Maroni River.
- For the Coppename River.
- For the Saramacca River.
- For wetlands.
- For mangroves.
- For coastal ecosystems.
- For migratory birds.
- For sea turtles.
- For leatherback turtles.
- For jaguars.
- For giant river otters.
- For giant anteaters.
- For sloths.
- For monkeys.
- For harpy eagles.
- For rainforest biodiversity.
- For rivers.
- For clean water.
- For responsible mining.
- For gold mining communities.
- For mercury reduction.
- For bauxite.
- For offshore oil.
- For responsible energy development.
- For rice farmers.
- For banana farmers.
- For cassava production.
- For forestry.
- For sustainable forest management.
- For fisheries.
- For tourism.
- For ecotourism.
- For cultural tourism.
- For Paramaribo.
- For independence.
- For democracy.
- For good government.
- For economic stability.
- For social unity.
- For Suriname to become:
- A center of rainforest conservation.
- A center of Indigenous knowledge.
- A center of Maroon cultural preservation.
- A center of religious coexistence.
- A center of multilingual education.
- A center of sustainable agriculture.
- A center of responsible natural-resource development.
- A center of Guiana Shield research.
- A center of Atlantic conservation.
- For the nations.
Suriname Before the Throne
Suriname has experienced:
Indigenous civilizations.
Arawak communities.
Carib communities.
European exploration.
English colonization.
Dutch colonization.
Plantations.
Sugar.
Coffee.
Cocoa.
Cotton.
African slavery.
Resistance.
Maroon societies.
Emancipation.
Indian indentured labor.
Javanese migration.
Chinese migration.
Dutch colonial administration.
Paramaribo.
Independence.
Military rule.
Political violence.
Civil conflict.
Democracy.
Mining.
Agriculture.
Rainforest conservation.
And:
A continuing search for:
National prosperity.
From Indigenous Suriname to Dutch Guiana
The colonial era transformed:
The coastal region.
From Plantations to Maroon Communities
Slavery produced:
Resistance.
Escape.
And:
Independent Maroon societies.
From Emancipation to Indentured Labor
The end of slavery produced:
New migration.
From India and Java to Suriname
Migration transformed:
Suriname's:
Demographic identity.
From Colony to Republic
Independence transformed:
Suriname's:
Political identity.
From Military Rule to Democracy
Suriname experienced:
A difficult path toward:
Democratic government.
From Plantation Economy to Resource Economy
Bauxite.
Gold.
Oil.
And:
Agriculture
reshaped:
The economy.
From Forest to Future
The rainforest represents:
One of:
Suriname's greatest assets.
Kingdom Perspective
Suriname teaches:
A small nation can contain an extraordinary concentration of cultures, languages, religions, ecosystems, and historical experiences.
Indigenous Peoples
Teach:
The importance of:
Ancient knowledge.
Maroons
Teach:
The power of:
Freedom and resistance.
Hindustani Surinamese
Teach:
The enduring influence of:
Migration.
Javanese Surinamese
Teach:
The power of:
Cultural preservation across oceans.
Paramaribo
Teaches:
The possibility of:
Cultural coexistence.
Rainforest
Teaches:
Stewardship.
Rivers
Teach:
Connection.
Slavery
Teaches:
The necessity of:
Remembering historical injustice.
Independence
Teaches:
The importance of:
Self-government.
Democracy
Teaches:
The responsibility of:
Citizenship.
Kingdom Calling
Suriname's calling can be understood as:
To become a model of cultural coexistence, rainforest stewardship, Indigenous and Maroon preservation, responsible resource development, religious freedom, and peaceful democracy at the gateway between the Caribbean, South America, and the Amazon.
Suriname's Future
Suriname can become a leader in:
Rainforest conservation.
Carbon protection.
Indigenous stewardship.
Maroon cultural preservation.
Ecotourism.
Marine conservation.
Sustainable agriculture.
Rice production.
Responsible gold mining.
Offshore energy.
Renewable energy.
Multilingual education.
Cultural tourism.
Religious coexistence.
Paramaribo
Paramaribo can remain:
A cultural crossroads.
Marowijne
The Marowijne region can preserve:
Its:
Indigenous and Maroon heritage.
Brownsberg
Brownsberg can become:
A center of:
Ecotourism.
Central Suriname
The Central Suriname Nature Reserve can remain:
A global example of:
Tropical forest conservation.
