All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

Document: 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

PARAMARIBO

Background

EUM Program Coordinator
Geneve Mensher. Pol-Econ Chief, te4l. 579 472-900 ext. 2205, menscherGe@state.gov

Inventory System
Post does not have an automated inventory system for INL donations. Post keeps track of resources provided to host government agencies in a Word document master list. This is feasible because of the limited amount of INL funds received by post annually.

Staff Member EUM Responsibilities
Post's EUM Program Coordinator has responsibility for coordinating the EUM; but most EUM is conducted by Regional Security Officer (RSO) Doug Martin, LES Security Investigator Rene Sabajo, and LES Security Investigator Gilberto Blagore. Some EUM was conducted by TDY RSO Steven Baker, EUM Coordinator Geneve Mensher, and the LES Pol/Labor Assistant (position vacant). The Management Section's Financial Management Office and General Services Office assist in INL-related procurements.

Other U.S. Agency Assistance
While the DEA Country Attache sits on the Law Enforcement Working Group (LEWG), the EUM itself is conducted by Department of State employees.

Counterpart Agency

Anti-Narcotics Unit
Arrest Team
Attorney General's Office
Cantonal Court
City Police Office Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
Judicial Intelligence Unit Maritime Police Police Academy Police Forensics Department
Police Liaison Bureau Police Ombudsman Unit Special Surveillance Unit Suriname Police Force (KPS) Trafficking in Persons Office Vehicle Inspection Unit

Receipt
Post uses a word document that lists the conditions of INL such as End Use Monitoring and is signed and dated by the recipient organization.

Monitoring Procedures

On-site Inspections
There were 1041 items subject to inspection. Thirty-one (31) percent of the donated items were personally inspected.

Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status
Gear currently in use was monitored via comparison of records and discussions. One vehicle was monitored via discussion.
Status-Commodities

Computer Equipment
One DSL Package Brons 128/64 was donated to the Police TIP unit to set up a Police TIP Office in Paramaribo. It is located in the Police TIP office to support combating TIP and is in good condition.

Six 8 Pentium CPU's were donated to the Police TIP unit to set up a police TIP office in Paramaribo. These computers include modems and faxes. They are located in the Police TIP office to support combating TIP and are in good condition.

Six LCD flat panel computer monitors were donated to the Police TIP unit to set a Police TIP office in Paramaribo. They are located in the Police TIP office to support combating TIP and are in good condition.

Six UPS were donated to the Police TIP unit to set up a Police TIP office in Paramaribo. They are located in the Police TIP office to support combating TIP and are in good condition. Six DVRs were donated to the Police TIP unit to set up a Police TIP office in Paramaribo. They are located in the Police TIP office to support combating TIP and are in good condition.

One scanner was donated to the Police TIP unit to set up a Police TIP office in Paramaribo. It is located in the Police TIP office to support combating TIP and is in good condition.

Two laser printers were donated to the Financial Intelligence Unit. They are used to combat money laundering and are in excellent condition.

Four CPU's with monitors and keyboards were donated to the Financial Intelligence Unit. They are used to combat money laundering. Two of the CPU's no longer work and one is in fine condition. The fourth CPU is located at the Attorney General's Office.

One scanner was donated to the FIU. It is used to combat money laundering and is in excellent condition.

One printer was donated to the FIU. It is used to combat money laundering and is in excellent condition.

One server Dell power edge 2850 was donated to the Police Forensics Unit. It is used with the fingerprint software to combat crime. It is in excellent condition.

Four Dell Dimension 4700 workstations were donated to the Police Forensic Unit. They are located at the Police Forensics Unit/ Financial Intelligence Unit and are used with the donated fingerprinting software to combat crime. They are in excellent condition.

Six Biometrics Fingerprint Scanners were donated to the Police Forensics Unit. They are used with the donated fingerprinting software to combat crime and are in excellent condition.

Two Link Systems were donated to the Police Forensics Unit in support of money laundering. They are in excellent condition.

