Suriname AML Task Force compensation sparks parliamentary debate

Surinamese Parliamentarian Mahinder Jogi has raised questions regarding the high monthly allowances paid to members of the newly established Anti-Money Laundering Task Force (AML-TF). During a session of De Nationale Assemblée, Jogi sought clarification from Finance Minister Adelien Wijnerman regarding the compensation levels, noting that previous anti-money laundering committees received significantly lower amounts, ranging from SRD 10,000 to SRD 15,000 per month.

A presidential decree confirms that the chair of the AML-TF receives a monthly allowance of SRD 100,000, while the four other members receive SRD 80,000 each. The task force, which operates under the direct authority of President Jennifer Simons, is scheduled to serve from July 1, 2026, until December 31, 2027.

In response to the criticism, AML-TF chair Jennifer van Dijk-Silos defended the compensation, describing the SRD 100,000 monthly fee as a ‘habbekrats’ (a pittance), noting it converts to approximately 2,600 US dollars. She characterized the political criticism as ‘dirty politics’ and argued that the amount is low compared to standard consultancy rates. Van Dijk-Silos further stated that the task force was necessitated by the previous administration's failure to act on National Risk Assessment reports.