Galibi
Galibi can protect:
Sea turtle nesting.
Rivers
Suriname's rivers can remain:
Clean.
Healthy.
And:
Accessible.
Rainforest
The rainforest can become:
A foundation of:
Sustainable prosperity.
Gold
Gold mining can become:
More:
Responsible.
Oil
Offshore oil development can:
Support:
National development
while protecting:
Marine ecosystems.
Agriculture
Rice.
Bananas.
Cassava.
And:
Other crops
can support:
Food security.
Culture
Suriname can continue:
Preserving:
Dutch.
Sranan Tongo.
Sarnami.
Javanese.
Maroon languages.
And:
Indigenous languages.
Religious Coexistence
Suriname can continue:
Its tradition of:
Christian.
Hindu.
Muslim.
Jewish.
And:
Indigenous coexistence.
Final Commission
May Suriname become a nation of:
Peace.
Freedom.
Wisdom.
Justice.
Unity.
Diversity.
Stewardship.
Prosperity.
May Paramaribo flourish.
May Nickerie flourish.
May Albina flourish.
May Brokopondo flourish.
May Marowijne flourish.
May every district flourish.
May every village flourish.
May Indigenous communities flourish.
May Arawak communities flourish.
May Carib communities flourish.
May Maroon communities flourish.
May Saramaka communities flourish.
May Ndyuka communities flourish.
May Aluku communities flourish.
May Paramaka communities flourish.
May Matawai communities flourish.
May Hindustani communities flourish.
May Javanese communities flourish.
May Creole communities flourish.
May Chinese communities flourish.
May mixed communities flourish.
May every Surinamese family flourish.
May children flourish.
May youth flourish.
May women flourish.
May men flourish.
May elders receive:
Honor.
May farmers prosper.
May fishermen prosper.
May miners prosper.
May forestry workers prosper.
May entrepreneurs prosper.
May teachers prosper.
May students prosper.
May doctors prosper.
May nurses prosper.
May scientists prosper.
May engineers prosper.
May artists prosper.
May musicians prosper.
May writers prosper.
May churches flourish.
May Christian communities flourish.
May Hindu communities flourish.
May Muslim communities flourish.
May Jewish communities flourish.
May Indigenous spiritual traditions be:
Respected.
May religious freedom flourish.
May Dutch flourish.
May Sranan Tongo flourish.
May Sarnami flourish.
May Javanese flourish.
May Maroon languages flourish.
May Indigenous languages flourish.
May schools flourish.
May the Anton de Kom University flourish.
May libraries flourish.
May historians flourish.
May archaeologists flourish.
May Paramaribo's historic center remain:
Protected.
May Fort Zeelandia remain:
Protected.
May Jodensavanne remain:
Protected.
May churches remain:
Protected.
May mosques remain:
Protected.
May synagogues remain:
Protected.
May Indigenous heritage remain:
Protected.
May Maroon heritage remain:
Protected.
May the Central Suriname Nature Reserve remain:
Protected.
May Brownsberg remain:
Protected.
May Raleighvallen remain:
Protected.
May Galibi remain:
Protected.
May the Guiana Shield remain:
Protected.
May the Suriname River remain:
Healthy.
May the Maroni remain:
Healthy.
May the Coppename remain:
Healthy.
May the Saramacca remain:
Healthy.
May mangroves flourish.
May wetlands flourish.
May migratory birds flourish.
May sea turtles flourish.
May leatherbacks flourish.
May jaguars flourish.
May giant river otters flourish.
May giant anteaters flourish.
May sloths flourish.
May monkeys flourish.
May harpy eagles flourish.
May rainforest biodiversity flourish.
May responsible mining flourish.
May gold resources benefit:
The people.
May mercury pollution decrease.
May bauxite production be:
Responsible.
May offshore oil development protect:
The environment.
May rice production flourish.
May banana production flourish.
May cassava production flourish.
May forestry become:
Sustainable.
May fisheries flourish.
May tourism flourish.
May ecotourism flourish.
May cultural tourism flourish.
May democracy flourish.
May justice flourish.
May good government flourish.
May economic stability flourish.
May social unity flourish.
May Suriname become:
A leader in rainforest conservation.
May Suriname become:
A leader in Indigenous stewardship.
May Suriname become:
A leader in Maroon cultural preservation.
May Suriname become:
A leader in religious coexistence.
