Santokhi starts with complete team of ministers

Newly elected president Chandrikapersad Santokhi starts his term in office with a complete team of ministers.

Marie Levens who will run the Ministry of Education and Culture is the only one of the 17 ministers who has already worked at such a high level. Santokhi has appointed Albert Ramdin, former assistant secretary general at the Organization of American States (OAS) as the new minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation. Ramdin is also the replacement of VP Ronnie Brunswijk as chairman of the

Council of Ministers.

Armand Achaibersing was the first person who was installed as minister by President Santokhi. Achaibersing is the new monetary authority who has been tasked with the political policy at the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Amar Ramadhin will run the Health Ministry. His father, Hardeo Ramadhin, is a prominent figure within the VHP who lobbied for him at President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. Some high ranking members of the VHP do not agree with his appointment. “He does not even have enough experience as a doctor,” a high ranking VHP member told Times of Suriname. “The chairman (Santokhi) did not listen to the recommendations.” Prahlad Sewdien, the new minister of Agriculture, Stockbreeding and Fisheries (LVV), is also a controversial figure. Some members of the VHP consider him a member of the NDP who managed to infiltrate the VHP. But the most controversial appointment is that of Bronto Somohardjo, the son of PL chairman Paul Somohardjo. Sources from the highest level of the PL party told Times of Suriname that

Bronto had not been nominated by the party’s structures but that his father decided on his own that he should be on the team of ministers on behalf of the party. Bronto Somohardjo will run the Ministry of Hoe Affairs (BIZA) which is considered a stronghold of the PL’s political arch enemy, the HVB. The people at the ministry fear rancor but Minister Somohardjo made it clear that they have nothing to fear. Mike Noersalim, ex minister at BIZA and chairman of the HVB, also put the minds of the employees at ease.