One fingerprint matching software was donated to the Police Forensic Unit. Post learned that the scanner used to bulk scan fingerprint cards into the system does not work properly because the fingerprint cards are not a standard size. About seven prevent of fingerprint records were scanned in one-by-one. The biometric scanners work, but the suspects were transported to the location that has the scanners. The software does not accept fingerprints from various sources and needs to be modified. In addition, the software is not correctly matching fingerprints from the database, often pulling the fingerprints of the wrong person by mistake. Since January 2009, post's Law Enforcement Working Group (LEWG) has explored possible solutions and is in the final stages of coordination with the Police Commissioner prior to awarding a contract to a software contractor to modify the software and add additional features.

Communications Equipment
One DVD player, one Tashiba flat screen TV, and one telephone fax machine were donated to the Police TIP unit to set up a Police TIP unit in Paramaribo. They are in good condition.

One copy machine and one fax machine were donated to the Financial Intelligence Unit to support combating money laundering. The copy machine is in excellent condition. The fax machine is in fair condition.

Miscellaneous Equipment
One refrigerator, three vertical blinds, two paper shredders, six office chairs, six desks, two file cabinets, and one color photocopier were donated to the Police Office for combating TIP. They are in excellent condition.

Two four-drawer file cabinets, one copy machine, one shredder, one conference table, and five office desks were donated to the Financial Intelligence Unit to combat money laundering. They are in excellent condition.

Fifteen pairs of boots were donated to the Arrest Team. During End-Use- Monitoring, the RSO did not observe these boots.

Fifteen Tactical Squad Suits and mission vests were donated to the Arrest Team. During End Use Monitoring, post learned that most were issued and in use by the Arrest Team. The Arrest Team has responsibility for arresting the most dangerous and armed criminals.

Ballistic helmets (15), face shield direct mounts (15), tactical elbow pads (15), tactical knee pads (15), tactical black gloves (15), Maglites (30), flashlight rings (30), ceramic rifle plates (30), backpack entry kits (2), and entry shields (2) were donated to the Arrest Team for use in arresting armed criminals. They are in excellent condition.

Vehicles
The two Toyota wagons used by the Police TIP unit are in good condition. A pickup is in excellent mechanical condition but has body damage due to saltwater/rust damage. The Arrest Team has a Nissan sedan that has minor damage due to the running of the vehicle off the road. The Judicial Intelligence Unit has a Toyota Corolla in passable condition. The Anti-Narcotics Unit has two Toyota Landcruisers with transmission problems.

Pickup truck
1

Arrest Team
Nissan sedan
1

Judicial Intelligence Unit
Toyota Corolla
1

Anti-Narcotics Unit
Toyota Landcruiser
2

Vessels
The Arrest Team has an Aluma craft all-welded boat in fair condition.

Problems and Corrective Action Plan

Unmonitored Commodities
Post experienced several setbacks in the 2008 End Use Monitoring. For example, the Political/Labor LES Assistant, who has responsibility for assisting In End Use Monitoring resigned in October 2008. At the same time, the Pol- Econ position was vacant from 9/27/08 to 11/24/08 as well. In addition, the RSO who assists in End Use Monitoring was on paternity leave for several weeks in the fall. Post will do a better job of spreading its monitoring responsibilities over four quarters in 2009 rather than monitoring just once a year in the fall.

Disposal of Commodities
Three reconditioned Toyota Corolla station wagons donated to the Police Liaison Office in 2004 have transmission problems and should be disposed of.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control Economic Aid

FY 2010 Program Combat Transnational Crime This project will provide training in money laundering to prosecutors and new prosecutors- in-training so that they can better adjudicate their cases and manage their workload. Training programs for the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Financial Investigation Team officials will allow the GOS to further enhance anti-money laundering programs. Training will be provided to the new prosecutors-in-training on how to utilize new assets forfeiture legislation during narcotics cases. Funds would provide equipment and training for the FIU to assist in its investigation of money laundering cases.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Program Objectives and Performance Indicators

Reduce transshipment of narcotics through better equipment and enhanced information- sharing and cooperation; and provide training for judges and law enforcement personnel.

• Increased seizures of cocaine and marijuana and arrest of narcotics traffickers.

