GOVERNMENT STATEMENT
1996 - 2001

DELIVERED IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON TUESDAY, 1 OCTOBER 1996, BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SURINAME,
HIS EXCELLENCY DRS. J.A. WIJDENBOSCH

Mr. Speaker,

On this occasion, I would like to express a word of thanks to the members of all representative bodies, in particular to the National Assembly, the District Councils and the Local Councils, for the confidence that the majority of them have placed in me by electing me Head of State and Government of the Republic of Suriname.

I thank the former President [Mr. Venetiaan] and the former Vice-President [Mr. Ajodhia], and the members of the Venetiaan Administration for the efforts made by them in the national interest these past five years.

The results of the elections of 23 May last have manifested, both the at the national level [the elections in respect of the National Assembly] and at regional level [the elections in respect of the District and Local Councils] a shift in the balance of political power.

This shift is also expressed in the rejuvenation of the electoral corps, a less and less traditional electoral behaviour, a strong growth of political parties and a decline in the grassroots support for other political parties.

The results - for that matter, rather unique in the political history of Suriname - have laid a sound basis for a stable, broad-based coalition government, which should be able to exhibit a supranational character and guarantee permanency and wide party-political legitimacy.

Political opinions and positions did not allow a government configuration of such political nature, however.

Alternative possibilities which were concealed in the election results of 23 May 1996 have fortunately facilitated the formation of a government coalition which will be headed by me and should be sufficiently stable to lead our country towards a future which is filled with perspectives for coming generations of the Surinamese nation.

The political prerequisite to make the most of the development possibilities of Suriname for the benefit of our nation was found in the formation of a stable programme-coalition as the basis for the Wijdenbosch Administration, namely a cabinet with majority support in the National Assembly, which is assured of a broad or the broadest possible support in the representative bodies and which can count on fruitful cooperation with the National Assembly.

To secure stability and permanence of the Wijdenbosch Administration and to do everything possible as required by the national interest under present circumstances, endeavours were made during the consultation round prior to the formation of this government to find extra-parliamentary support.

This was done by incorporating the possibility for continuous dialogue between the government and relevant social groups, such as trade unions, the business sector, religious organizations and the media in the broadest sense, as the prime link of communication between Government and society.

The preparations which led to the formation of the Wijdenbosch Administration give reason for confidence in a government period for 1996-2001, which could lead, from a political, financial, economic and social point of view, to laying the foundation for a Suriname to gain a dignified place, both regionally and internationally.

Mr. Speaker,

One of the most important characteristics of the time in which the current Administration assumes its responsibilities is the transitional phase in which many changes have occurred on a global scale in political, economic and international relations. At the same time, we experience how technology, in particular technical progress, has transformed life completely and we see that, also as a consequence thereof, things which formerly seemed impossible and unattainable have now become possible and attainable.

The Wijdenbosch Administration takes the view that realism is necessary to survive in this changing world. Such realism must be based fundamentally on national orientation, courage, a sense of reality and unlimited love for one's country and people, and be directed towards the people.

Whatever changes may occur, we must never relinquish certain principles such as sovereignty, the right of self-determination, identity, self-realization, social justice and moral stability.

The Surinamese nation is facing the greatest problems in its history, namely:

- the problem of survival of the nation;

- the problem of uncertainty and lack of clarity about the commercial use of its natural resources;

- the problem of the status of the national independence of the Republic of Suriname from a political, economic and social point of view;

- the problem of the deterioration of morals.

It is the responsibility of us who make up the Surinamese nation, to forthwith lay the foundations for recovery by means of national reconstruction, which should be preceded by the creation of the best possible social conditions.

The government will create these conditions by immediately starting a so-called one-hundred day plan.

Mr. Speaker,

We face a difficult task, namely to effect such national reconstruction. This is a complex operation which will only succeed through an optimum combination and integration of forces and knowledge.

Leaders of functional groups have a responsibility to bear in this process. I therefore consulted these exponents before appointing the cabinet. I would like to assure them that in policy-making, their grievances, wishes and proposals will be given due consideration.

An extensive crisis reigns in our country. The government will have to act to fight poverty, guarantee minimal social security for every citizen, actually develop production, structurally address employment, and restore moral values.

Suriname is internationally known as a potentially rich country. The crisis, however, has caused our country to become one of the poor countries in our region. Large groups in society have lost their minimal social securities. This is alarming, but the government is of the opinion that there are possibilities to climb out of the abyss.

