Suriname’s National Assembly has elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as the country’s first female president, ending a political stalemate after May’s inconclusive election. Running unopposed within a new coalition, the 71-year-old MP was sworn in days later. She inherits an economy strained by corruption scandals under her predecessor, heavy IMF-mandated austerity and roughly US$400mn in annual debt repayments.
Geerlings-Simons and Vice President-elect Gregory Rusland vow to prioritise fiscal stability, boosting revenue through tighter tax collection (notably in small-scale gold mining), while preparing for anticipated oil production from offshore fields by 2028. Analysts warn substantial challenges remain before oil revenues arrive.
Image reference: https://caricom.org/caricom-secretary-general-congratulates-surinames-first-female-president/
Source: Caribbean Insight