(de ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – President Desi Bouterse bestowed the highest Surinamese decoration on Guyanese Ambassador Merlin Udho and her Brazilian counterpart José Luis Machado in appreciation for their service during their time in Suriname. Both Ambassadors are now bearer of the Grand Ribbon of the Order of the Yellow Star. The President dwelled on the positive contributions both Ambassadors have made. Udho has done an excellent job in helping to bring about the visits of both Presidents to each other’s counties, the cooperation for a joint approach to turn Suriname and Guyana into the food suppliers of the CARICOM, Guyana’s support in backing Suriname’s application to have a regional sports academy put up here. Crime fighting on the Corentyne River is also one the fields for which the Ambassador has been praised. Bouterse praised Machado as a true friend and expert; a man who truly loves Suriname and has done his utmost to intensify relations between the two countries. Bouterse mentioned Suriname’s participation in conferences including UNASUR in 2008, the Brazil-CARICOM meeting, the MERCOSUR 2010 Summit and Bouterse’s visit to the inauguration of Brazilian president Dilma Roussef in 2011. Brazil’s support in agriculture, maritime affairs, telecommunication, migration, defense and fighting drugs crime has been much appreciated.
