senior citizens who do not have a caretaker, people with a disability and families who end up on the street due to unforeseen circumstances. He explained that these people need more than just a temporary bandaid. Vismale who will turn 60 in 2027 recently revealed his biggest wish. “My biggest wish is not for myself. My biggest wish is for Suriname to structurally provide shelter and support to people who have nowhere and nobody to turn to,” said Vismale who added that actions speak louder than words. Vismale pointed out that volunteers and private organizations are doing their best but that their efforts often seem futile. He also pointed out that the number of homeless people keeps growing in and outside of Paramaribo. Homeless people are taken off the streets and given help temporarily only to end up back on the streets due to the lack of permanent shelter. “We get people off the streets, we give them food, drinks, clothes and a temporary roof over their head. But without policy they will eventually end up back in the same situation,” said Vismale who pleads for a structural collaboration between the government and private organizations. Vismale explained that a budget is needed to address the homelessness issue. He applauded the launch of a special police unit that has been tasked with getting homeless people off the streets. This unit has a budget, food, facilities and personnel at its disposal. According to Vismale, it costs around SRD 2,000 daily to provide food, clothes, shelter and counseling to one homeless person. Last week 10 homeless people were taken off the streets which means that about SRD 20,000 was spent. Vismale also asked for a shelter for senior citizens. Stichting 1 voor 12 has registered more than 60 senior citizens who cannot go to any of the local retirement homes as there is no room for them. “There is more than enough space in Suriname. There is land. Put funds aside to finance the construction of shelters and retirement homes,” said Vismale. He also pointed out that existing retirement homes require renovations and that shelters are needed for women and families who become homeless due to circumstances. He also pleads for more sports and cultural activities for the youths. Despite many disappointments Vismale remains willing to keep lending a helping hand.