The registration of civil servants has reduced the civil service workforce by 6 percent and saved approximately SRD 300 million, according to the government. President Jennifer Simons presented these results on Wednesday, September 30, during her annual address in De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament). The registration process will continue in 2027.
The registration is part of public sector reform, referred to as Public Sector Reform. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government aims to work towards a modern, transparent government that bases its policy and services more effectively on reliable data.
Simons did not explain the causes of the reduction in her annual address. It is therefore unclear to what extent the decline results from administrative corrections, retirement, termination of employment contracts or other changes in the workforce.
She also did not state the absolute number of civil servants before and after the registration. It was likewise not stated over what period the savings of approximately SRD 300 million were calculated, or whether this concerns annual savings.
Digital personnel records
The government intends to continue investing in digitalisation and improved administrative management in 2027. Digital personnel records, modernisation of pension administration and secure digital information management are on the agenda.
In addition, the population registry must become more accessible. According to Simons, the elevation of the Centraal Bureau voor Burgerzaken to the Directoraat Burgerzaken has brought services closer to citizens.
The measures are intended to contribute to better organised government services. Elsewhere in her address, the president pointed to weak institutions and limited implementation capacity as challenges for the government.
Professionalisation of the civil service cadre
In addition to improving administration, the government wants to strengthen the civil service cadre. The existing higher professional education programme in Public Administration must be transformed into an independent Public School of Governance.
Work is also under way on a Decentralisatie Instituut. It is to be given a supporting role in the further development and professionalisation of local government.
The continuation of the civil servant registration is therefore part of a broader reform programme. Further data on the composition of the reduction and the calculation of the savings are needed to fully assess the results presented by the government.
