On January 23, Perry Center Director Dr. Paul J. Angelo presented the 2024 William J. Perry Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education to Chief of Defense Brigadier General Werner Kioe A Sen in Paramaribo, Suriname. The Perry Award honors individuals and institutions whose sustained efforts in security and defense education have advanced cooperative approaches to security, promoted transparency, and strengthened institutional capacity across the Americas.

Brigadier General Kioe A Sen demonstrated these values through his transformative leadership in modernizing Suriname’s armed forces and promoting collaboration with international partners. His efforts include creating the Institute for Defense Education and Training, a center of excellence focused on preparing ethical, skilled, and joint-minded officers and strengthening the professionalism of the noncommissioned officer corps. His commitment to enhancing defense education and governance has elevated Suriname’s role in regional security.

The ceremony featured remarks by Director Angelo, US Ambassador to Suriname Robert J. Faucher, and Suriname’s Minister of Defense Krishna Hussainali Mathoera. Representatives from the South Dakota National Guard, including Brigadier General Deobrah L. Bartunek and Seargent Major Elizabeth “Promise” Crawford, also participated in the ceremony, commemorating nearly 20 years of security cooperation between Suriname and the South Dakota National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

Director Angelo underscored Kioe A Sen’s leadership in fostering regional defense cooperation and stability. He remarked, “In 2025, as Suriname celebrates its fiftieth year of independence and half a century of diplomatic relations with the United States, I cannot think of a more opportune moment to recognize a national leader whose dedication to upholding the values of good governance, human rights, and respect for the rule of law is apparent to all of us who know and appreciate him.”

Ambassador Faucher commended Kioe A Sen’s leadership, emphasizing, “He has spearheaded a modernization program aimed at strengthening Suriname’s role as a regional partner in the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere at large. This includes working with like-minded countries, such as Jamaica, Brazil, the Netherlands, France, and the United States, to modernize training and equipment while addressing transnational security challenges.”

Minister Mathoera, a Perry Center alumna, also praised Kioe A Sen’s transformative approach to Suriname’s recent military reorganization. She noted, “His efforts in the field of military education and policymaking have had a lasting impact on our armed forces. I can mention the command and staff course as an important initiative from him.” The country’s defense institute has sponsored nearly 50 courses and produced some 700 civilian and uniformed graduates since it opened its doors in 2022.

We congratulate Brigadier General Kioe A Sen for this recognition and honor his leadership, vision, and partnership. We also thank those who attended, including many Perry Center alumni, recognize his vision and service in advancing civil-military dialogue, peace, and prosperity in the Americas.