Arrears at AZP rise to SRD 285 million
Minister André Misiekaba reports arrears of at least SRD 285 million at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo. Of this, SRD 94 million is "particularly acute." SRD 20 million in threshold fees (current rate SRD 300, according to AZP needed SRD 700-1 000) and SRD 74 million in overdue radiotherapy services.
VHP protests allocation of state council seats
The VHP has officially objected to the allocation of two seats on the State Council, instead of its calculated three. According to Urmila Ramlagansing, the party relies on the use of position allocation and is awaiting a response from President Simons.
CBvS maintains exchange rate interventions with its own foreign exchange
The Central Bank of Suriname does not intervene with IMF reserves, but uses foreign exchange from oil and gold exports. Since the completion of the IMF-Extended Fund Facility program in March, six foreign exchange auctions have been held, two in the past month. Interventions follow strict guidelines agreed with the IMF and an internal model with trigger points to stabilize the exchange rate around SRD 38 per USD. Both lower and upper limits are designed to protect households, businesses and export sectors.
Newmont union urges social plan
During a consultation with Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing, the union expressed concerns about the planned layoff of about 200 workers (10-15 % of the workforce). Chairman Joël Panka sees no financial need and lacks a social plan. The Enterprise Chamber has yet to review an official dismissal request; the union will be heard there.
Budget 2025 increased by several billion SRD
The discussion of the budget for service year 2025 starts Tuesday in The National Assembly. Through a bill of amendment, the estimate will be increased by several billion SRD, especially for personnel costs. Speaker Rabin Parmessar states that end-August approval is necessary to "continue spending normally" after a tight July. The 17 parliamentary committees and the finance ministry will present their deficit analysis on Friday; a housekeeping meeting with the government will take place Monday. Consideration is expected to last a week to 10 days, with complex issues being carried forward to the 2026 budget. The 2026 budget must be submitted by Oct. 1.
Diplomatic ties with India strengthened
President Jennifer Simons received Indian Ambassador Subhash Gupta at the Presidential Cabinet, who presented a congratulatory letter from President Droupadi Murmu. Discussed were food processing at the Milk Central, distribution of aid packages, provision of cancer equipment and sea ambulances, mobile hospitals, defense and cyber cooperation, IT infrastructure, scholarships, traditional medicine and the UPI payment system, among others.
Minister Monorath on road safety "I don't want any more deaths in traffic. Although officially only fatal accidents make it to the media, we are already seeing over 1,500 incidents with various damages. In Suriname of 2025, the loss of a car or phone often means unemployment and family dislocation," Minister Monorath said Wednesday before the Council of Ministers. He also warned of permanent disabilities among victims, "Some lose mobility, others lose a limb or face. That has to stop." The minister called on citizens to pass on reports of abuse to the police, in writing or through social media so that "rotten apples" can be addressed and neighborhood managers can expand their work. "Citizen participation is upgraded; together we make our roads safe," he said.
