US sanctions Surinamese companies

The US State Department has once again targeted Surinamese companies and officials allegedly involved in sanctions-busting activities by assisting in the transport and sale of sanctioned Iranian oil.

The department said at the weekend that Galaxy Management, located on Keizerstraat, was involved in transporting Iranian petroleum through “Galaxy Management NV, a Suriname-based company. The vessel reportedly carries a Panamanian flag.

The latest move to sanction comes just two months after a number of Surinamese companies were lashed with sanctions for allegedly facilitating sanctions against Iran. At the time, Minister of Foreign Affairs Albert Ramdin had stated that locals linked to companies identified by the US are on their own and will have to deal with the department because this is not a government issue.

“If certain companies are affected in their operations by these sanctions, they will have to seek justice in America and complain there,” Ramdin had stated, calling the system of sanctions and its links to The Middle East as a complex one. The companies identified back in October were listed as Strong Roots Provider, Glazing Future Management and Engen Management, all registered in Suriname according to various media reports.

“Galaxy Management NV is a Suriname-based company involved in the transportation of Iranian petroleum as the registered owner and commercial manager of the vessel Vigor,” the State Department announced in a statement. “Measures have also been taken against the Panamanian-flagged vessel as “blocked property in which Galaxy Management NV has an interest.”

Sanctions usually affect the daily operations of companies and prevent others from conducting any business with those affected.