Lachman Soedamah proposes National Diaspora Council for Suriname

Lachman Soedamah, chairman of VHP Nederland, has called for the establishment of a National Diaspora Council to strengthen the role of the Surinamese diaspora in the country’s development. During the 10th Jagernath Lachmon Lecture in Amsterdam, Soedamah argued that the diaspora offers more than just financial support; it provides essential professional expertise, international networks, and investment opportunities.

Soedamah proposed creating diaspora institutes in Suriname and in countries with large Surinamese communities to facilitate structured knowledge sharing. He highlighted successful models, such as collaborations between Surinamese doctors in the Netherlands and local healthcare institutions, as evidence of this potential. To ensure long-term effectiveness regardless of political shifts, he emphasized the need for a legal framework for diaspora policy.

Addressing the nation's future, Soedamah stressed that Suriname must build strong democratic institutions—including an independent judiciary and transparent governance—to responsibly manage the upcoming wealth from the oil and gas sector. He noted that while the political legacy of Jagernath Lachmon focused on 'fraternization' to bridge differences, the current generation must combine that approach with renewal to meet modern challenges.