The eastern district of Marowijne, which borders French Guiana, is considered something of a “Wild West,” and citizens have become fed up with rising crime and poor police protection. They protested by barricading the East-West Highway in mid January, prompting the government to increase police patrols, promise more thorough crime investigation and arrest several people for banditry and other crimes. The region was devastated by the 1986-91 Interior War between indigenous rebels and the government, and little has been repaired since then. If historical patterns follow, the increased police protection will be temporary.
