Bouterse has replacements for IMF

“The government already has a back-up plan if it no longer wants to collaborate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” said the chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP)/ president of the Republic of Suriname, Desi Bouterse at a rally in the party headquarters, Ocer, on Friday. Bouterse did not divulge any details but he did confirm that there are other options. “We already have other alternatives,” Bouterse told the audience in Ocer. Bouterse addressed several issues, including the financial deal with the IMF. The government currently has no reason to stop working with the IMF but if the pressure that these cold fish are putting on the nation becomes too heavy, the president will not hesitate to sever the ties. Bouterse explained that there are several other foreign partners who have expressed their willingness to help out. The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) which has made a $1.8 billion loan available is one of Suriname’s partners but there are reportedly more options. “I will say no more,” said Bouterse. “We want to continue the program as long as possible but if you start giving us headaches, we have no problem with going on without you.” Bouterse explained that foreign powers that are not happy with the fact that IsDB made $1.8 billion available are giving his administration a hard time. Bouterse did not mention any names but he did link the strikes that have been announced by opposition party, VHP, to the former imperialist, Holland. “Let the people from the VHP go on a strike. But if we put our faith in this nation, every strike that is unjust is doomed to fail. So let them go on a strike.”