“People will feel more comfortable in the coming period” – Suriname Herald

President Chan Santokhi also visited Wageningen on Saturday during his working visit to the Nickerie rice region. In a speech addressed to the residents of the resort, the Head of State highlighted the difficult periods that the government had to overcome to stabilize the economy. Now that the economy is stable, the government wants to give back to the people, including the community in Wageningen. The hard work and sacrifices made by the country and its people are finally bearing fruit.

The President indicated that it was decided to disburse an amount of 5,000 riyals to national employees for the month of next December, of which 4,200 riyals will be disbursed directly. The remaining portion of the SAR 800 will be paid in phases in 2024. He also noted that starting from January 1, 2024, the tax exemption limit will be increased from SAR 7,500 to SAR 9,000 for both civil servants and workers in the private sector. An additional amount of SAR 1,000 is given to enhance purchasing power in addition to the SAR 2,500 already given to government employees and people who are treated equally. Retired civil servants will receive 70 percent of this amount. “This government has also recently agreed to increase your pensions by SAR 750 per month effective July 1, 2023,” the president said.

The Head of State also spoke about the government’s efforts to provide a plot of land for citizens. “Land issuance has received great attention in recent months. The government has decided to introduce mechanisms for monitoring and processing land applications, field inspection and settlement of land applications. As President, I appreciate the trust placed in me and my government. I will continue to give back to the people whenever I can.”

President Santokhi also noted that the IMF Board had approved the fourth evaluation of Suriname’s recovery programme. This will make $53 million available immediately. Debt restructuring operations were successful and local debts were reduced. The Head of State also noted the availability of financing options, including a $150 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank and the Saudi Fund worth $50 million.

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) Parmanand Sodhiyan will soon take measures to provide Wageningen residents with a plot of agricultural land on which they can carry out their economic activities. “I am happy with the good ratings, but I am grateful to the people who made great sacrifices to save our country from financial ruin. We are now taking steps to achieve sustainable growth and development. All this is possible because we are determined and purposeful about the future of our country and do not allow ourselves to be distracted by all kinds of side issues,” the President noted. Santokhi indicated that people will feel more comfortable in the coming period.