Ronnie Brunswijk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ronnie Brunswijk
Brunswijk in 2020
8th Vice President of Suriname
In office 16 July 2020 – 16 July 2025
President	Chan Santokhi
Preceded by	Ashwin Adhin
Succeeded by	Gregory Rusland
Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname
In office 29 June 2020 – 14 July 2020
Preceded by	Jennifer Simons
Succeeded by	Marinus Bee
Member of the National Assembly
Incumbent
Assumed office 2005
Constituency	Marowijne District
Leader of the General Liberation and Development Party
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 February 1990
Preceded by	Party established
Personal details
Born	(1961-03-07) 7 March 1961 (age 64) Moiwana, Suriname
Political party	General Liberation and Development Party
Spouse	Beatrix Esajas ​ (divorced)​
Domestic partner	Adolfina 'Fine' Cairo
Children	Damian, Elton, Pascal, and Yoni
Relatives	Clyde and Steven (nephew)
Website	The National Assembly
Association football career Position(s) Midfielder Team information Current team Inter Moengotapoe (captain) Number 61 Senior career* Years Team Apps (Gls) 1987–2011 Inter Moengotapoe 2021– Inter Moengotapoe Managerial career 2002–2011 Inter Moengotapoe (player-owner) 2011–2021 Inter Moengotapoe (owner) 2021– Inter Moengotapoe (player-owner) *Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ronnie Brunswijk (born 7 March 1961) is a politician and businessman from Suriname. He also played football and was a rebel leader. From 2020 to 2025, he served as the Vice President of Suriname.

In the early 1980s, Brunswijk was a personal bodyguard for the military leader Dési Bouterse. After leaving this role, he started the Surinamese Liberation Army in 1985, also known as the Jungle Commando. His goal was to gain recognition and rights for the Maroon people. Maroons are descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped and built their own communities centuries ago.

From 1986, Brunswijk's forces fought against the national military in the Surinamese Interior War. This conflict led to many deaths and forced over 10,000 people to become refugees in French Guiana. A peace treaty was signed in 1992, ending the war.

Brunswijk stayed active in politics. He became the leader of the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP). He also served as a representative in the National Assembly. He owns the football club Inter Moengotapoe and has even played for the team himself. In June 2020, Brunswijk became the Chairperson of the National Assembly of Suriname.

In July 2020, he was chosen as Vice President without anyone else running against him. He officially started his role on 16 July 2020.

Early Life and Military Service

Ronnie Brunswijk joined the Suriname National Army when he was 18 years old. He was a skilled soldier and received special commando training in Cuba. After his training, he became a personal bodyguard for Desi Bouterse.

In 1984, Brunswijk asked for a pay raise. However, he was instead discharged from the army in April and was not given the money he was owed.

The Surinamese Interior War

The Surinamese Interior War began on 22 July 1986. Brunswijk's Jungle Commando captured 12 soldiers at a checkpoint. During this time, the Jungle Commando received support from the Netherlands.

Moiwana Village Attack

On 29 November 1986, the Surinamese army attacked Brunswijk's home village of Moiwana. They killed at least 39 villagers, mostly women and children, and burned down the village. More than 100 people from the village fled to French Guiana to find safety. Later, a court ordered the government to pay money to the 130 survivors of the attack.

Peace and Post-War Life

Brunswijk in 2011

The government and Brunswijk agreed to a ceasefire on 21 July 1989. This agreement included making the Jungle Commando a regular part of the Surinamese Army. They would be responsible for patrolling their traditional areas. The government also promised jobs for Maroons in gold mining and forestry. A final peace treaty was signed on 8 August 1992.

Ronnie Brunswijk is the leader of the Surinamese political party General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP). He also owned a gold mining company called Robruns NV. In July 2020, he transferred ownership of his gold mining businesses to a foundation. This was done so he could qualify for the Vice Presidency.

Political Career and Elections

Brunswijk was elected to the National Assembly in the 2020 elections. On 29 June 2020, he was chosen as the Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname. He was the shortest-serving chairman in Suriname's history.

In July 2020, Brunswijk tested positive for COVID-19. He was released from the hospital a few days later. To show his thanks, he gave three cars to nurses at the hospital.

On 7 July 2020, the political parties nominated Chan Santokhi as President of Suriname and Ronnie Brunswijk as Vice-president. Since no other candidates were nominated, Brunswijk was elected Vice President on 13 July. He officially became Vice President on 16 July in a ceremony held without a public audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Football Career

Ronnie Brunswijk is both a player and the owner of the football club Inter Moengotapoe. In 2002, he built a football stadium in Moengo and named it the Ronnie Brunswijkstadion.

Playing for Inter Moengotapoe

On 21 September 2021, Brunswijk played for his club, Inter Moengotapoe, in an international club competition. He was 60 years old, making him the oldest player to play in such a competition. He wore the number 61 jersey to honor his birth year and was the team captain. His son, Damian Brunswijk, also played in the first half of the game with him.

After the match, an investigation was launched into actions during the game. The investigation found serious issues related to fair play. As a result, both clubs were removed from the tournament. Brunswijk was also banned from participating in any CONCACAF football competitions for three years.

Personal Life

Ronnie Brunswijk's nephew, Clyde Brunswijk, is a professional kickboxer. Steven Brunswijk, a Dutch comedian, is his cousin.

See also

In Spanish: Ronnie Brunswijk para niños