Information Americas, PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Solar. July 7, 2025: For the primary time in Suriname’s historical past, a girl will function President. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, a revered medical physician and former parliamentary speaker, has been elected as the brand new head of state, marking a historic second for the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Group,(CARICOM) nation because it prepares to have fun 50 years of political independence.
Simons, 71, secured the presidency Sunday after successful the backing of 34 members of Suriname’s Nationwide Meeting — precisely the quantity required for a first-round victory. Her election makes her the primary lady to carry the nation’s highest workplace.
“I come into this workplace to serve, and I’ll use all my information, power, and perception to make our wealth obtainable to all of our individuals,” Simons stated in a short however poignant speech after her affirmation. “I’m very conscious of the duty now positioned on our shoulders, a duty compounded for me by the truth that I’m the primary lady to carry this workplace.”
The President-elect is about to be formally sworn in on July sixteenth, alongside her operating mate, Gregory Rusland, of the Nationwide Social gathering of Suriname (NPS), who will assume the position of Vice President.
Path Cleared for Historic Win
Simons, representing the Nationwide Democratic Social gathering, (NDP), emerged because the clear frontrunner after the ruling Progressive Reform Social gathering (VHP), led by outgoing President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, introduced it will not nominate candidates for both the presidency or vice presidency.
In a present of unity, the Common Liberation and Growth Social gathering, (ABOP), led by outgoing Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk, additionally threw its help behind the NDP-NPS ticket.
Simons’ victory marks a major milestone for gender equality in Suriname. Whereas girls have beforehand served as audio system of the Nationwide Meeting — together with Simons herself and Indra Djwalapersad — the nation has by no means earlier than had a feminine president or vp.
Outgoing President Displays on Legacy
In an emotional tackle to parliament, outgoing President Santokhi acknowledged each the challenges and achievements of his administration, which was marked by financial turmoil, political unrest, and the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
“Energy is short-term. Glamour is fleeting. However service to the individuals is everlasting,” Santokhi said, providing his congratulations to Geerlings-Simons and Rusland whereas calling for unity.
He highlighted Suriname’s financial restoration efforts, the ‘Royalties for Everybody’ program — which registered over 60,000 residents — and the nation’s restored credibility on the world stage as achievements of his tenure.
“Suriname can solely transfer ahead if we don’t let go of one another,” Santokhi emphasised, urging solidarity throughout political, cultural, and social divides. “The way forward for Suriname is just not within the fingers of 1 man or lady, however within the fingers of all of us.”
As Simons prepares to guide Suriname into its subsequent chapter, her presidency marks each a historic first for the nation and an emblem of progress for the broader Caribbean area.
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