Subject: [History] Chinese Printed Media in Suriname

Article:

Prior to WWII: "Kwai Fa" or the 'Sunflower' was the first periodical. It was published by the Roman catholic mission for its congregation. It was a monthly and in the Chinese language. The editor was father F.H. Rikken. The periodical was published on 10 June 1893 and discontinued in 1894.

In 1931 a new newspaper was published by a Chinese immigrant. It was named the 'Chinese Overseas Weekly Surinam'. Only one paper was published with a date of 17 October 1931. In 1934 the 'Hsu Nan Chou k'an' (Surinaams Weekblad) appeared but for how long it was published is not known.

After WWII to 1975 (independence): On 15 Aug 1943 a newspaper 'lam Foeng' was published oriented towards the KMT (nationalists) in China. For 30 years this paper played an influential role in Suriname.

As soon as the PRC ,in 1949, was established a one person newsletter appeared by the name of 'New Life' (Sin Fang Fat). It had a small circulation and disappeared shortly after its first publication. Then "Freedom" (Tsu-Yu) of rightwing editors was published. Lam Foeng and Tsu-Yu papers dominated the market from now on.

A leftist newspaper arrived in 1971. It was published by Kong Ngie Tong Sang with the name of 'Dagblad Suriname' and was in the Chinese language. Later Fa Sien Paw paper appeared which was more independent. Around 1975 "Freedom" had discontinued and in its place appeared "Chung Fa" paper.

Books: There are few Chinese books printed in Suriname. A book about the Kong Ngie Tong Sang on its 100 year birthday (1880-1980) was printed in Hong Kong. Chinese newspapers did not sell well as there were not enough Chinese in Suriname to make it profitable. The advertisements were minimal and papers disappeared. It was also difficult to find qualified editors and staff for the Chinese papers.




Met dank aan Albert Buys