On 28 of November 2022 the VSG and VGS Youth (Organisation of the Saamaka Leaders) was at the National Assembly of Suriname to submit a petition where, the VSG youth group, asked the government to recognize our land rights according the verdict of OAS (Organization of American States) of 28 November 2007. Also, they need to stop all logging and mining activities, to withdraw of concessions they give, stop giving concession and to put a stop on construction of a bridge by Palmeras Hout N.V. across the upper Suriname river in the Saamaka territory. With this we are applying pressure on the Government for the last time for 15 years ago.

This petition was submitted to the chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname his excellence Mr. Marinus Bee. He was open and welcome us as Saamaka that we make this step to submit a petition. This will help them to do his best to do his job better in our case. The chairman of the National Assembly will takes note of our petition and he will invite us to discuss about the topics in the petition. He also mentions that he had already reach out to the Palmeras Hout N.V. to stop the construction of the bridge.

The law that will recognize our land rights is in progress. They are in the final state with experts and lawyers to send it to the National Assembly. As soon they are done, it will submit to the National Assembly to discuss and past the law.

The members of VSG Youth that handed in the petition were:

Akienboto Biza, Jabini Samunda, Amoko Kisron, Bannafoo Noris, Afonsoewa Tiamba, Amoloe Magda, Soke Benitia, Vola Winston, Bodji Bonni, Pikientio Francisca, Smith Igan.

VSG members:

Petrusi Stiefen, Jabini Hugo, Dinge Frans, Dimbo Cellestina.