Suriname adjusting to austerity measures

Suriname is adjusting to the new austerity measures which are part of the deal the Surinamese government made with the  International Monetary Fund to cope with the economic crisis which mainly affects the middle class families and the poor .

In a climate of uncertainty and daily price hikes in stores the population is confronted with newly imposed education fees for all levels of education on top of increased prices of electricity and water.

In an attempt to accommodate the lower income groups and the sick and elderly the government has implemented a distribution system to supply registered families or individuals with basic food packages.

Meanwhile  in increased criticism from opposition both in the ruling National Democratic Party and in oppositional political parties  in the National Assembly, the government  is asked to step up its efforts to curb corruption and criminality. 

Furthermore the recent  government decision to order the cessation of the legal proceedings against President Bouterse, fueled the  debate about he role of the judiciary in the context of an  independent  State,  Church and Judiciary and  has prompted the coalition party DOE to end its cooperation with the ruling National Democratic Party, It is unclear if  the minister of Natural resources  and energy who is affiliated to DOE  will step down too, since he was not ordered to step down by President Bouterse.  In a positive turn of events the austerity measures have triggered a sharp decline of energy usage and have made people more aware of their energy bills and their control over how much energy they use . This is not only positive for their electricity bills but also for the environment.

It can not be denied that efforts to diversify Suriname's  economic output are hampered by the austerity measures but  on the other hand    creativity  of  especially young Surinamese  has  not only increased regional cooperation but has also opened up new avenues for Suriname's creative industries. Also  tourism in Suriname is receiving more attention as economic source for recovery of our economy. Efforts are stepped up to upgrade the Surinamese tourism industry , especially for tourists who are looking for nature and  culture, which are both in abundance in Suriname. Meanwhile times are relatively hard for some and the rich are still getting richer , also in Suriname.

Martha Tjoe Nij

2016