Suriname will have a role in representing Latin America and the Caribbean within the international board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) over the next three years. Minister David Abiamofo of Natural Resources has been elected alternate board member for the 2026–2029 term. This will enable Suriname to draw attention to regional issues concerning transparency in the oil, gas and mining sectors.
Abiamofo will form the regional representation together with Guyanese Minister Vickram Bharrat, who was elected as a full board member. They represent EITI-implementing countries in the region. The election took place on 6 October during the EITI Members’ Meeting in Brussels, ahead of the international conference on 8 and 9 October.
Within the board, the representatives contribute to international decision-making on the EITI Standard. Transparency, accountability and the management of natural resources are central to this process. The position also offers Suriname opportunities to exchange experiences with countries facing similar challenges.
The international representation aligns with the national EITI process, in which the government, business community and civil society organisations work together. The Nationaal Secretariaat EITI Suriname coordinates this process under the supervision of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG). Abiamofo also serves as EITI Champion, supporting political commitment to the implementation of the standard.
The work of the Surinamese secretariat also received attention during the conference. National coordinator Novella Alcantra-Majana received an honourable mention at the EITI Chair Awards. Outgoing chair Helen Clark recognised her for her commitment to transparency and the implementation of the EITI process in Suriname.
In addition to Abiamofo and Alcantra-Majana, MSG members Dimitri Tjon Sie Fat, representing PROJEKTA and civil society organisations, and Michiel Raafenberg, representing Rosebel Gold Mines and the business community, attended the conference. Clyde Griffith was also part of the delegation.
During the Members’ Meeting, Maria van der Hoeven, former Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, was elected as the new chair of the international EITI board. She succeeds Helen Clark.
