“Lucky breaks in gold and oil not a guarantee yet for sustainable development”

The government recently pointed out that an expected economic growth of 0.5% in 2016 and two lucky breaks in the mining sector will give the Surinamese economy more leeway in 2018. Huge gold reserves have been discovered in the Saramacca District and there is a big chance that crude oil will be found offshore. MP Amzad Abdoel (NDP), acting leader of the NDP faction in Parliament, remained cautious and urged the government to remain levelheaded because these lucky breaks will not result in sustainable development any time soon. “Let me point out that I am very optimistic about recent developments which could provide many benefits for the country and the people.

But

I am

not

convinced that these benefits will result in sustainable development and wellbeing. These things will be temporary if the right investments are made,” said MP Amzad Abdoel in response to the October 1 speech of acting President Ashwin Adhin.

The legislator referred to previous statements made by President Desi Bouterse who had warned against relying too much on the mining sector. “The lessons learned are clear and the political leader of the NDP has made it clear that the income from the mining sector must be spent according to a dual policy. A portion of the income from the mining sector must be invested in sustainable projects. I urge the government to remain cautious,” said MP Abdoel.