PARAMARIBO, Suriname, April 17, 2026.- The Suriname Volleyball Association (SUVOBO) has successfully elected a new Board of Administration at a Special General Meeting convened on Friday, April 17, 2026.
This meeting follows a prior resolution of the General Assembly on March 13, 2026, which determined that the General Election held on December 20, 2025 would not be recognized. The March 13 meeting was conducted under the supervision of Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, First Vice President of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and President of NORCECA, following a formal protest submitted to the FIVB regarding the December election.
At that meeting, the majority of members voted against recognizing the previously elected board and mandated the holding of fresh elections. A Transition Commission was subsequently appointed to oversee the electoral process and ensure compliance with governance standards, with April 17, 2026 established as the date for the new election.
The Electoral Congress was conducted under the supervision of the President of Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA), Mushtaque Mohammed.
The newly elected Board was unanimously endorsed by all members present, reflecting a strong commitment to unity and forward progress within the Association.
Newly Elected Board of Administration:
• President: Dr. Pascual L. Zeegelaar
• Vice President: Will Toppin
• Secretary: Arleen Winter
• Treasurer: Patrick Laing
• 2nd Secretary: Ronald Mayland
• Member: Naduschka Straal
• Member: Dyan Doelhamid
Following the election, the Transition Commission was formally dissolved, having fulfilled its mandate. Dr. Pascual L. Zeegelaar officially assumed office after being sworn in by the CAZOVA President.
In his remarks, President Zeegelaar outlined an initial strategic action plan focused on strengthening governance through inclusivity in decision-making and transparency in operations. The plan includes measurable targets to be achieved within the first 100 days, alongside a one-year forecast of developmental and administrative activities.
A key immediate priority identified by the new Board is the formal handover process, including the receipt of all official documents, records, and information from the former President and Board to ensure continuity and institutional stability.
President Mohammed extended his congratulations to the newly elected Board and reaffirmed CAZOVA’s full support, highlighting ongoing accessibility and collaboration throughout the transition period and beyond. He also conveyed the congratulations of NORCECA President, Marte Hoffiz, who expressed his best wishes to the new team and pledged NORCECA’s support.
The Association also expressed its sincere appreciation to the members of the Transition Commission for their dedicated service and stewardship during this critical period.
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