Rosebel Community Fund supports households in Surinamese communities

Rosebel Community Fund supports households in Surinamese communities

On July 27 and 28, the Rosebel Community Fund (RCF) provided the Surinamese communities of Nieuw Koffiekamp, Brownsweg, Balingsoela, Kwakoegron, Marchallkreek, Klaaskreek, Nieuw Lombe, Njoeng Jacobkondre, Baling, Misalibi and Bilawatra with food supplies and Personal Protective Equipment. These villages are considered part of the Communities of Interest (COI) of Rosebel Gold Mines.

Verena Diko, Communications Commission (CC) chairperson and female captain of the village of Nieuw Lombe, was delighted to receive the supplies for the village. According to the captain, even before the distribution of the goods, an atmosphere of enthusiasm was noticeable in the village. 'This project is very timely because we are all facing difficult times these days. The gesture is well received by the people and we are happy with this assistance.'

According to Stephanie van Lobbrecht, Country Director and RCF chairperson, the Foundation recognizes that, among other factors, the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent heavy rains have had a significant impact on the surrounding villages of the Rosebel operations. With the resources from the Community Fund, Rosebel has been able to support these communities.

The distribution of the goods was handled by RCF in collaboration with representatives of the traditional authority and the CCs of the communities. Several households in the villages were eligible to receive goods worth SRD 1,200 ($60) per household from the RCF and Rosebel. The donation to the villages has a total value of SRD 756,000.00 ($36,000).

​Since the start of the Rosebel operation, IAMGOLD has contributed to the sustainable development of the surrounding communities by carrying out community development projects related to education, health care and socio-economic development. The company is committed to continue supporting community projects through the Rosebel Community Fund.​