PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – President Chandrikapersad Santokhi says he will become involved in implementing, coordinating, and monitoring policy at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, even as a new minister was sworn into the position on Monday.
Santokhi, speaking during the ceremony where Ines Pané took the oath of office as the new minister, said there must be a national attitude in which the people of Surinamese receive what they are entitled to.
Pané replaces Uraiqit Ramsaran, who will serve as Minister without Portfolio but is expected to be appointed as the new Minister for Transport, Communications and Tourism.
Santokhi said that social policy has received international attention, including from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and that a broader approach is needed than has been the case so far.
He said many government social programs had been affected due to several factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. But he said a decision had been taken to give political leadership to the ministry and that further delays in policy would not be tolerated.
President Santokhi said that Suriname is well on its way to a solid economy and society, acknowledging that mistakes were made during the process and lessons have been learned.
Santokhi said that as a result of the new initiative, he is confident that the economic and social position of every Surinamese will improve, given that the state finances are under control, the foreign exchange rate is stable, and a reduction in inflation.
Santokhi said that the country’s credit rating has increased significantly.
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