Demoralized ministers steer clear of Parliament

It would seem that the ministers are demoralized and disappointed because of the cabinet reshuffle that has been announced by President Desi Bouterse. Most of the ministers were absent at Tuesday’s discussion of raising the import duty on foreign chicken. Labor Minister Soewarto Moestadja, coordinator of the government representatives in Parliament, who was one of two ministers who were present had no explanation when legislators expressed their disappointment. The government and parliament had agreed that at least 4 ministers would be present at plenary sessions. Several ministers who will be given the boot at the end of this month no longer feel obligated to attend sessions. MP Marinus Bee (ABOP) pointed out that the ministers are treating the highest institute of the State with contempt. The president will present his modified team on April 4. MP Bee wonders if he can assume that the ministries are currently rudderless.

MP Gregory Rusland (NPS) can relate to the ministers. “Perhaps I also would have stayed away,” said MP Rusland who is also the chairman of the National Party Suriname (NPS). He suggested postponing the discussion of the import duty on foreign chicken until after the cabinet reshuffle. Environmental Planning, Land and Forest Management Minister Roline Samsoedien eventually entered the conference room but the team was still one person short. When the chairwoman of parliament asked Minister Moestadja if there was a chance that one more minister would show up, he said that he did not think so.