The board of VHP-Nederland spoke on Sunday in Amsterdam with VHP parliamentarian Vishwadath Kishan Ramsukul. The future of the party, political and economic developments in Suriname, and the role of the Surinamese diaspora were central to the consultation.
Ramsukul is currently staying in the Netherlands. During the meeting, VHP-Nederland emphasised the importance of regular and direct consultations between representatives of the party in Suriname and the organisation in the Netherlands. According to the organisation, an open exchange of views on the future direction of the VHP is necessary given the political, economic and social challenges facing Suriname.
More attention to rejuvenation and transparency
During the discussion, attention was paid to the position of the VHP after the elections and the party’s further development. Topics including internal democracy, transparency, rejuvenation and party renewal were discussed. The ambition to further develop the VHP into a broad national people’s party was also discussed. According to VHP-Nederland, from the opposition the party must not only act critically and exercise oversight, but also present concrete and constructive policy alternatives.
Oil and gas revenues
Future revenues from the oil and gas sector were also discussed. According to VHP-Nederland, these revenues offer important opportunities for Suriname, but good governance, transparency and financial discipline are necessary. According to the organisation, the revenues should be used for investments in, among other things, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, innovation and productivity. This should prevent Suriname from becoming more dependent on the oil and gas sector.
Diaspora as a structural partner
Lachman Soedamah, chair of VHP-Nederland, stressed that the relationship between Suriname and the diaspora must enter a new phase.
“The diaspora should not only be seen as a support base abroad, but as a structural partner in Suriname’s development. Knowledge, capital, entrepreneurship and international experience can be connected much more strongly to the country’s development agenda,” Soedamah said.
In that context, Diasporavisie 2050: From territorial state to global Surinamese nation was also discussed. It advocates long-term policy through which Surinamese people within and outside the country’s borders are structurally connected with one another.
VHP-Nederland and Ramsukul have agreed to continue their mutual dialogue. The organisation describes the consultation as a contribution to the broader discussion on party renewal and the future of Suriname.
