“Political officeholders and civil servants have a certain responsibility. If these people commit corruption or cause losses to the state through negligence, they must be held liable and the damages must be paid,” Asiskumar Gajadien recently said on ABC Online.
Gajadien said that the issue of liability must be taken seriously. “Only then will we get a completely different situation in the country. People will then be more careful and pay better attention.” He further stated that certain individuals who are placed in positions must serve the people. “They must not enrich themselves or family members.” In Suriname, it occurs more often that people in positions apply for large tracts of land for themselves or for family members. “This cannot be allowed.”
What he also finds unacceptable is when high-ranking officials can purchase state property very cheaply after their term of office. “Items worth USD 100,000 are bought for only USD 4000 and USD 5000.” According to him, the state is also disadvantaged as a result. According to him, holding people liable in certain matters must therefore instil a sense of responsibility among political figures. “All these matters will create the conditions for restoring trust in politicians.”
