Trinidadian political scientist detained in Suriname threatens to go on hunger strike

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The Trinidad-based regional political scientist, Derek Ramsamooj, is threatening to go on a hunger strike to protest his detention by Suriname authorities investigating alleged suspected financial irregularities at the Surinamese Post Savings Bank.

Ramsamooj, 59, who has worked for political parties in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts-Nevis, was told by Suriname police on October 6 that they wanted a statement or evidence to support an inquiry into operations at the bank.

His lawyer, Maureen Nibte, has confirmed that her client has indicated he will no longer be taking food.

Ramsamooj is diabetic and has requested the Public Prosecution Service, through his lawyer, to provide a diabetes specialist to monitor his health, but the authorities have not done so.

Ramsamooj was placed in the infirmary of the Santo Boma penitentiary two weeks ago at the pleading of his wife and Trinidad and Tobago authorities.

His wife, Camille Pagee, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) last month that her husband, a trained political economist, had provided the same services in Suriname that he has provided to public and private clients around the Caribbean for more than 25 years including on-the-ground data collection and analysis.

Nibte, who confirmed that she has received a statement from her client following her visit on Sunday, in which he indicates that he will no longer take food, said she has notified the Public Prosecution Service, the Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Ambassador of Great Britain.

Ramsamooj has British nationality in addition to Trinidadian.

The lawyer, who did not wish to go into details, said she is seriously concerned about the physical and mental condition of her client.

Ramsamooj is said to be seriously concerned about the damage his reputation has taken.

“He has a very good reputation in the region and he is very concerned about that,” said Nibte.

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