More than half of young Surinamese are considering leaving abroad within five years. This emerged on Saturday during a lecture by researcher and sociologist Jaïr Schalkwijk in Breukelen. According to him, Suriname will have to do more than make use of future oil revenues in order to offer young people prospects.
Schalkwijk presented the findings of the National Perception Survey Suriname 3.0 during the meeting Suriname 2050: Oil, Talent and the Diaspora. According to the organisers, nearly 1,800 Surinamese aged 18 and older were surveyed in almost the entire country for the study. The lecture was organised by the Scientific Bureau of VHP-Nederland.
The presented results show that many respondents see opportunities in the development of oil and gas, but doubt whether the revenues will be spent fairly and wisely. They cite corruption and poor governance as threats to Suriname’s development and fear that the proceeds will mainly end up with a small group.
The possible departure of young people is also a cause for concern. According to the presentation, more than half of young Surinamese are considering emigrating within five years. There is also a considerable willingness to leave among the highly educated. Schalkwijk thus pointed to a dilemma: Suriname needs young, well-educated people to take advantage of new economic opportunities, while they may be seeking their future elsewhere.
Education and training emerged from the study as important investments. Young people in particular would be willing to pursue additional education if it increased their chances of employment and a better income.
Respondents also see opportunities to make the economy less dependent on raw materials. They mention agriculture, agro-industry, tourism and digital services, among others, as promising sectors. Protection of the rainforest and setting aside revenues for future generations also receive support, according to the presentation.
The role of the Surinamese diaspora was also discussed during the meeting. According to those present, Surinamese abroad can contribute to the country’s development through knowledge, experience, capital and international contacts. John Brewster and Ruben Gowricharn also took part in the exchange of views.
The message of the lecture was that oil and gas revenues offer Suriname opportunities, but that good governance, education and a broader economy will also determine whether those opportunities benefit the population.
