RGM launches PIPA campaign: "No Ukem, a Gowtu no war� a Nowtu"

"Pit Intrusion is a dangerous ac�vity that in the past and recently has resulted in several incidents involving serious injuries and deaths. Unfortunately, the most recent shoo�ng incident that occurred in April in Nieuw Koffiekamp resulted in injuries and the loss of another young Surinamese ci�zen. Any injury or death is a tragedy that we as a company deeply regret." This said Victor Wu, General Manager (GM) of Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines during the launch of the Pit Intrusion Public Awareness (PIPA) campaign at Brokopondo Centrum on May 12, 2023. During the launch, a Job Fair was also organized where companies and agencies of the local communi�es demonstrated what products and services they offer. The launch of the campaign concluded with a mo�va�onal session for the students of the LBO and MULO schools in the Brokopondo district.

In addi�on to the RGM leaders and students and teachers from the various MULO, LBO, and GLO schools, the district commissioner of Brokopondo, Ludwig Mendelzoon, and the Minister of Educa�on, Science, and Culture, Henri Ori were also present.

Victor further said that despite collabora�ons with the government, the problem with ukemmen is s�ll a serious issue. Therefore, according to the GM, it was necessary to launch an awareness program to make the community aware of the consequences of Pit Intrusion. "We will target not only the ukemmen, but also their peers, parents, and others. We will use various media, such as this Job Fair, mo�va�onal sessions for the youth of Brokopondo, songs composed by wellknown Surinamese ar�sts, and radio and television interviews and announcements, to convey this message to the public."

Minister Ori spoke mainly to the youth present during his speech. He said the Job Faire was to encourage young people's interest, so they know what professions they want to pursue in the future, but that Rosebel Gold Mines also offers plenty of job opportuni�es. "What do you want to be later on? An Engineer? There are so many

Above: Victor Wu, GM addresses a�endees

Large photo top le�: Minister Henry Ori (third right) and dc Ludwig Mendel Son (white) view the model

Large photo bo�om le�: The delega�on receives a presenta�on from an entrepreneur from Brokopondo

Middle

Impressions during and a�er the launch posi�ons within Zijin. Many Surinamese find work at Zijin." The minister, therefore, believes that educa�on in Brokopondo should focus more on suppor�ng RGM's business processes, as well as other sectors such as tourism and agriculture. "There will be a huge number of posi�ons and jobs coming up in the future and the youth of this area need to be inspired to go to school and con�nue their studies," he said.

The DC asked students to par�cipate in ac�vi�es, including the Job Fair and the mo�va�onal session. He said they are the future of Brokopondo and can be part of a prosperous future in Brokopondo.

Another highlight of the day was the launch of songs to the specially composed PIPA rhythm, where the slogan "No Ukem, a Gowtu no war� a Nowtu" was consistently the theme. The ar�sts Rise-L and Faya Shule performed their songs live on stage, a�er which the songs of both gentlemen and the song of Enver were played repeatedly during the fair as well as making the visitors present dance along to the catchy rhythm.