The newly elected Surinamese government, under President Jennifer Geerlings Simons, has decided to suspend a proposed initiative to distribute oil royalties of US$750 plus interest to all citizens. This announcement was made by Andrew Baasaron, the Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation, during a panel discussion at the International Business Conference (IBC) 2025. Baasaron cited insufficient financial resources as the primary reason for halting the plan, contrasting Suriname’s economic situation with that of Guyana, which successfully distributed GY$100,000 (approximately US$458) to over 600,000 adults last year. The previous administration, led by Chandrikapersad Santokhi, had tied the royalty payout to projected earnings from the Gran Morgu offshore project, expected to produce 220,000 barrels of oil by 2028. TotalEnergies, a France-based energy giant, is investing US$10.5 billion in the project. Instead of direct payouts, the new government plans to channel funds into sustainable investments in companies, new technologies, and workforce development. Baasaron emphasized the need for Suriname to reduce its reliance on government support and focus on enhancing productivity and economic growth.