The statue which was vandalized last year was also missing both arms. Rinaldo Klas, a local artist who was hired for the restoration project, presented a shocking picture of the situation. “Both arms were stolen”, said Klas. The restoration was not a simple task as Klas could not attach two other bronze arms. He therefore has no other choice but to replace the stolen bronze arms with new ones that were made of fiber. Fortunately people cannot tell the difference when they look at the new arms. Klas explained that the statue had also been covered in paint and that homeless people often assembled around the statue. People also littered the area around the statue so steel fences were erected around the statue to keep the homeless people, vandals and polluters at bay. Officials plan on improving security around the statue which is located in the Heiligenweg in order to keep it safe. The artist made it clear that “this was not an isolated incident”. “Statues are often stripped by people who want to make some money”, said Klas who added that thieves target the metal parts. Klas pointed out that harsher penalties are needed to protect the nation’s statues. “The dignity of your country is worth more than some money for a crumb.” The restoration of the statue coincides with the visit of India’s minister of Foreign Affairs. The Gandhi statue which was donated by India not only represents the historic ties but also the shared values. “That is why it is important to protect Surinamese heritage and to provide optimal maintenance”, said Klas. The restoration of the statue is an initiative of the Culture Directorate and Nationale Stichting Hindostaanse Immigratie.