
PARAMARIBO- “The number of homeless people in Suriname keeps growing on a daily basis,” said Health Minister Andre Misiekaba. “It has become evident that new ones show up on the streets each day.”

Minister Misiekaba did not mention a specific number of homeless people but gave his assurance that this issue would be tackled structurally. A special workgroup has already been tasked with addressing the issue. “But I still haven't received the report of the workgroup,” said Minister Misiekaba. The committee was installed a few months ago when a group of homeless people could no longer be given shelter at the Wanica Hospital. These homeless people were then moved to the shelter of Stichting De Stem. The workgroup has to come up with structural solutions. “Some people say that the Bureau for Homeless People must be given new life,” said Minister Misiekaba who added that “we will find solutions.” Minister Misiekaba made it clear that no everybody who lives on the streets is mentally ill. “Some people have no home,” said Minister Misiekaba who urged the relatives of homeless people to lend a helping hand if possible. “For some reason the relatives also do not want to give them a place to stay but we are asking them to help out if they can. If they cannot help out, the government must pitch in.” The Health Ministry is currently discussing the issue with the Psychiatric Center Suriname (PCS) to find shelter for the homeless people but has come across several bottlenecks. “At the PCS one needs a different type of nurse and we do not have those rights now,” said Minister Misiekaba who added that it would take some time to find solutions.

