NPS parliamentary group leader Jerrel Pawiroredjo currently has no ambition to take on the chairmanship of the Nationale Partij Suriname (NPS). According to the parliamentarian, his priority is currently his work in the healthcare sector and De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament). He stated this on Sunday on the programme Welingelichte Kringen.
“I still have an important role to fulfil in the country’s healthcare sector and this will take quite some time,” Pawiroredjo said.
The NPS will hold board elections next year. The current party chairman, Gregory Rusland, has already indicated that he is available for a new term. It is not yet clear whether Rusland will face an opposing candidate.
Pawiroredjo says he has already held discussions with Rusland about the future succession and transfer of the party chairmanship. According to him, the NPS must start preparing a new generation of leaders in good time. He even believes the party is somewhat late in doing so.
“People who can take over the leadership of the party must already be identified now,” the parliamentary group leader stressed.
According to Pawiroredjo, careful preparation for the change of chairmanship is necessary to prevent possible internal problems. He expects the party to have a new chairman in due course. “Sooner or later, a different face will certainly emerge.”
Pawiroredjo has been active within the NPS for many years and, during his political career, has worked with prominent party leaders including Henck Arron, Ronald Venetiaan and current chairman Gregory Rusland.
Despite his long-standing involvement with the party, he does not currently see himself as a candidate for the chairmanship. According to him, the combination of his work in healthcare and his responsibilities as a parliamentarian leaves insufficient room to properly fulfil the party chairmanship as well. “Given the current workload, that would not be possible,” Pawiroredjo said.