Document: 2007 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Procedures

Receiving law enforcement agencies sign documentation confirming receipt of all materials and committing to the use of the INL-funded resources for their stated purposes. Receipt includes serial numbers, quantities, and expected end-use. Post, including the Narcotics Coordinator's Office, and RSO office, conduct on-site inspections, where practical. The Suriname Police Force (KPS) and other law enforcement agencies accommodate visits from Embassy personnel. The Embassy maintains contact with law enforcement officials throughout the year with regard to training opportunities, drug seizures statistics, and equipment status. For items that the Embassy could not inspect on-site, due to a lack of human resources at post, Embassy Officers requested information for the Government of Suriname (GOS) on the location and condition of the items.

Status

The majority of INL equipment donated in 2007 and previous years is used by various units within the KPS, including the police ombudsman unit, vehicle inspection unit, and judicial police (including the Arrest Team). Police bureaus located in geographically disparate police stations throughout the country are using donated computers, vehicles, radios, and other gear. Equipment was also provided to the KPS Police Academy, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and Trafficking in Persons Unit (TIP). The Criminal Records Database is located in a secure environment within the KPS Forensics Unit which has responsibility for maintaining criminal data. The Court Database is located in the Attorney General's Office.

Computer Equipment

The following computer equipment provided to the KPS was not inspected personally because it was distributed to KPS offices outside of the capital city: 29 PC Intel Pentiums 4, 37 internal fax modems, 37 color monitors, 37 UPS', 37 CD drivers, 1 laser printer,1 Dell Notebook, 1 projector. The KPS assured Embassy Officers that these items are in use according to their stated purpose and in good working condition. Eight PC Intel Pentium 4 provided to the KPS were monitored by the RSO.

The following computer equipment was provided to the Police Forensics Department and monitored by the RSO: 1 Link System 14 port, 1 server Dell Power Edge, 4 Dell Dimension 4700 workstations, 6 biometrics fingerprint scanners, 1 Link system 24 port switch, 1 fingerprint matching software. The scanner used to bulk scan fingerprint cards into the system does not work properly because the fingerprint cards are not a standard size. Approximately 7% of fingerprint records were scanned in one-by one. The biometric fingerprint scanners do work; however, the suspect must be transported to the location that has the scanners. The software does not accept fingerprints from various sources, and needs to be modified. In addition, the software is not correctly matching fingerprints from the database, often pulling the fingerprints of the wrong person by mistake. According to the police, the original contractor quoted $10,000 to fix the database software. Post's Law Enforcement Group (LEWG) will retrieve post records on the software contract to explore possible solutions.

The following items were donated to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): 1 laser printer, 1 color monitor, 4 CPU's with monitors and keyboards, 1 scanner, 2 printers. They were inspected by the RSO and found to be in use for their stated purposes and in good working condition.

The following items were provided to the Police Ombudsman Unit: 4 PC Intel Pentium 4, 4 internal fax modems, 4 AOC 17" color monitors, 4 UPS', 4 CDRW drives The items were observed by the RSO and found to be in use for their stated purposes and in excellent, working condition. The equipment was used by the Police Ombudsman Office in a murder trial. The defendants of the trial were former military strongman Desi Bouterse and 24 other people on charges of killing 15 democratic opponents.

The following items were donated to the Vehicle Inspection Unit: 8 CPU's with monitors and keyboards, 1 computer scanner, computer software and supplies, 2 Laser network printers, one 16 port network switch, 1 UPS 500 VA switch, 1 Microsoft windows 2003 server STD 5 user UC, 1 Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, 4 Belkin Home Office UPS Systems USZB. They were observed by the RSO and found to be in use for their stated purpose and in good working condition.

The following items were donated to the Cantonal Court: 9 Dell CPU's with monitors and keyboards, 1 central server, 2 scanners, 1 Ethernet switch, 1 APC battery, backup for server. They were monitored by the Economics Officer.

Ten Dell computers were provided to the Attorney General's Office and monitored by the Economics Officer. They were found to be in use for their stated purposes and in good working condition.

Communications Equipment

The following communications equipment was provided to the GOS law enforcement agencies: 60 Motorola Pro 5550 portable units, 3 multi rapid charger units, 10 single MTS rapid charges, 20 portable antennas, 20 single GTX radio chargers, 7 power supply mobile spectra radios, 100 MTS portable batteries, 100 GTX batteries, 40 dispatch centers batteries, 12 repeater site batteries, 8 repeater batteries, 2 Micro wave links, 1 fax phone. Not all of the following equipment was personally monitored by the Embassy Officer because the items had been dispersed throughout Suriname.

