Subject: [History] Awards & Decorations

Article:

Each year, on the 25th of November (indpendence day), Suriname honors and recognizes those who have made an exceptional contribution to the nation. In the past and in some cases the honors conferred became a reward for those who had made themselves useful to the head of state either in the armed forces or in political matters. Now even the ordinary citizen can be honored. These awards are conferred by the President mostly on recommendation of the responsible minister.

There are 2 orders of honor:

1- The honorable order of the palm. For those who have shown love for country, fulfilled their civil duties with exceptional diligence and loyalty, or for contributions in the field of sciences or art.

2- Order of the yellow star. For those who have given outstanding service to Suriname or her citizens. This order is also given to foreigners. If a citizen or oragnization proposes somebody for an award the proposal must be worded such that these qualifications are clearly recognized. A proposal is made directly to the president, but passes through a committee of seven members. These members judge if all requirements have been met. Both orders have gold or silver medals and are subdivided in 5 classes.

1. bearer of sash (1st class)

2. grand officer (2nd class)

3. commander (3rd class)

4. officer (4th class)

5. knight (5th class)

The orders and medals are to honor people and they can also be conferred to citizens who have made exceptional contributions to industry. -------


Met dank aan Albert Buys