Agence Vu for Cosmopolitan
01 July, 2002
Every night, 'Samantha', crosses from Surinam to work as a prostitute on the French Guianese side of the river Maroni. The banks of the Maroni river have become something of an El Dorado in recent years, after the local government began selling licenses for small scale mining, an expansion on existing commercial operations. Garimpeiros flocked from neighboring countries such as Brazil to prospect for gold, setting up camp on both sides of the river. Uncontrolled mining activity has disrupted local life, leading to increased violence, alcohol abuse and prostitution.
Through our education programs, the World Press Photo Foundation encourages diverse accounts of the world that present stories with different perspectives.
Our exhibitions showcase stories that make people stop, feel, think and act to a worldwide audience.
Our annual contest recognizes and rewards the best in photojournalism and documentary photography.
