The Surinamese government has addressed its outstanding financial obligations to international financial advisory firm Lazard, revealing a debt exceeding $4 million accumulated under previous administration contracts. Finance and Planning Minister Adelien Wijnerman disclosed these details during a Friday press conference, confirming partial payment of $1 million with the remaining $3 million balance scheduled for settlement in the coming period.
The debt originated from contracts initially renewed in 2023, covering advisory services related to Suriname’s debt restructuring program, particularly the resolution of the so-called final bond round. According to Minister Wijnerman, Lazard submitted invoices for services rendered between 2021 through October 2025 that remained unpaid by the former government.
In a significant policy shift, the current administration has terminated Lazard’s contract for any new transactions associated with ongoing negotiations with bondholders. “We have formally canceled the contract and notified Lazard via official correspondence. This matter has been conclusively resolved,” Wijnerman stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
The settlement process demonstrates the new government’s approach to handling inherited financial commitments while restructuring its international financial advisory relationships. The minister’s transparency regarding the outstanding debt and its partial settlement reflects the administration’s efforts to maintain Suriname’s financial credibility despite challenges inherited from previous governance arrangements.