Suriname : Nisha Kurban-Babu, a sociologist and a native of Nickerie, is the new ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, where the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat is based.
Ties between these two South American countries, both of which are members of CARICOM, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), have soared during the Bouterse administration in Suriname. An estimated 70,000 Guyanese nationals are living in Suriname. Naturally, this is a very busy post for both countries.
Nisha Kurban will be sworn in by President Desi Bouterse on Tuesday in Nickerie, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Lackin.
"We have chosen to keep the swearing in Nickerie, being the first Nickeriean ambassador to Guyana. We want to share with the public," said the minister.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan is back in foreign affairs and will remain Suriname’s permanent representative to CARICOM.
"We will use the experience of Ambassador Soeknandan. Manorama will continue to support the new ambassador in CARICOM affairs," said Lackin.
The minister noted that Guyana is a major post for Suriname. Besides the intensive cooperation with Guyana, the CARICOM Secretariat is located in Georgetown.
An organizing committee in Nickerie, headed by district commissioner Wedperkash Joeloemsingh, is busy preparing for the swearing in ceremony.
Kurban-Babu was deputy director of schools in Nickerie and taught various courses. She participated in an international relations course and did an internship at the Suriname embassy in Brazil from February 2012, and then worked for the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Suriname.
District Commissioner Rashied Doekhie is pleased that the highest diplomatic mission in Guyana is being filled by a Nickerean. "Nickerie borders Guyana and Mrs Kurban is capable to do the job. It is an honour for all of us.”
Doekhie also noted that Soeknandan has a good track record and has effectively executed her job. Regardless of the political winds blowing in Suriname, she has been retained by the foreign ministry, according to Doekhie
