Suriname's President Announces Social Measures Amid Economic Impact of Middle East War

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons says the government will accelerate the implementation of several social measures to mitigate the economic effects of the war in the Middle East on Suriname.

President Jennifer Greelings-Simons addressing the nationIn a broadcast, the head of state emphasized that international tensions have a direct impact on Suriname’s economy and that additional support will therefore be provided to vulnerable groups and workers.

According to President Geerlings-Simons, the conflict in the Middle East is having global economic effects that are also being felt in Suriname and warned that the impact could increase if the conflict continues for a longer period.

“The war in the Middle East has global economic consequences. The longer the conflict continues, the greater the impact will be. We hope and pray for a swift end, both for the people directly affected and for the effects it has on our country,” she told the nation.

“Our population is already operating under difficult circumstances. That is why the government has decided to accelerate previously announced measures,” she said, noting that the increased amounts will now be fully granted by the end of March.

“When international conflicts such as this one arise and have direct consequences for our country, the government deems it necessary to hold broad consultations. I have therefore held discussions with the country’s Security Council, the representatives of the private sector…the coalition leadership and all faction leaders, including those of the opposition,  trade unions, with which consultations have already taken place and the the Association of Economists in Suriname (VES),”  she said in her broadcast.

She said that the population is already functioning in difficult circumstances and that is  why the government has decided to accelerate the implementation of previously announced measures.

“To this end, we have held further consultations with the Ministry of Finance and also took into account the impact of the effects on the government’s revenue side.   Child benefit will be increased to SRD 250  (One SRD=US$0.02 cents) as of the end of March, for both general child benefit and child benefit for civil servants.

“People with disabilities, disability benefits recipients, and registered socially disadvantaged households will receive a supplementary allowance of SRD 1,000. Civil servants and government employees will receive a purchasing power boost of SRD 1,500 as of the end of March. Teachers will receive a support allowance of SRD 2,500 as of the end of March.”

President Greelings-Simons said that these amounts were originally intended to be paid out in installments, but will now be made fully available at the end of March in order to provide faster relief to the population.

“Higher income groups, including members of the government and high-ranking councils of state, directors and deputy directors, are excluded from these measures,”  she said, noting that the government is accelerating its efforts to further increase state revenues.

“At the same time, we recognize the need to continue working to mitigate the effects of the war on society as a whole, in collaboration with all stakeholders.

“We find ourselves in a difficult situation due to a war that is not being waged here, but is affecting our country and the entire world. Only through cooperation between the government and you, the people, can we weather this period well. The government will do its part. Please help each other. Together we will get through this,” President Greelings-Simons said in her broadcast.