The Government of Suriname has decided to slash the amount of funds allocated to government ministries and agencies for their annual year-end socials but will still offer the $1,000 Suriname dollars (or about US$26) support for civil servants and some groups.
A release from the office of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons stated that the socials’ spending has been reduced from 2.4 million Suriname dollars to 500,000 Surname dollars.
The release noted that this decision was made as part of the government’s commitment to “an efficient austerity policy” and as part of measures to “restore the economy in a sustainable manner.”
“This decision stems from the government’s social responsibility and aligns with its commitment to an efficient and frugal spending policy. Taking austerity measures into account, this allows ministries to still carry out their year-end closing,” the release stated.
Former Surinamese President, Chan Santokhi had said that oil royalties equivalent to about US$750 would be distributed to citizens but the new Geerlings-Simons government reportedly shelved this initiative as the country could not sustainably fund that plan.
Meanwhile, the support for some groups of citizens remains unchanged.
“The cabinet emphasizes that this measure has no impact on the previously announced support for citizens. The one-time amount of SRD 1,000 for civil servants and equivalents, persons with disabilities, vulnerable households, and [pensioners] remains unchanged. This financial bonus will be paid out in December 2025,” the release noted.
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