Defending the Secret Slave State
Suriname's secluded ex-slave community under threat
Deep in the jungle of Suriname lives a community of former slaves who, for three hundred years, have claimed the land as their own corner of paradise. However, with political controversy clouding over Suriname, the fate of this unique and largely untouched community is uncertain.
To the beat of Bob Marley, a battle is afoot. The key power broker in this enclave is Bouterse. He's a charismatic man but not a perfect statesman. He is wanted on drugs charges in Holland. And now he stands accused of selling-out this Slave freestate. Recently a group representing a logging firm owned by the Suharto family came to inspect the timber here. It should be a perfect development opportunity for the impoverished locals. Yet the opposition MP here is not convinced. Many like their lifestyle the way it is. And logging elsewhere has not advantaged indigenous populations. For the moment the Asian economic turmoil has delayed the project. But the world is closing in and the forest may no longer be the refuge it once was.
Produced by ABC Australia
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