President Bouterse: “We are experiencing turbulent weather”

President Desi Bouterse in his New Year’s announced that the previous year was a year of many setbacks for the people and that several groups could not even lead a reasonable existence. “We are experiencing turbulent weather and as president, leader of this country and the people it is my duty to do everything I can to turn the tide in 2017,” said President Desi Bouterse in his New Year’s speech on Sunday. Bouterse pointed out that the government will change its course in 2017. “I will not under any circumstances allow a policy of names and faces. I will not allow fraud and corruption. I will take firm action against names and faces, fraud and corruption. I will evaluate our policy and change it if necessary. We will take austerity measures for our economy. And in such a manner that it will not affect the people’s basic existence,” said President Bouterse who added that stricter measures will be taken against crime. “Our country is currently being confronted with a situation of economic crisis. We are experiencing rising exchange rates and prices, a drop in the employment rate, a rising crime rate which is bringing much suffering to innocent and hardworking citizens,” said the president who added that the situation must be tackled immediately and directly. “Nothing will be too much for the government in 2017 when it comes to restoring order along the entire line. Today we start working for stability, recovery and sustainable growth of our economy in a crucial year. This year will determine our future to an important extent. I ask you to join the government in working for a better tomorrow.”