Suriname President warns of insufficient oil era preparation

President Jennifer Simons has stated that Suriname has not been sufficiently prepared in recent years for the economic shifts associated with upcoming oil extraction. During her second state address, she emphasized the necessity of preparing the nation for this new phase, noting that the government currently faces limited capacity to implement required policies.

The administration aims to establish legislation and institutions to ensure that future oil and gas revenues are managed responsibly and spent accountably. The government's strategy includes increasing state revenues through cautious financial-economic policies and ensuring citizens benefit directly from natural resource wealth through investments in education, healthcare, and housing.

Simons noted that preparations planned for 2026 are expected to yield results and enter the implementation phase in 2027. To shape this development, the government intends to involve various organizations, individuals, and political parties, despite existing limitations within the government apparatus regarding regulatory adjustments and digitalization.