Subject: [History] Taxes


Article:
In 1876 Surinamers who lived in the 'civilized' part of the country paid personal taxes. The tax situation did not register very well in the interior of the country such as among the Maroons and descendants of the 'Broos'.
Thus, the District Commissioner took it upon him to travel to the interior to discuss personal taxes with the 'Broos'. Those who attended the meeting on taxes were of the opinion that it was reasonable they had to pay personal taxes. however they had no money to pay taxes.
The end result was that the tax collector collected 17.50 guilders from the people present while 15 tickets were issued to tax delinquents. Those who received a ticket promised to pay within 14 days. Those who worked at the plantations had their taxes withheld from their wages.
It is somewhat remarkable that there are no reports of people who fled to the interior to avoid paying taxes. Government inspectors did check for tax cheats whenever it was possible.