The following equipment was provided to the Police Academy and monitored by the RSO: translation equipment (including 1 tabletop transmitter), 1 headset microphone, 50 one channel wireless receivers, 1 carrying case, 4 extra-talk radios, 6 fax machines, 1 Motorola portable unit, charger and battery, and 2 Motorola Links with receiver, repeater housing, interface, etc.

Miscellaneous Equipment

The following items were provided to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU): 2 copy machine image runners, 4 four drawer file cabinets, 1 copy machine, 1 shredder, 1 fax machine, 1 conference table, 7 chairs, 5 office desks, 5 office chairs, 2 drawer file king safes. The RSO found the items to be in use for their stated purposes and in good, working condition.

The following equipment was provided to the Special Surveillance Unit: 1 Sony Mavica digital camera, 2 micro-cassette recorders, 2 Sony mavicas, 2 digital handycam camcorders, 3 binoculars. The RSO found the items to be in use for their stated purposes, and in good working condition.

The following office equipment was provided to the Trafficking in Persons Office in the fall of 2007 and was not monitored for this report: 1 ADSL package bronz, 2 refrigerators, 1 DVD player, 3 vertical blinds, 5 paper shredders, 6 office chairs, 6 cabinets, 1 shite board, 1 flip chart, 1 metal file cabinet, 2 chairs, 6 Toshiba flat screens, 7 water dispensers, 1 color copier, 6 eight Pentium CPU's, 6 LCD flat panels, 6 UPS', 6 DVDRWs, 6 HP jet printers, 6 internal PCI faxes, 6 modems, 9 scanners, 1 telephone fax.

The following items were not located during monitoring: black lights for documents checks provided to KPS, Military Police, and Customs.

Vehicles

The following vehicles were provided to the KPS: 1 used Toyota Corolla vehicle (located at the U.S. Embassy), 1 used Toyota Corolla vehicle (located at the City Police Office), 1 used Toyota Corolla vehicle (located at Police Liaison Bureau), 1 used 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser (located with the Arrest Team), and 1 Nissan Urvan 3.0 diesel bus for use by the Arrest Team. All vehicles were in good working order.

The 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser provided to the Anti-Narcotics Unit was found to be out-of-service. The transmission went out and the Anti-Narcotics Unit did not the sufficient funds to repair the vehicle. It is now sitting outside the Police Station in Paramaribo North.

The following was not located by the RSO during monitoring: 1 reconditioned 1993 Toyota Corona. The RSO is following up with the KPS on the location of the vehicles.

Vessels

An Aluma craft, 1 motor and 1 trailer were provided to the Arrest Team. It is used as needed and stored on the Arrest Team compound. The RSO found it to be in use for its stated purpose and in good working condition.

An Aluma craft, 1 motor, and 1 trailer is used daily by the Maritime Police. The vessel fell off the trailer and was damaged in 2007. However, at the time of monitoring it has already been repaired. The RSO found it to be in use for its stated purpose and in good working condition.

Laboratory Equipment

Drug Test Kits were provided to the Military Police, Customs, and KPS. The RSO found that the drug kits we already used.

Field Gear

The following field gear provided to the KPS could not be located: 10 traffic vests, 1 flex-cuf restraints, 20 second chance body armor, 12 electroless batons, 12 universal handcuffs, 12 expandable baton holders, 12 closed top cuff cases, maglites. The equipment could not be located. Post could not determine the exact recipients of the U.S. provided gear.

The following uniforms and field gear were donated to the Arrest Team in 2007:15 pairs of zipper boots, 15 tactical squad suits, 15 special missions vests, 15 ballistic helmets, 15 face shields direct mount, 15 tactical elbow pads, 15 tactical knee pads, 15 pairs of tactical black gloves, 30 maglites, 30 Phoneix flashlight rings, 16 ceramic rifle plates, 2 backpack kits, 2 entry shield with light/viewport/case. The gear is in good condition and used on a regular basis for their stated purpose.

