By Anton Lutter
Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons (71), a Surinamese physician and politician, made history on July 6, 2025, when she was elected as the country’s first female president. Her election came after a coalition deal between 6 six parties was struck in the National Assembly, following inconclusive May polls. Geerlings-Simons, who is a member of the National Democratic Party (NDP), ran unopposed and was elected with a two-thirds majority.
Born on September 5, 1953, in Paramaribo, Surinam, Geerlings-Simons began her career as a physician, specializing in dermatology and later working on the National HIV/AIDS program. She entered politics in 1996, serving multiple terms in the National Assembly. From 2010 to 2020, she was the Chairperson of the National Assembly, the second woman to hold that position. In July 2024, she became the leader of the NDP, which was founded by the late former President Desi Bouterse.
Geerlings-Simons takes office at a crucial time for Suriname. The country is facing economic challenges, including widespread frustration over austerity measures implemented by the previous administration. However, with offshore oil production expected to begin in 2028, there is also the promise of future wealth. Geerlings-Simons has stated that she will focus on stabilizing state finances and has pledged to boost revenues by tightening tax collection. She is tasked with steering the nation through this period of economic fragility, balancing public discontent with the potential for future prosperity.
The President in her inaugural speech:
“We know that we must now work to restore our public health, restore and improve our education system, and also strengthen productive sectors such as the vital agricultural sector and tourism, which will provide many with high-quality jobs and are crucial for the diversification necessary for greater economic resilience. We have found that this is easier said than done in a country that has so far relied heavily on mining: first bauxite, and now gold and oil.
We must now demonstrate, by working in new ways, that we are capable of broadening our economic base. We are taking over a country that still faces significant economic challenges today, but with bright prospects for the future if we can bridge the initial difficult years.
Fiscal discipline is desirable at every stage of our development, but will be especially important in the coming years. Yet, we must invest in our children and young people, preparing them for a successful life and a meaningful contribution to our society and economy. We must also invest in our public health and ensure that poverty does not suffocate our people. Increasing the state’s income without further impoverishing ordinary citizens is the government’s goal, and cooperation from the people and all sectors is required.
We are on the verge of a development driven by the oil and gas industry that will become a reality for Suriname within a few years. This industry can bring many benefits to our country. However, there are plenty of examples around the world of countries where the development of this sector has made only a few wealthy, while the rest of the country remains in poverty. The incoming government has the task of ensuring that profits from the oil and gas sector improve the living standards of all Surinamese people in Suriname.
We have little time left to prepare for this new phase in our economy. Much remains to be done, and this can only be achieved successfully with the participation of all Surinamese people, both within Suriname and internationally. The government will have to implement the special programs and establish the institutions that can truly achieve them. The continued decentralization of government will support these efforts. We will begin this process this year”
Her election has been recognized by international bodies, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA), as a historic achievement for the country. Geerlings-Simons will be joined by her running mate, Gregory Rusland of the National Party of Surinam (NPS) who was elected as vice-president. The inauguration of President Geerlings-Simons took place on July 16, 2025.
