Minister of Finance and Planning Adelien Wijnerman has officially installed the new board of the Stichting Garantiefonds voor Bedrijfskredieten (GFB). The board took office on 16 August 2026 for a period of three years and will remain in office until 15 August 2029.
The installation took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The new board is chaired by Jan Tawjoeram, who serves on behalf of the State and has been appointed chairman. Ruth Renfrum-Coutino, also a representative of the State, has been appointed vice-chair.
Ivel Harold Wong Chung represents the Surinaamse Bankiersvereniging on the board. Andrew A. Sabiran and Wilgo Bilkerdijk serve on behalf of the Suriname Business Forum.
Previous board steps down
With the installation of the new board, the term of office of the previous board has ended. That board was chaired by Ricky Soedamah. Manisha Ramroop Sewrattan was vice-chair, while Alexander van Petten, Andrew A. Sabiran and Shiwanie Phagoe-Katwaroo served as members of the board.
The former board members were discharged upon the end of their term, with thanks for the services they rendered to the foundation during their period on the board.
Access to financing
The Stichting Garantiefonds voor Bedrijfskredieten aims to improve entrepreneurs’ access to financing. This is done, among other things, by providing guarantees for business loans, making financing more accessible to businesses.
With the appointment of the new board, administrative responsibility for the next three years has formally been transferred.
During the installation, Minister Wijnerman emphasised the importance of the Garantiefonds for entrepreneurs who need financing. She wished the new board members success in carrying out their duties.
