👑 Vice president claims to be untouchable

Happy Monday!

This week we cover the vice president’s fiery statements at a public festival, Bronto Somohardjo’s attack on the media, the IMF’s economic outlook for Suriname, and a request for Parliament to postpone recess

Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk declares war against anyone in his way

• After Brunswijk’s recent crowning to become king, he set his eyes on the presidency.

• Developments in the amnesty law and voting law could disqualify him due to being a criminal.

• Brunswijk believes his path is guided by God and cannot be stopped by changing the electoral system or annulling the Amnesty Act.

• He dismisses the smear campaign, asserts that nobody can touch him, and challenges critics to try.

The VHP responds to his statements

• VHP responds to Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk's serious statements during a Javanese immigration celebration.

• They express concern over Brunswijk's disregard for the law and justice, citing fear-inducing language.

• Brunswijk's remarks evoke memories of the 1986 internal war, causing unrest and confusion.

• The VHP criticizes Brunswijk's statements as a sign of weak leadership and undermining the rule of law.

• VHP calls for an apology from Brunswijk, emphasizing the importance of promoting legal certainty and attracting foreign investors.

• The party condemns and rejects Brunswijk's statements, and urges the government to ensure citizen safety and peace.

Minister of the Interior, Bronto Somohardjo, attacks the press

• Bronto Somohardjo, Pertjajah Luhur party leader and Interior Minister accuses Radio 10 Magic FM and De Ware Tijd of launching a smear campaign against him.

• Somohardjo claims the media targeted him for not playing a politically charged song due to its implications.

• He emphasizes his stance on not wanting politics in certain contexts and calls out media bias against him being Javanese.

• Somohardjo points out different treatment of other politicians by Radio 10 and De Ware Tijd, citing racial bias.

• He criticizes De Ware Tijd's article titled "Domme Bronto en Javanen" as discriminatory.

• Radio 10 Magic FM distances itself from Somohardjo's allegations, asserts a non-discriminatory approach, and urges responsible statements from officials.

• De Ware Tijd declines to respond to Somohardjo's comments, emphasizing not engaging in stage language.

IMF positive on economic developments in Suriname

• The IMF team is optimistic about Suriname's economic developments, stable exchange rates, and inflation reduction efforts.

• Anastasia Guscina, IMF Mission Chief, met President Chan Santokhi for an evaluation of agreements and actions.

• Shift from policy dialogue to implementation and capacity building highlighted.

• The IMF team's week-long agenda includes meeting with the National Assembly opposition, and frequent evaluation missions planned.

• Minister Stanley Raghoebarsing emphasizes consultations with various groups, economic challenges, and improving daily life.

• The meeting focuses on economic challenges, IMF support for reform, protecting vulnerable groups, and the advisory role of the IMF.

• Bruno Saraiva, IMF Alternate Executive Director, praises Suriname's commitment to the program, job creation, and vulnerable group empowerment.

• Impressed by Suriname's efforts to implement an IMF-supported recovery program.

• Suriname's difficult period due to the Ukraine war, oil price impact, and subsidies affecting program balance.

• Suriname's collaborative approach with various stakeholders focuses on stability, inflation, and successful program reviews.

The Surinamese business community request parliament to postpone recess to attend to vital laws to Suriname’s international financial system

• Surinamese Business Association (VSB), Association of Surinamese Manufacturers (ASFA), and Suriname Business Forum request Assembly Chairman Marinus Bee to postpone recess.

• Urgent need to address laws to avoid blacklisting by CFATF (Caribbean Financial Action Task Force).

• Blacklisting could lead to isolation from the international financial system, impeding trade and causing severe economic consequences.

• Key areas of concern highlighted for addressing:

  • Amending laws to criminalize money laundering and terrorism financing in line with international criteria.

  • Revising laws on legal persons, including foundations, to prevent abuse and establish Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) register.

  • Regulating the gaming sector and defining roles, tasks, and responsibilities for Gaming Board supervision.

  • Central Bank supervises the financial sector and a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for the non-financial sector.

• The country needs to adopt and discuss various laws to comply with 40 CFATF recommendations, including 8 high-priority recommendations for CFATF plenary meeting review in November.