Santokhi: “The most urgent cases will be addressed”

The Santokhi/Brunswijk administration has divided its government program in three phases. During the first nine months the new administration will take measures and address the most important cases,” said President Chandrikapersad Santokhi in the presence of his coalition partners from ABOP, NPS and PL. The new administration will tackle the financial crisis, contain COVID-19, create access to basic healthcare, normalize the education sector in accordance with COVID-19 measures, set up a social net for vulnerable groups, boost economic activity and fight corruption. Santokhi explained that his administration did not opt for the 100 days plan. “The current state of the situation requires a firm approach. The next step will be a stabilization phase of 24 months. During that period balance will be restored in the economy. A basis will also be established for progress and well-being. Other sectors such as education, healthcare, production and the social sector will also be addressed,” said Santokhi who added that the third phase is the developing and modernization phase during which the economy will be brought back on the path of positive growth. During this phase investments will be made in modernization and innovation and the social system will be rebuilt.”

Albert Ramdien who will run the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BUZA) announced that the government will review the debt burden issue to determine the size of the debts and who the creditors are. He estimates that this will take about three weeks. The new minister will reportedly ask Fitch to adjust Suriname’s credit rating.