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“The new style of the Sabaku Lounge has the function of promoting tourism, but also of giving an impression of how Suriname is decorated”. With these words, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi indicated that the facility at the Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport should make Suriname inviting for tourism. The head of state had the honor of opening this new VIP Courtesy Room on Tuesday 17 August. This happened moments before his departure at the head of a government delegation to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
The president was delighted to cut the ribbon. He recalled that there had recently been a meeting with the leadership of the SLM, where the position of society was discussed. The head of state reiterated that Surinamese Airport should be a hub for airlines. The SLM must be included in the international aviation network, while the airport must become part of the international of airports. Santokhi is also pleased that the SLM and the Airport Management have resolved the dispute that existed about the management of the Sabaku Lounge in a sustainable way, in the interest of the country and on a win-win basis.
Vijay Chotkan, director of NV Airport Management, says it has not been easy, also because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we managed to get things this far as a team. “We will continue to get the airport and the SLM to those levels that we want.” The director calls the Sabaku Lounge part of the investments. According to him, the facility will fulfill a special role in making it possible to travel pleasantly to and from Suriname.
According to Minister Albert Jubithana of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT), the Sabaku Lounge should be a symbol of cooperation. He spoke of “not just a beautiful moment, but one of collaboration. “We must put our energy into working together and building the country, that has also been the message to the companies and shareholders,” said the minister. According to him, Suriname should be made proud and tourists should be given that warmth. Minister Jubithana: “It’s about the development of the aviation sector and in this case the SLM and Airport Management.”
