PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – Suriname’s first feminine president, Jenny Simons, was sworn in because the nation’s first feminine president, alongside Gregory Rusland, who was inaugurated as vp. Within the historic ceremony, the 2 leaders took over from the outgoing administration of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk, who’ve ruled the Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM) member state for the previous 5 years.
In her inaugural tackle delivered throughout a particular public session of Parliament, Simons issued a decisive and unequivocal directive to her new administration: the windfall from Suriname’s rising oil and gasoline sector should uplift the whole inhabitants, not only a choose few.
The incoming authorities has the duty of making certain that the income from the oil and gasoline sector enhance the usual of dwelling for each Surinamese.”
She additionally turned to offshore oil discoveries, stating that vital petroleum finds are poised to reshape the nationwide economic system.
“We’ve little time left to organize for this new part in our economic system,” she warned. “A lot should be finished, and it may possibly solely succeed with the participation of all Surinamers — at dwelling and overseas.”
Simons additionally made it clear that her administration wouldn’t squander this chance.
“We’re inheriting a rustic that also faces critical financial challenges,” she acknowledged, “however with good prospects for the longer term — if we achieve bridging these first troublesome years.”
She additionally pledged to keep away from the pitfalls which have plagued different resource-rich nations, the place petroleum wealth has too usually benefited a slim elite.
“There are sufficient examples all over the world of countries the place the event of this sector enriched only some,” Simons stated. “That should not be our story.”
The brand new president additionally dedicated to a path of nationwide restoration, institutional reform, and financial diversification. Priorities embrace restoring public well being, strengthening schooling, investing in youth, and growing sustainable sectors like agriculture and tourism, whereas decreasing the nation’s overreliance on extractive industries reminiscent of gold and oil.
“We should now present, by new methods of working, that we’re able to broadening our financial base,” she stated.
“Fiscal self-discipline is critical, however we should additionally put money into our individuals, our kids, and in eradicating poverty.”
Simons additionally emphasised that any enhance in state income should not come on the expense of working-class residents. “Elevating earnings for the state with out driving the individuals deeper into poverty is the precept this authorities will uphold,” she affirmed.
Regarding residents within the diaspora, the president known as on all these within the diaspora to take part within the nation’s renewal.
“The economic system is the work of individuals, for individuals,” she stated. “Solely we, the individuals of Suriname, can guarantee a greater future — and provided that we act in unity.”
Whereas her tackle steered away from political point-scoring, its tone was agency and its expectations clear. Simons thanked her supporters but additionally expressed appreciation for her critics, stating that their opposition had strengthened her. She urged the nation to maneuver past electoral divisions and see itself as united within the process forward.
“Cash is essential — for households and the nation — nevertheless it can’t purchase well-being or happiness,” she mirrored. “For that, we want individuals. We’d like one another.”
Simons additionally underscored the significance of decentralization. She stated her authorities will prioritize empowering native establishments and rolling out focused programmes to organize Suriname for the approaching financial transformation, beginning this yr.
“I stand right here at present as your president. I do know this process will demand all the things I’ve,” Simons concluded. “However I start it with the total consciousness that the way forward for Suriname will likely be formed not by me alone however by all of us, collectively.”
