Memorial to covid-19 victims
The monument to the COVID-19 victims was opened on Wednesday, April 03, 2024.
Around the monument, 1407 white flags were placed, corresponding to the number of persons who died of covid-19 in Suriname. The monument stands behind the Radiology Center of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo and was designed and crafted by Rahied Abdoel into a monument erected in memory of those who lost their battle against the contagious lung virus.
The monument, a representation of the virus, as a central point the recognizable Covid-19 cell, Around it there are abstract human figures, which seem to be torn apart” that symbolizes the relationships, the families who were torn apart by this disaster. above them human figures who are no longer on earth because of the virus. Above it all hangs a large black drop, the sign of the black age and the sadness brought by the virus.
It stands on a pentagonal elevation and on the left and right sides of the elevation are embossed the faces of a doctor, nurse, police officer, firefighter, all depicting frontline workers. The five corners depict Suriname’s five major population groups, as well as the five elements that make up human life. The artwork is made entirely of cement and is lacquered with six coats of 2-component lacquer.
Artist Abdoel says he is very honored to have worked on the monument. “What makes it so special to me is the fact that we lost one of the most important people in the family, my mother, to covid. I was also near death, and was in Intensive Care when she passed away in AZP,” Abdoel said.