National reconstruction must therefore be seen as the greatest challenge in our history. This operation can only be successfully accomplished with concerted efforts.

National reconstruction must recognize the central position of the Surinamese people. This Administration will devote itself to a developmental process that is self-generating and continuous, resulting in a maximum output of our natural resources, which guarantees welfare and well-being for the Surinamese people.

The Government policy will be imbued with the principle of social justice. Within the framework of enjoyment of human rights, the government recognizes its social debt in respect of the affected segments of society. In the efforts to realize these rights, the government will settle this debt by taking cohesive compensatory measures.

In its foreign policy the Administration will adhere to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Organizations of the American States, and to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The foreign policy, in all its aspects, must anticipate our political, financial, economic, socio-cultural and educational needs and development.

Our links with the South American continent will be reinforced, among other things, by broadening and deepening our political, economic, trade and technical relations of cooperation on a bilateral level and within a multilateral context such as the Amazon Pact.

Apart from intensifying relations with Guyana, France, Venezuela and Brazil, efforts will be continued for further integration into the region, by means of active participation in the ACS, OAS and SELA.

This Administration will encourage that economic and cultural forces from our society be given the opportunity to truly benefit from our participation in CARICOM and ACP. As regards the policy implementation in this field. our point of departure is that such participation should be useful for us to realize our national and regional developmental objectives, particularly for enhancing our economic stability. An active information policy may contribute in this respect.

Participation in multilateral cooperation with the European Union and the ACP Group, and the development assistance provided through the LomJ Conventions, will continue to hold an important place.

The Administration highly appreciates a good and business-like relation of cooperation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In this regard, relations between the two countries must be based on mutual benefit, mutual trust and mutual respect, and preservation of our sovereignty. Intensifying our relations with the United States of America, the Kingdom of Belgium and the Federal Republic of Germany is also an important policy for the Government. The Administration will take initiatives to expand cooperation with China, Indonesia, India and Japan, and furthermore, it will explore new possibilities for cooperation with African countries and the Middle East.

In its foreign policy the Administration must take into account the global developments and changes, the formation of megablocs and the new conditions in international relations. The Administration will therefore seek relations of development to promote a self-generating economic growth. This implies that the task of our diplomatic missions abroad will become more arduous.

More than ever before, these missions should aim their activities at attracting production-oriented capital flows to our country and at widening our possibilities for participation in the international trade. Within the framework of implementing the policy outlined by the Administration, the missions abroad must undertake successful operations which may lead to expansion of the technical and economic possibilities for cooperation. Such activities must be aimed particularly at technical assistance - to gain know-how - and at the further stimulation of agricultural and industrial production in our country.

The global developments which were mentioned earlier, necessitate systematic policy adjustments. Modern international developments are occurring, which cannot be passed by in the implementation of the policy. Reference is made to new views on regionalization and integration, on fighting poverty and a responsible global distribution of wealth, on solving conflicts through dialogue and on diplomacy and peace and progress across the globe.

The protection and actual enjoyment of democratic values are at the centre of our government policy. Our democratic rule of law should be a stable state in which social justice prevails and the universal rights and freedoms of humankind and fundamental rights are actually enjoyed, resulting in:

[1] a guarantee for minimal social security for every citizen;

[2] an equal quality of life for all, thus safeguarding harmony;

[3] possibilities for women to develop their potentialities, resulting in their increased participation in the social structures and better care for the children;

[4] a prudent approach to moral degradation so that new high moral standards may guide our conduct.

The society is greatly threatened by a moral crisis, as a consequence of which standards are lacking and people take the law into their own hands. The Administration intends to eliminate this moral crisis through a programme for moral restoration.

The Administration will establish a communication platform from which civil servants and representatives of ideological mechanisms and the state media will together deal with the moral re-education of the nation. The Council of Ministers will prepare the introduction of moral values into the curricula of institutions for formal education.

In the politico-administrative sector, the Administration will carry out a policy aimed at self-development, independence and self-improvement of the regional bodies. The regional bodies which were established in 1987, are basic cells within our democracy. The reasons why the regional bodies have not been able to function as required by the Constitution, should be attributed also to the manner in which the administrative decentralization was dealt with in the Regional Bodies Act and, furthermore, to the absence of a motivating decentralization policy. The Administration holds the opinion that our democracy shall become stronger when a sense of responsibility is recognized and put into practice in the district community. Good state citizenship starts with good local citizenship.

