Iwan Bottse (75), co-founder of Surinamese radio in Amsterdam, has died

Iwan Bottse, a pioneering figure in Surinamese broadcasting in Amsterdam, has passed away at the age of 75. He began his career in the 1970s at Stad Radio Amsterdam, where his lifelong passion for radio was ignited. When opportunities for Surinamese programming became limited at the station, Bottse took the initiative to establish Radio Tamara to serve the local Surinamese community through the Salto network. He gained significant recognition for hosting the long-running program Damsko So Mi Tan, where he covered news from Suriname and provided a platform for critical voices and important community stories.

Colleagues and members of the broadcasting community remembered Bottse as a dedicated pioneer who carved his own path in the media landscape. By consistently championing diverse narratives, he ensured that voices often overlooked elsewhere received a place on the airwaves. His influence extended beyond his listeners, leaving a lasting impact on both the city of Amsterdam and the specific community he served throughout his professional life.