Soedamah calls for VHP renewal and stronger oversight before oil revenues

The expected revenues from the oil and gas sector present Suriname with a governance challenge. Without strong institutions and public accountability, financial resources offer no guarantee of sustainable development, according to Lachman Soedamah. The chairman of VHP Nederland conveyed that message on Thursday during the tenth Mr. Jagernath Lachmon Lecture in Amsterdam.

Soedamah called for Lachmon’s political legacy to be translated into today’s challenges. According to him, the development of the oil and gas sector requires an independent judiciary, a parliament that oversees the government, free media and transparent governance. He referred to the period after independence in 1975 as a lesson that money alone does not deliver sustainable development.

According to Soedamah, future revenues should be used for education, healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and a broader economy. Funds must also be set aside for future generations. The question, according to him, is what kind of Suriname will be built with the temporary oil revenues.

Call for discussion within the VHP

In his lecture, titled From Fraternisation to Renewal, Soedamah also addressed the course of the VHP. With a view to the internal party elections scheduled for May 2027, he advocated a substantive debate on political principles, transparent procedures and the position of young people and women. He put forward a modern social-democratic course as a subject for discussion within the party.

According to Soedamah, Lachmon’s idea of fraternisation remains relevant, but each generation must give it new meaning. “Renewal without fraternisation becomes directionless. But fraternisation without renewal becomes remembrance,” he said.

Soedamah also wants Surinamese living abroad to be given a structural role in the country’s development. In addition to investment capital, the diaspora also has knowledge, experience and international networks, according to him. He mentioned, among other things, a Nationale Diasporaraad and modernisation of the PSA-regeling as possibilities for strengthening ties with Suriname.

VHP chairman Glen Oehlers addressed the gathering through a video message. According to VHP Nederland, he too stressed the importance of strong institutions and good governance in view of oil and gas development. The lecture was followed by an exchange of views with those present.