Opposition wants serious investigation into violation of State Debt Act

The Progressive Reform Party (VHP), the National Party Suriname (NPS), Pertjajah Luhur (PL) and the General Liberation and Development Party (ABOP) want a serious investigation into the violation of the State Debt Act. VHP Chairman Chandrikapersad Santokhi pointed out that the opposition parties are discussing strategies aimed at getting clarity regarding the alarming debt position of Suriname that is the result of the irresponsible loans. “The attorney general’s response to the request of the legislators does not make things clear. A serious investigation is required!” MP Santokhi pointed out that AG referred the opposition members to the approval statements from the State Debt Bureau. “That is not enough. An investigation should also focus on how the approval statements were ‘established.’” “If a drunk driver is arrested, the police must find out how much alcohol is in his system to determine if he is in fact drunk. In the case of the State Debt Bureau it would have been appropriate to find out if the statements were based on the right grounds and in the proper manner. The AG’s letter does not indicate that such an investigation was conducted. It seems that the driver’s statement that he was not drunk was accepted. The opposition does not accept the AG’s answer and is discussing the issue with experts to determine which steps can be taken to get more answers and how an objective and independent investigation can be demanded. The people are entitled to transparency because the state debt which has accumulated to more than SRD 15 billion will be put on the shoulders of the citizens. The opposition is urging the AG to launch a thorough and independent investigation. If necessary independent expertise must support the investigation.”