Suriname stands at a historic crossroads. Developments in the oil and gas sector offer our country a unique opportunity to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, social progress and a better future for coming generations. It is an opportunity that we must seize with vision, a sense of responsibility and well-considered policy.
The resources beneath our seabed, however, do not guarantee prosperity. History teaches that natural resources lead to development only when they are managed by competent administrators, supported by strong institutions, transparent policy and a long-term vision.
Suriname therefore cannot afford to allow this historic opportunity to be overshadowed by short-term thinking, political division or populist promises.
In the past, we have repeatedly experienced how irresponsible financial policy and promises without sufficient economic substantiation can undermine confidence in our economy and our institutions. The lessons from this must encourage us to now choose realism over rhetoric, responsibility over opportunism and sustainable results over temporary popularity.
Armand Achaibersingh’s announcement offers prospects
Against this background, Armand Achaibersingh’s announcement that he will stand as a candidate for the chairmanship of the Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij (VHP) is a development that may be followed with interest.
His professional background and administrative experience bring relevant qualities to the fore at a time when Suriname needs economic expertise, financial discipline and credible leadership.
Before taking office as minister, Achaibersingh was active in financial services and served, among other roles, as general director of Assuria and chairman of the Surinaamse Vereniging van Assurantiemaatschappijen. These positions point to experience in financial management, risk management and institutional responsibility.
As Minister of Finance and Planning, from 2020 to 2022, he faced an exceptionally difficult economic situation. Suriname was dealing with serious financial imbalances, a heavy debt burden and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under those circumstances, he played an important role in the implementation of the Herstelplan 2020–2022, negotiations on debt restructuring and the restoration of financial relations with international partners.
A concrete example of that approach was the formalisation of the policy against monetary financing of government expenditure, in cooperation with the Centrale Bank van Suriname, in July 2021. In addition, steps were taken in negotiations with creditors and in preparing further reforms of public finances. These processes were necessary to help restore confidence in economic governance.
His period as minister was not without difficult choices or public criticism. Economic reforms entail sacrifices, and their consequences for purchasing power and the daily lives of citizens deserve continued attention.
For that very reason, the assessment of leadership must be based on facts, results, transparency and the ability to combine financially responsible policy with social justice.
Oil and gas require more than political promises
The coming years will be decisive for Suriname’s economic future. Oil and gas revenues must, once they actually become available, contribute to the structural strengthening of our economy and not lead to new forms of dependency or financial mismanagement.
This requires, among other things, transparent management of future revenues, responsible budgetary policy, investments in education and healthcare, strengthening infrastructure and encouraging entrepreneurship and local production. Future generations must also benefit from the natural resources our country possesses.
Suriname needs leaders who have the courage to make difficult decisions, inform the population honestly and pursue policies that extend beyond a single term of government.
The challenge is not only to generate wealth, but above all to ensure that this wealth truly benefits society as a whole.
A call for responsible leadership
Achaibersingh’s candidacy provides cause for a substantive debate on the direction of the VHP and, more broadly, on the type of leadership Suriname needs.
His experience in the financial and economic field provides a relevant basis in this regard, but the future will also require unifying leadership, integrity, renewal and a clear vision for social development.
Ultimately, this is not about one person or one political party. It is about Suriname and the responsibility we jointly bear towards our children and grandchildren.
Let us seize this historic opportunity to choose expertise over populism, policy over empty promises and national development over party-political interests.
Suriname deserves leadership that not only expresses hope, but also possesses the knowledge, courage and responsibility to turn that hope into sustainable results.
Jason Saiman
Former spokesperson for President Santokhi
