The most enthusiastic advocates of Surinam’s independence have been the Dutch. They are rapidly trying to unload the vestiges of its old colonial empire, an anachronistic embarrassment.

After four days of debate that often lasted until dawn, the parliament of the world’s newest, and 156th, sovereign state unanimously approved a constitution. The staid, protocol-conscious assembly in Surinam’s capital of Paramaribo erupted in cheers. Outside, a crowd waiting for the vote roared its approval and set off celebratory…