PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Suriname's government says it held “extensive” discussions with “cooperating trade unions” on Tuesday night but no solution had been reached regarding the increase in electricity rates.
President Chan Santokhi, ministers and experts in consultation with trade union representatives on Tuesday night (CDS photo)A statement issued by the Suriname Communications Service (CDS), quoted President Chandrikapersad Santokhi as indicating that his government has implemented a broad package of measures to improve the lives of the population.
“Our country is undergoing a reform programme by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which requires necessary but tough measures,” he said.
According to the government, diesel must be reduced by SRD10 (One SRD=US$0.03 cents) per liter, with electricity SRD260 per connection and “gas bombs’ of 28 pounds, more than SRD400 each.
Several opposition parties including the main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) have described the increased electricity rates as “illegal” claiming that the correct legal procedure was not followed.
The Trade Union Federation of Suriname, (C-47), which warned that the protest action earlier this week would last longer if the government does not give a favourable response to its concerns, was among unions at the meeting on Monday night.
According to the government statement, the unions made a presentation to the meeting with Natural Resources Minister, David Abiamofo, indicating that the government followed an “extensive dialogue with stakeholders before determining the cost price.
“The government has chosen a method in which no risks are taken and in which the energy supply for society is guaranteed. During the consultation it was agreed that technical discussions will be held by both the government and the trade unions about data and modalities used in determining energy prices.”
The statement said that a week has been set aside for this exercise after which the government and the trade unions will meet again.
President Santokhi said that the government is determined to promote the interests of society and take concrete measures to improve living conditions.
“If mistakes were made, they will be corrected,” he added.
