Simons on Abrahams’ criticism: party matters must be discussed within the NDP

Abrahams has voiced sharp criticism of the party leadership and the handling of the legacy of late former president and NDP chair Desi Bouterse. Simons said she had listened to part of the programme in which he made his remarks. According to her, she learned from Bouterse that it is not necessary to respond to everything.

When she was told that Abrahams had expressed his dissatisfaction about matters which, according to him, are going wrong within the party, she replied briefly: “He may.”

Simons stressed that she had already indicated before the elections that internal party matters belong within the organisation itself. “We have contact with each other within the NDP, including with Mr Abrahams, so it will be discussed there,” the party chair said.

Abrahams’ criticism focuses, among other things, on the absence of party meetings and the manner in which leadership was transferred. According to him, the NDP lacks cohesion and decisiveness. He argues that Bouterse was able to unite different factions within the party and could reach compromises, but that this unifying force is currently lacking.

Abrahams also believes that the party is paying insufficient attention to three convicted former comrades-in-arms of Bouterse who are being held in Santo Boma. According to him, they are being left to their fate by the party.

In addition, Abrahams warns that the NDP could weaken itself if internal elections are postponed for too long. He has also indicated that he does not wish to serve under certain people within the party, without naming names.

Simons did not address these points of criticism separately in her interview with LIM FM. She maintained her position that the matters will be discussed with Abrahams within the NDP.