The Paramaribo Sun & The Gym’s Heat

The Paramaribo sun beats down, but under the tin roof of the gym, a different heat rises—the sound of squeaking sneakers and the pounding rhythm of a bouncing ball. This is where my story found its beat. I am Johmera Cabenda, and this is my truth.

My Mother’s Whisper

My mother, Graciella Marcus, saw a spirit in me I didn’t yet know. She whispered, “A wan bon de fu gro, ma a no de fu broko,” a Maroon proverb reminding me that a tree is meant to grow, not to break. So in August 2024, I listened. I told myself, “Let me try it anyway,” and I stepped onto the court for the first time with CLD.

The Hard First Steps

It was hard. I trained with younger players, my hands unsure, my feet slow. I felt out of place. But I remembered the wisdom of our ancestors: “Pikin furu futu e go na ini bus,” we say—a child with many feet goes into the bush. Meaning, too many paths lead to confusion. I had to pick one path and walk it.

Twists & SBH

My path soon twisted. I moved to SBH, but my journey there was short. I was taken out. For a moment, the dream felt dim. But destiny had another plan. I found my home at SV. De Arend in 2025. This was where the real work began.

U19 Division Wins

I won all my games in the U19 division, but victory on the outside didn’t quiet the doubt within. I was afraid to shoot, afraid to fail. I underestimated my own power. My coach, Mitchell Zeefuik, saw my struggle. He pushed me, believed in me when I didn’t. Slowly, I started to score. I made mistakes—many—but I learned from each one, hearing the Arawak saying in my mind: “Dani dani, meni meni” – little by little, the basket fills.

The Wall & My Mother

Then came the wall. I hit it hard. I wanted to quit completely; I had already given up in my heart. But my mother, my rock, would not let me fall. She stood with me, her strength becoming mine. This year, we became semi-champions. When the buzzer sounded, I cried. They were tears of pride, of exhaustion, of gratitude. She gave me the exact motivation I needed in that moment. Thank you, mom.

What My Stats Mean

• Points: Proof of my growing courage.
• Rebounds: Every time I got back up.
• Assists: For my team, my family.
• Turnovers: Lessons learned.
• Steals: Moments of seized opportunity.
• Blocks: Denying doubt its power.

My Dream

My dream is not small. I will become a professional basketball player. I will travel the world with a ball in my hand, to become as great as my father—Dwight “Plato” Cabenda. He is my idol. I will walk the path he carved and finish the dreams he started.

Message to Suriname’s Youth

To the youth of Suriname: start now. Do not wait. “A no efu fu yu ede, a efu fu yu heri skin,” as the elders say—it’s not just about your head, but your whole being. The court is waiting for you. Boys and girls, sign up. Suriname is watching you.

My Advice

My advice: Stay sharp. Keep your focus. You have the talent. Now put in the work. Show them who you are. For yourself. For your ancestors. For Suriname. 💥🏀🇸🇷

And to myself, I whisper every day: “Never stop trying. Never stop believing. Never give up. Your day will come.” A de!