Suriname - Historic Cemeteries platform launched

PARAMARIBO - Many old cemeteries have been neglected or overgrown. The realization that there is historical value is still insufficient when looking at how this funerary heritage is handled. A lot of money is needed for the maintenance of old cemeteries.

The Platform Historical Cemeteries was set up for the structural approach and maintenance of the old cemeteries. "Together we are strong. By working together, however cliché that may sound, you can achieve more. It is important that this sector is now better organized", says Johan Roozer, policy advisor at the Ministry of Education and Culture. He is the initiator of this project together Stephen Fokké from the Suriname Built Heritage Foundation (SGES).

With the platform, Roozer hopes to establish regulations for the management of historic cemeteries as well as the preservation of old registers and documents. “The registers are decades old and some of them need to be digitized for preservation,” he emphasizes. With regular maintenance, the cemeteries are made more accessible to people who want to participate in funerary tourism.

Training courses will be offered to tell stories about the known deceased. "We are lagging behind in the documentation of these people. For example, during our working visit to Oud Lina's Rust, last week, we came across the grave of the famous Surinamese photographer Augusta Curiel (1873-1937). Fortunately, this cemetery is well maintained. For such a grave, you can immediately make a connection with the Surinamese Museum for further information ", says Roozer. Curiel, together with her sister Anna, known as the Gezusters or the ladies Curiel, has beautifully portrayed Suriname for forty years. Both sisters are buried in the family grave of the Curiels on Oud Lina's Rust.

Not only the old, unused cemeteries will be included in the platform, but also the cemeteries still in use, where prominent figures are buried. The districts are also included in this platform. In the old cemeteries, such as those of the directors in Marienburg, a management body will first have to be appointed. Roozer indicates that years preceded this. "There is still so much that needs to be done with regard to Surinamese heritage, so that we can only now tackle the funerary heritage."

The platform will be a consultative body, in which the protection of the funerary heritage is central for all involved. Furthermore, it will be examined how the graves are located. "It will be examined how the restoration of the most important tombs, ornaments or headstones of high artistic value can be protected," says Roozer. According to the policy advisor, there is sufficient enthusiasm for the collaboration. The platform should be operational by mid-November, at which time a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed.

Source: Audry Wajwakana - dtwonline.com 20/09/2020
Photo: Nieuwe Oranjetuin (René ten Dam 2017, CC-BY-NC-ND)