🗳️ 15 political parties registered for elections

Happy Monday!

This week we cover the registration of political parties for the upcoming election, the FPSO hull meant for Suriname’s Block 58, and the new proposed minimum wage.

Political party registration closed with 15 registrations

• The deadline for political party registration at the Central Polling Station (CHS) ended at 15:00, with 15 parties submitting documents.

• The Progressive Uplifting Party (PVP) faced issues with its power of attorney, requiring multiple attempts to submit; final approval is pending CHS review.

• Robert Vishnudatt, leader of the People's Party Leefbaar Suriname (VLS), is ineligible to appear on the candidate list due to his Dutch nationality.

• From Tuesday, submitted registration documents will be available for public inspection at the CHS office and online.

• Parties will be notified of their registration status via bailiff’s writ, and the public will also be informed.

TotalEnergies receives FPSO hull for Granmorgu project

• The Multipurpose Floater C (MPF C) Fast4Ward hull for Suriname’s GranMorgu offshore project has been delivered, having been reserved by SBM Offshore in June last year.

• The hull was fabricated by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) and will undergo modifications over the next year, with final drydocking scheduled for mid-2026.

• GranMorgu, Suriname’s first offshore oil project, holds an estimated 750 million barrels of oil and aims to produce up to 220,000 barrels per day from around 30 wells.

• First oil production from the project is expected in 2028.

• TotalEnergies acknowledged key partners Technip Energies and SBM Offshore for their contributions, emphasizing progress toward a carbon-efficient FPSO.

New minimum hourly wage SRD 52.47 

• The National Wage Council has proposed a minimum hourly wage of SRD 52.47, resulting in a gross monthly salary of SRD 9,921.

• Previous minimum wage calculations did not include the mandatory 1% contribution to the Parental Leave Provision Fund (FVO), which is now being corrected.

• Chairman Wonnie Boedhoe presented the wage proposal to Minister Steven Mac Andrew of Labour, Employment & Youth Affairs.

• The minister will submit the proposal to the government council on Wednesday, with the new minimum wage set to take effect on 1 April 2025.

• Mac Andrew emphasized that while no work in Suriname can be paid below the minimum wage, employers are free to negotiate higher wages with employees.