In a significant policy reversal, the Surinamese government has withdrawn its initial approval of SRD 2.3 million allocations to each ministry for Christmas and New Year celebrations following substantial public criticism. The decision, originally ratified during Thursday’s Council of Ministers meeting, was deemed financially irresponsible by opposition leaders given the country’s current economic challenges.
Jerrel Pawiroredjo, parliamentary leader of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), characterized the retraction as both “prudent and necessary,” stating that such expenditure patterns contradict the nation’s economic reality. The original budget would have totaled approximately SRD 41 million across all ministries.
Pawiroredjo contrasted the canceled celebration funds with the government’s SRD 1,000 support program for civil servants, pensioners, disabled citizens, and socially vulnerable households, which he believes deserves commendation. “Large segments of our society struggle to keep their heads above water,” he noted, emphasizing the inappropriate message that lavish holiday spending would send during times of widespread financial difficulty.
The NPS leader acknowledged that while recent Independence Day celebrations were understood by the community, another large-scale expenditure would convey the wrong signals. He applauded the administration for adjusting the budget to a level “more balanced with the state’s financial situation” and suggested that year-end celebrations could occur modestly without straining public resources.