scale gold mining sector in response to the recent arrest of armed people who were working for a security company in the Sara Creek region. The presence of armed groups and the growing numbers of private security gaurds and foreign workers has triggered concerns. The chairman of parliament, Ashwin Adhin, explained that a National Security committee would be installed to address the security issues in a structural manner. He pointed out that “it is time for parliament to come up with solutions in association with the executive branch of the government. The law clearly stated that foreigners are not allowed to carry arms in Suriname. Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath informed parliament that the security guards had been given weapons but that the permit only allowed the company to give weapons to specific persons. He made it clear that the government still has the national security under control. Meanwhile the Public Prosecutor’s Office has already announced that it would take action against the private security company. The gun permit will be revoked and the weapons that were seized will not be returned to the company. The security guards who were arrested and released will not be prosecuted due to a a lack of evidence. This case has made it clear that the government must focus its attention on the situation in the hinterland where illegal gold mining activities are attracting armed groups.