Suriname moves to deport about 70 Mennonite farmers from interior
Justice Minister Harish Monorath says the deportations are justified and not linked to religion, while a law firm has asked the court to halt them.
PARAMARIBO, Suriname. Suriname's coalition government is moving to expel dozens of Mennonite farming families from the country's interior, saying they are in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation illegally.
The group of about 70, mostly from Brazil, Bolivia and Mexico, has run into problems with local Maroon communities, the immigration department and others. Final deportation orders have been issued for them to leave as early as this week.
A local law firm has asked the court to stay the deportations until it can show that work and residency permit applications were filed with the government and are being considered.
Clashes with Maroon communities
The Mennonites, some of whom shun modern machines such as cars and mobile telephones, have been in Suriname since 2023 and occupied land in the south near Maroon villages.
In one case they drilled a freshwater well without permission from authorities. Maroon leaders have complained of an alleged disregard for local customs, including the need to seek permission before entering villages.
Officials say the group's apparent indifference to how things work in the Dutch-speaking republic has angered authorities.
Their presence appears to be linked to efforts by a local company, Suriname Green Energy Agriculture, to develop large-scale agricultural projects with their help. The Mennonites' ancestors fled Canada and Europe centuries ago, citing religious persecution. Belize is the other CARICOM member that hosts a large Mennonite community, mostly involved in agriculture.
Minister defends deportation
Justice and Security Minister Harish Monorath said late on Tuesday that the "deportation is justified", as the state had previously invited the group to take steps to legalise their stay. He said they are not being deported because of their religious beliefs and practices.
Officials say the group includes young children and babies. Authorities have removed them from the interior and are housing them at a state facility near the main airport as preparations for their expulsion continue.