May Suriname become:
A leader in multilingual education.
May Suriname become:
A leader in sustainable agriculture.
May Suriname become:
A leader in responsible resource development.
May Suriname become:
A leader in Guiana Shield conservation.
May Suriname become:
A leader in Atlantic conservation.
May Suriname contribute:
To peace in South America.
May Suriname contribute:
To the protection of the Amazon.
May Suriname contribute:
To the flourishing of Indigenous peoples.
May Suriname contribute:
To the flourishing of the nations.
May its rivers produce:
Life.
May its forests produce:
Wisdom.
May its farms produce:
Abundance.
May its people produce:
Peace.
May its cultures produce:
Beauty.
May its languages produce:
Understanding.
May its churches produce:
Service.
May its temples produce:
Community.
May its mosques produce:
Service.
May its synagogues preserve:
Memory.
May its Indigenous communities preserve:
Ancient knowledge.
May its Maroon communities preserve:
Freedom's memory.
And may the people of Suriname, together with every nation, tribe, people, and language, remember:
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
(Matthew 5:9)
Amen.
🇸🇷 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 167
Suriname
From Indigenous peoples to ancient forest societies.
From Arawak communities to Carib communities.
From the first Europeans to Dutch Guiana.
From plantations to sugar.
From coffee to cocoa.
From cotton to colonial commerce.
From African slavery to resistance.
From resistance to escape.
From escape to Maroon societies.
From Saramaka to Ndyuka.
From Aluku to Paramaka.
From Matawai to Maroon cultural survival.
From emancipation in 1863 to a new society.
From India to Hindustani Suriname.
From Java to Javanese Suriname.
From China to Chinese Suriname.
From migration to multiculturalism.
From Dutch to Sranan Tongo.
From Sarnami to Javanese.
From Indigenous languages to Maroon languages.
From Paramaribo to national identity.
From Fort Zeelandia to colonial memory.
From Jodensavanne to Jewish heritage.
From churches to Christian heritage.
From temples to Hindu heritage.
From mosques to Islamic heritage.
From Indigenous spirituality to ancient traditions.
From religious diversity to coexistence.
From Dutch Guiana to independence.
From 1975 to the Republic of Suriname.
From Johan Ferrier to the first presidency.
From military rule to democracy.
From 1980 to political upheaval.
From the December Murders to national memory.
From the Jungle Commando to civil conflict.
From Marowijne to peace.
From bauxite to industrial development.
From gold to resource wealth.
From mining to environmental responsibility.
From offshore oil to future opportunity.
From rice to Nickerie.
From bananas to agriculture.
From cassava to traditional food.
From plantations to modern farming.
From the Suriname River to Paramaribo.
From the Maroni to the French Guiana frontier.
From the Coppename to the rainforest.
From the Saramacca to western Suriname.
From the Atlantic coast to mangroves.
From Galibi to sea turtles.
From Brownsberg to mountain rainforest.
From Central Suriname to wilderness.
From the Guiana Shield to ancient geology.
From jaguars to giant river otters.
From sloths to harpy eagles.
From rainforest to biodiversity.
From rivers to life.
From Indigenous knowledge to conservation.
From Maroon knowledge to forest stewardship.
From Dutch architecture to Paramaribo's historic center.
From Kaseko to Surinamese music.
From Kawina to Afro-Surinamese culture.
From Anton de Kom to historical memory.
From Suriname to the Caribbean.
From Suriname to South America.
From Suriname to the Amazon.
From Suriname to the nations.
From Suriname to the Kingdom.
From the Green Heart of South America to the throne.
End of Kingdom Nations Series – Part 167: 🇸🇷 Suriname
Coming Next: 🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 168: 🇸🇪 Sweden — From ancient Scandinavia, the Sami, Germanic tribes, the Viking Age, Norse mythology, the formation of the Swedish kingdom, medieval Christianity, Stockholm, Gustav Vasa, the Swedish Empire, Gustavus Adolphus, the Thirty Years' War, the Age of Greatness, Finland and Sweden, the loss of Finland to Russia, industrialization, neutrality, World War II, the welfare state, democracy, Swedish innovation, forests, lakes, iron, engineering, music, literature, IKEA, Volvo, Ericsson, ABBA, Nobel Prize heritage, Sami culture, the Arctic, Lapland, the Baltic Sea, and Sweden's Kingdom calling.