Impact

Suriname's Police law enforcement agencies, and courts receiving assistance use all resources provided in an effective manner and are extremely appreciated of any and all assistance. Post's INL program has strengthened GOS' institutional capacity to make real progress in its fight against narcotics trafficking and related crimes within its borders. The success of the program has also deepened and strengthened the bilateral relationship and cooperation. A DEA Basic Narcotics course was held in 2007 using INL funding. This course added to the resources listed above in the fight against drug trafficking in Suriname.

While it is difficult to ascribe specific law enforcement victories to specific INL-donated items, overall in 2007 law enforcement seized 206 kilograms (kg) of cocaine, 131 kg of cannabis, 3,154 MDMA (ecstasy) tablets and 81 grams of ecstasy powder. A total of 667 people were arrested for drug-related offenses and 462 cases were sent to the Office of the Attorney General for Prosecution.

Problems

Post had problems in conducting End Use Monitoring due to many items having been distributed outside of the capital, Paramaribo. Post lacked the human resources to personally observe each and every item or to travel outside of the capital in search of all items.

Program Changes

Law enforcement programming with INL funding continues to be coordinated during regularly scheduled meetings of post's Law Enforcement Working Group (LEWG) which is chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission and includes representatives for the Political-Economic Section, Consular Section, Regional Security Office, and Drug Enforcement Agency. Post maintains paper records and electronic files on donations.

Post will review post's ability to establish an automated inventory system to record and track the distribution of all resources provided to host government agencies.

Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations

U.S. foreign assistance to Suriname focuses on the following key goals: assisting the Government of Suriname to regulate its porous borders; promoting the rule of law; providing training for prosecutors, police, and judges; improving information-sharing between law enforcement agencies; providing non-lethal equipment to improve effectiveness and capabilities of law enforcement, the legal system, and the military; and professionalizing the military.

Peace and Security: The United States, through the Department of State, will use education programs to support the military's professionalism and interoperability, enhance respect for human rights, advance military justice reform, preserve the current climate of respect for civilian rule, and promote effective management of defense resources. In the area of defense, military, and border security restructuring, reform, and operations, U.S. assistance programs will support training to assist the Surinamese military and law enforcement entities to respond to transnational, national, military, criminal, and humanitarian threats, and to enhance Suriname’s capacity to monitor and secure remote areas, control its borders, and interdict illicit drugs being trafficked through the country.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

The United States encourages the GOS efforts to continue to pursue major narcotics traffickers and to dismantle their organizations, and to build on and strengthen its regional and international cooperation to date. The GOS should continue to strengthen its focus on port security, specifically seaports, which are seen as the primary conduits for large shipments of narcotics exiting Suriname. A concerted effort by the GOS to increase the number of police and military boats capable of patrolling the border rivers and coastal areas would also likely enhance counternarcotics efforts. Similarly, in order to achieve greater results, the USG encourages the GOS to continue to engage in capacity-building measures of its counternarcotics-focused units, to monitor and protect its porous borders and vast interior with a radar detection system and adequate air support. With regard to enhancing its interdiction at the principal airport and border crossings, the GOS should invest in a passport scanning/electronic database system.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Policy Initiatives. The United States' focus is on strengthening the GOS law enforcement and judicial institutions and their capabilities to detect, interdict, and prosecute narcotics trafficking activities.

Bilateral Cooperation. In 2008, the GOS and Guyana made the "Nieuw Nickerie Declaration" to advance cooperation on transnational crime as a follow-on to the 2006 "Paramaribo Declaration," which provided a framework to establish an intelligence-sharing network, coordinate, and execute sting operations, destroy clandestine airstrips and tackle money laundering. In December 2008, the Ministry of Justice and Police co-hosted (with the Embassy of the Republic of France in Suriname) a regional counternarcotics and money laundering seminar for law enforcement and police attaches.

In 2008, the United States provided training and material support to several elements of the national police to strengthen their counternarcotics capabilities. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), office in Suriname provided counternarcotics training to several units of the Korps Politie Suriname (KPS). DEA also arranged for some KPS officers to take part in a larger U.S. military provided training course on interdiction, and provided operational assistance for the course. In 2008, DEA also provided technical assistance to the KPS in narcotics and money laundering investigations. The "Paramaribo Declaration" set forth several tenants of understanding among the participating countries, and in 2008 the DEA took actions to enhance the cooperative actions between the participating countries. The USCG provided resident training in leadership, crisis and command control and professional development.

