In a landmark parliamentary session on July 6, 2025, Suriname’s National Assembly elected Jennifer Geerlings-Simons as the country’s next president.
Geerlings-Simons is the first woman to lead the nation since its independence in 1975. The political transition occurs at a pivotal moment for Suriname’s economy, as the country edges closer to becoming a significant oil producer in the region.
With the Final Investment Decision (FID) now in place for the offshore Block 58 project, the new administration’s approach to resource governance, regulatory stability, and local content development will be closely watched by industry players and international partners alike. Economists caution that challenging times lie ahead.
According to Winston Ramautarsingh, a former president of Suriname’s economists’ association, the country faces roughly USD400 million in annual debt payments—funds it currently lacks. He noted that the prior administration deferred repayments but only delayed the inevitable by doing so.
She will lead Suriname until 2030. Suriname’s massive USD12.2 billion GranMorgu project, led by oil major TotalEnergies, will begin production in 2028. GranMorgu is Suriname’s first major offshore development and has an estimated resource reserve of 750 million barrels. “I am very aware of the responsibility now placed on our shoulders, a responsibility compounded for me by the fact that I am the first woman to hold this office,” she added.
“I do not need many words. My thanks and we will get to work.” “I will use all my knowledge, strength and insight to make our wealth available to all our fellow citizens, with special attention to our young people and those who have so far not had the opportunities to develop,” she added
