In one of my earlier posts I had mentioned the project West-Suriname, which could have been huge for Suriname, if it weren't for the coup in the 1980's. And then not so long after I had posted my article, I read a news article referencing the same story, which meant that this chapter in our history is not done (yet). For me "new" information came to light, which was also a wake-up call for me, that I myself know so little of my own country's stories.
The news article highlighted the case between a state owned company Grassalco N.V. (established 1971) and the local residents in Apoera. According to the locals Grassalco is laying unfounded claims on their territory, as the former government gave the title or deeds of the territory to the locals. On the other hand Grassalco claims the disputed land is their property, as it was assigned to the company in the eighties, to exploit minerals and ores in the area and beliefs that the locals occupied the homes on that patch of land illegally. According to Grassalco the company has also filed a request for the deed of the disputed area in 2018.
As I read this article, I realized how complicated this case is, as there was no title on the disputed area in the seventies and eighties, so even if it was assigned to Grassalco, now there is a title on the ground and it's been designated to the local citizens. Who will be in the right? This case will have a nasty aftertaste and will probably go on for a while, unless the parties come to an agreement.
If they do find common ground (pun intended 😅) it could be a win-win. Grassalco could create employment opportunities, as there is little to nothing to do in the area, for the locals and the area could flourish with all the (industrial) activities planned by the company.
What are your thoughts on this and do these cases seem familiar to you in your local area? Let me know in the comments below 🤓.
