PL chairman Paul Somohardjo has congratulated the Nationale Partij Suriname (NPS) on its 80th anniversary. During his speech, he reflected on his own political history within the party and especially praised the national character and continuity of the NPS. According to Somohardjo, it is a remarkable achievement that the party still plays a role in Surinamese politics after eight decades.
Somohardjo, now 84 years old, said that an important part of his political formation took place within the NPS. He referred to former party leader Johan Adolf Pengel and to the lessons he received within the party in his younger years.
“NPS means Nationale Partij Suriname,” Somohardjo emphasised. According to him, throughout its history the party has sought to genuinely uphold that national ideal by making room within its structures and political leadership for Surinamers from different population groups.
He referred, among other things, to the various presidiums that have existed within the party for, among others, Javanese, Muslims, Hindustanis and Chinese. He also pointed out that people from diverse ethnic backgrounds have held political and administrative positions on behalf of the NPS.
According to Somohardjo, this is important because, in his view, a national political party should not focus exclusively on one population group.
‘The art is to continue to exist’
Another point Somohardjo addressed extensively was the political longevity of the NPS. He pointed out that since its founding, the party has endured various political periods, participation in government and years in opposition. “That is the art: ensuring that the party continues to exist,” he said.
Somohardjo expressed the hope that the NPS will be able to celebrate not only its 80th anniversary, but also its 100th anniversary in the future. He added that the age of a political organisation alone is not decisive. “It is not the length that matters, but the quality,” he told his audience.
Message to Rusland
During his speech, Somohardjo also addressed Gregory Rusland directly. He expressed appreciation for his leadership and called on him to ensure that future generations also inherit a strong party organisation.
“Ensure that the NPS continues to exist in the interest of the country and the people,” Somohardjo said. He further emphasised that throughout its history, the NPS has had leaders who, despite internal and external political pressure, have managed to keep the party together.
Somohardjo concluded his speech with a well-known mobilising message to the party structures: “Ready, ready, ready. NPS ready.”
