Expected revenues from Suriname’s oil industry will not automatically lead to structural improvements in the economy, according to VHP parliamentarian Krishna Mathoera. She fears that a significant portion of the money will be spent on consumption if the government fails to implement far-reaching reforms. Mathoera made these remarks on Regio TV’s programme Aan Tafel, where she discussed Suriname’s economic situation and future.
According to her, it is necessary for the country to develop a clear long-term vision, making choices for sectors that can contribute sustainably to economic growth. “What will change is that money will come from the oil sector. But that money will also be consumed, ending up in the consumption sector,” Mathoera said.
She fears that existing economic problems will persist if successive governments opt for measures that are popular in the short term but contribute insufficiently to sustainable development.
The former Minister of Defence believes the government should devote more attention to increasing its revenues, including tax revenues. At the same time, she advocates reform of the civil service apparatus. Mathoera referred to her own period at Defence, where, according to her, around one thousand employees left over five years. She stated that this created financial room to carry out other activities.
The former minister believes that such reforms should also be considered at other ministries. In addition, Mathoera expressed concerns about the debt burden, inflation and the population’s purchasing power. According to her, the working class is not benefiting sufficiently from the economic policy being pursued.
She advocates strong leadership willing to take unpopular measures and adhere to a long-term development plan. According to Mathoera, successive governments must abandon short-term policy and deploy competent people in the country’s development, regardless of their political background.
