parcel project. The decision to go through with this project comes at a time when there are many questions regarding financial transparency, distribution problems and political criticism aimed at the way the previous government carried out the project.

Minister Bouva made it clear that his ministry has asked for a preliminary report about the current status of the project.  He also made it clear that the rumors which suggests that SRD 1.3 billion have been spent on distribution and storage are not true. According to the numbers that are currently available SRD 23 million was spent on distribution and storage. Reports indicate that 24 shipping containers are currently in storage. The minister acknowledged that in the past the project was misused by the previous administration. “During the election campaign the parcels were used as a sort of political tool,” said Bouva. Despite all of that he sees the strategic value in resuming the collaboration with India. “This is about international relations and collaboration. India donated goods to Suriname for people who need it urgently and the project must be carried out carefully, transparently and in the right manner,” said Minister Bouva who added that the parcels are of good quality and that the distribution will happen via social institutes, district commissioners’ offices and existing structures to prevent the parcels from ending up in the wrong places. “The biggest difference with previous distributions is that we currently have a controlled system so that the parcels actually end up in the hands of the needy.” Minister Bouva responded to the criticism by explaining that he must put the nation's best interest first. “This is a friendly nation that donated goods for the people. The distribution will take place without political interests or propaganda.” A big obstacle that previously delayed the project was the lack of funds to get the shipping containers from the port. The necessary funds were received via a fund from Saudi Arabia. “About 22 to 23 million Surinamese dollars was made available,” said Bouva who added that the ministry aims at completing the project before the end of the year. “Once that is done we will have a full report,” said Minister Bouva who explained that the evaluation of this project will determine if similar projects will be carried out in the future.