Suriname lawmakers demand transparent plans for oil and gas wealth

Members of Suriname's National Assembly from the VHP party have raised concerns regarding the management of the country's natural resource wealth and the lack of benefit for the general population.

Cedric van Samson criticized the absence of a clear plan for upcoming oil and gas revenues. He advocated for the continuation of the RVI program, which was designed to allow citizens to share in the sector's future profits starting at age 70. Van Samson warned that the current lack of a transparent, verifiable plan contributes to public uncertainty, distrust, and risks of corruption.

Parliamentarian Krishna Mathoera echoed these sentiments, noting that despite historical wealth from bauxite and gold, and the impending offshore oil boom, many citizens struggle to make ends meet. She highlighted systemic issues in governance and the distribution of opportunities, citing inequalities in land allocation and concessions as examples of recurring patterns across different administrations.