Suriname must be prosecuted because of multiple offences no arrests have been made to this day,” Glenn Georgetin, a member of the platform and the pension fund, told Times of Suriname. Georgetin pointed out that the suspects would be questioned about two weeks ago but that the assistant prosecutor asked to question other witnesses first. Alvin Venetiaan and Punai are scheduled to be questioned on March 24th. “We think that Venetiaan will make a good witness,” said Georgetin who added that Venetiaan took over from Mr Welzijn. When Venetiaan took a look in the documents, he advised the retirees to take legal action.

Reports indicate that money from the Pension Fund was used to buy land located in a swamp region near the Wanica Hospital and that it would be divided into 500 lots which would be developed for a housing project. But the housing project was never carried out. The land was bought for $13.5 million even though it only had an estimated value of $1.5 million. “Nobody knows where the money went to,” said Georgetin who added that Punai was tasked with getting the land ready for development. “When he is questioned, we will hear how much money he received,” said Georgetin who pointed out that this case started 11 years ago. The validity of the sale is also questionable. Georgetin claimed that the deed was falsely drawn up by the firm of notary Alexander. There is no official report to support the purchase of the land. “Without a report, there can be no valid purchase,” said Georgetin who added that there were many red flags from the very start. “But when the chairman is running things, one cannot take any action. Everything was delayed and there were always obstacles to slow down the case at the judge,” said Georgetin who made it clear that the assets of Alcoa, Suralco and the suspects must be seized. “If the suspects can’t pay up, Alcoa will have to do it. They appointed the chairman and the treasurer.”

Georgetin made it clear that the money belongs to the retirees of the former Billiton company of which the assets were handed over to Alcoa in 2009. “The people who stole the money are from Suralco. Only the treasurer is from Billiton. Alcoa still has assets in Suriname. Those assets must be seized,” said Georgetin who added that a combined punishment would fit the crime. Georgetin explained that the suspects must be sentenced to prison and that the judge must also give the order for the money to be paid back. “This is about money from retirees. There must be consequences,” said Georgetin.