The need for modern laws in a rapidly changing world
Up-to-date and workable laws are the foundation of structural progress. In an era of technological revolutions, globalization and digital transformation, our country urgently needs laws that not only protect, but also encourage, give direction and control. Because where transparency ends, corruption begins, and without transparency there is no trust, no justice and no sustainable growth.
The government has taken the first steps with the introduction of the New Civil Code (NBW) on May 1, 2025. This reform will finally bring our civil regulations in line with the 21st century. Among other things, the NBW regulates property relations, inheritance law, family law and contracts in a way that better suits today's social and economic realities. But just as importantly, it also lays a foundation for legal certainty and fair transactions, crucial in the fight against cronyism and abuse of power.
Resistance to change slows progress
Yet the laborious creation of the NBW shows how deeply embedded resistance to change is in our society. Despite years of preparation, public consultation and parliamentary debate, some interest groups and parts of the opposition tried to block the introduction at the last minute.
We have the reflex to see any drastic change as a threat. The downside is that it can be a serious brake on Suriname's development. Progress requires vision, decisiveness and support. Without trust in each other and in the direction of the country, necessary reforms remain stuck in paper plans. And without transparency in decision-making, backroom deals and conflicts of interest are given free rein. We should not be afraid of change but rather recognize that stagnation results in impoverishment.
Digitization and AI: opportunities and dangers
Another area where regulations lag behind reality is technology. In recent years, the government has taken concrete steps toward digitizing public services. Through e-Gov, visa applications have recently become fully digital. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs even uses an AI chatbot to answer visa applicants' questions automatically. These applications make services faster, more customer-friendly and more efficient.
But where technology moves faster than policy, risks arise. Artificial intelligence processes large amounts of personal data. Without clear rules on privacy, data security and responsible use of AI, citizens can become victims of data breaches, discrimination or decision-making without human control. In addition, digitalization can also be abused when algorithms or databases are not managed transparently, or when there is insufficient oversight of who has access to what information.
At a recent awareness session organized by Datasur and e-Gov, e-Gov director Prewien Ramadhin stressed the importance of sector-specific policy frameworks. Any government agency seeking to apply AI or advanced digital processes should be subject to clear guidelines and independent oversight. Transparency and accountability should be guiding principles not only to promote efficiency, but also to prevent corruption.
Legislation as a lever for trust and growth
Suriname has everything it needs to develop into a modern, stable and prosperous nation. We have natural resources, young talents, strategic location and international goodwill. But without a legal framework that keeps up with the times, these advantages remain untapped. And without transparent processes, opportunities remain unevenly distributed.
Regulation should not be an obstacle, but a lever for growth. It must protect citizens, provide security for businesses, fight corruption and enable investment. This includes courage from the government to take unpopular measures when they are needed in the long run and a willingness from society not to automatically reject the unknown.
The way forward
The future calls for laws that regulate technology without stifling innovation. For policies that encourage ownership, transparency and entrepreneurship. And for a government that not only responds to criticism, but leads with conviction. A government that is willing to open its own actions to public scrutiny, and that understands that the best defense against corruption begins with prevention through clear rules, visible processes and active citizens.
The introduction of the NBW is a step in the right direction. Digitizing government processes is a logical next step. What is needed now is a legal and social mindset that sees change not as a danger but as an opportunity. In this, transparency is not a luxury it is the oxygen of democracy and development.
Suriname can grow but only if law, policy and governance advance at the same pace.
