The project had a smooth start but eventually got stuck in the mud. “We were assigned to 8 schools and started to teach Spanish but we still haven't received any payment,” said one of the teachers  who wishes to remain anonymous. The Cuban teachers would initially receive between SRD 8,000 and SRD 12,000. After three months they would receive between SRD 12,000 and SRD 15,000. But officials failed to arrange housing for the Cuban teachers. Education Minister Henry Ori explained that the project was carried out in association with the Ministry of Justice and Police. But the legalization of the residency of these foreign teachers still has not been taken care of. “Without valid papers, the teachers can't be hired officially. This also blocks payment of their salaries,” said Minister Ori. Although the minister assured that a solution is being sought, the project will most likely be terminated after the Cuban teachers have received payment. “Without legal documents, these teachers are technically in our country illegally and we can't accept that,” said Minister Ori. The matter has been presented to Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk who has assured that he and the minister of Justice and Police would address it. Meanwhile the Cuban teachers are dealing with financial problems. “We have invested our time and energy in teaching all these months and we kept our part of the deal. We feel abandoned. We simply want to do what we came for in Suriname and that is to teach,” said the Cuban teachers who added that the Surinamese authorities must do their homework.