“The new style of Sabaku Lounge is to promote tourism, but also to give an impression of how Suriname is decorated.” With these words, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi indicated that the facility at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport should make Suriname an invitation to tourism. The Head of State was honored to inaugurate this new VIP hall on Tuesday, August 17th. This happened moments before he left at the head of a government delegation to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The chief was pleased to cut the ribbon. He indicated that there was a meeting recently with the leadership of the Sudan Liberation Movement, where the position of the community was discussed. The head of state reiterated that Suriname airport should be a hub for airlines. SLM must be included in the international aviation network, while the airport must become part of international airports. Santokhi is also pleased that the SLM and the airport management have resolved the controversy surrounding the management of Sabaku Lounge in a sustainable manner, in the interest of the state and on a win-win basis.

It has not been easy, says Vijay Chutkan, Director of NV Airport Management, also due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we managed to get this far as a team. “We will continue to move the airport and the Sudan Liberation Movement to the levels we want.” The manager describes the Sabaku Lounge as part of the investments. According to him, the facility will play a special role in making it possible to travel with pleasure to and from Suriname.

According to Minister Albert Gobithana of Transport, Communications and Tourism (TCT), the Sabaku Lounge should be a symbol of cooperation. He spoke of “It is not just a beautiful moment, but a moment of cooperation. We must put our energy to work together and build the country, and this was also the message for companies and shareholders.” According to him, Suriname should be made proud and tourists should be given such warmth. Minister Gobithana: “ It’s about the development of the aviation sector, in this case SLM management and airport management.”