Document: Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Projects support USSOUTHCOM TSC goal to shape the environment by promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability.

Document: Report to Congress on use of 1206 funds

Program: Section 1206 Train and Equip Authority

Belize, Honduras, Guyana, Suriname
CT Unit Train and Equip for OEF-CCA

The Department of Defense (DoD) plans to undertake activities pursuant to Section 1206 to build the capacity of national military forces in Belize, Honduras, Guyana, Suriname to conduct counterterrorism operations. This Section 1206 program will help build, sustain and network partner counterterrorism force capabilities to detect, deter, disrupt and defeat violent extremist organizations (VEOs), supporting infrastructure and deny access to illicit transit mechanisms. The Department of State has verified that Belize, Honduras, Guyana, Suriname are eligible to receive the type of assistance authorized by this legislation, and supports the use of Section 1206 authority.

This program will contain the required elements to promote the observance of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and respect for legitimate civilian authority.

The cost associated with the human rights elements program is $1,673.00 and is being notified under a separate Congressional notification letter. The Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) was tasked to take on a two-phased implementation approach for incorporating human rights elements and respect for civilian authority into Section 1206 programs. The first phase is a survey that will address the following topics: the identification of participants, facility location, and assistance in identifying and scheduling translators, meal logistics, and the time frame for the follow-on seminar.

DIILS has developed appropriate curriculum for the seminars, and will work with the U.S. Embassy in each 1206 recipient country to identify any additional specific human rights or international humanitarian law (law of war) topics that should be incorporated into the seminar. Relevant regional human rights international agreements will be incorporated as will specific legal topics identified by the country team, and/or the Partner Nation, as appropriate. The training audience will be unit commanders, key staff, and non-commissioned officers, as appropriate. Current human rights vetting (Leahy) is required for all participants on an individual basis.

This $13,799,502 program was coordinated through a joint DoD-Department of State review, approved by the Secretary of Defense, and concurred in by the Deputy Secretary of State. We intend to provide the following articles and services:

(Figures in parenthesis reflect estimated quantity. These figures may change based on the final price and availability of individual items.)

Suriname ($3,039,303)

• M4A1 Rifle (52) 5.56mm; and M9 Pistol 9mm (50); M24mm 7.62mm Rifle (2);

• Organization Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE);

• Vehicles 4x4 All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) (12); Ford F-350 Crew Cab Pickup Trucks (10);

• Contractor furnished operator, maintenance, and repair parts;

• Non-standard Communications Equipment spares parts, components, and accessories: UHF 4watt, 128 channels radio (30); 20watt HF Manpack Radio (6); 150watt Transit Case System (2).

• Basic Medical Equipment and Supplies

All items will be on-contract or ordered from stock no later than September 30, 2008. The period of performance for severable contracted services will not exceed 12 calendar months. It is estimated that deliveries in country will commence no earlier than May 1, 2009, and will be completed within 12 months.

Document: Dental care mission in Suriname ends

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

After treating over 1,000 patients, Dental Readiness Training Exercise officials held its official closing ceremony July 10 at Brokopondo.

Soldiers from the Army Reserve´s 858th Medical Company (Dental Services) from Pennsylvania spent long days performing dental care at two locations; first at Zanderij and then in Brokopondo. They performed dental cleaning, shot X-rays, filled cavities and pulled more than 1,200 teeth. An average of 130 children and adults were treated each day during the week-long exercise.

This was the first of three medical exercises included in the Beyond the Horizon 2008 exercise. It will be followed by a medical and veterinarian exercise in late July.

Beyond the Horizon 2008 encompasses construction projects, medical, dental and veterinary services in Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname. The comprehensive humanitarian assistance exercises in Suriname are taking place between June and September. Beyond the Horizon missions are designed to foster goodwill and improve relations between the U.S. and the governments of the region. Better government-to-government and people-to-people relations mean better responses to the challenges that face U.S. partnerships in the Caribbean and the Americas.