The transformation of the distant and centralist administration in the districts into a people-oriented administration in a decentralist context, will be vigorously pursued by the Administration. In this transformation, the principal point of departure is citizen participation, upon which any democratic administration should be founded. The government has the task to serve and must aim at the people, and its distance from the citizens should be as small as possible.

The development function which should be given to the decentralization of lawmaking and administration must find expression in the government policy. The principle of regional distribution of wealth and well-being will take a central position in this. Through spreading responsibilities and equipping the underlying structures with adequate means, the government will give shape to the regional development of the geographic areas of the State by means of local autonomy and co-government.

In the decentralization policy, high priority will be given to:

- creating such conditions which will allow the regional bodies to function properly;

- awarding co-responsibility to the regional bodies with respect to the regional development policy and environmental planning;

- establishing regional planning bodies, regional training centres for local administration and supporting secretariats;

- establishing a fund for regional administration from which financial contributions are allocated to lower bodies and legal entities operating under their supervision;

- providing for the legal status and adequate remuneration of the council members;

- drawing special attention to and taking measures for the realization of practicable decentralizing structures in the interior, thereby taking into account the traditional structures that are already in place.

The Administration will take measures which may lead to the elimination of bottlenecks in the rendering of services. The licensing system will be subjected to a thorough evaluation. The attitude in providing services in respect of licenses should not be patronizing and discouraging, thus disheartening entrepreneurs, but should be positive and customer-oriented. The extension of services by the District Commissioner's Office will be improved. Through automation, among other things, bureaucratic procedures will be shortened and simplified. The quality of the administrative machinery will be improved through trainings.

With a view to national reconstruction, my Administration will realize the following main objectives in the financial and monetary field:

- restore confidence in the Surinamese currency within the country and abroad;

- restore confidence in the payment discipline of the Government;

- facilitate production activities to satisfy the necessities of life;

- maintain a fixed foreign exchange rate;

- return to a normal interest level in accordance with international norms.

Difficult as the realization of economic stability may be, the Administration will not shy away from the problems or from the unexpected budget deficit which experts have computed to be as much as 18 billion for the administrative year of 1996. In consultation with the monetary authorities, the Administration will take adequate measures within the framework of monetary stability, with special emphasis on budgetary discipline, the policy on subsidies and the fiscal policy.

In the sphere of taxation, the Administration will take new measures including: general sales tax and a tax on unearned interest and periodical payments abroad. Furthermore, value-added tax (VAT) will be introduced. To strengthen the financial status of the regional bodies, levies will be imposed on certain government facilities, including an environmental tax. Within the framework of encouraging national production, tariff reductions will apply for entrepreneurs - like elsewhere in the Region.

In the Government Policy high priority will be given to the development of the planning capacity and the increase of the effectiveness of planning. Measures will be taken to strengthen expertise.

Planning procedures shall be established. Within the framework of a rational policy development, in particular in support of planning, the Administration will take initiatives so that the government will have at its disposal quantifiable starting points, quantified aims and quantifiable results. With regard to the planning for state enterprises, the Administration will establish a council for state enterprises with the purpose of improving the operations of the state enterprises.

The Administration will take measures to improve financial planning. Within this framework, the 1951 Treasury Act will be adapted to the requirements of modern financial management and, furthermore, to the changes introduced into the organization of the government, on the basis of the Constitution of 1987.

The Administration gives top priority to the determination and implementation of a programme of legislation in preparation of the organic laws dictated by the Constitution. Provisions will be made to reinforce the Bureau for Legislation with experts.

The Administration will take measures to ensure a proper staffing of the Judiciary.

The Administration will take initiatives to lead to the establishment of the Constitutional Court in 1997.

The Government Policy will provide for legal assistance for the financially weak. The different bureaus for legal assistance will be given legal status.

Through new legislation, the admission and settlement of aliens will be better geared toward the situation on the labour market. New criteria will be applied in the naturalization of aliens, so as to promote their integration into society.

The judicial authorities will dedicate themselves to fighting crime with a coherent package of measures. The Administration will vigorously deal with drug-related crime. Also on the basis of advice obtained abroad, a National Anti-Drugs Council [NAR] will be established on the basis of a legal regulation.

Within this framework as well, a properly equipped Narcotics Squad will be created, and provided with adequate technical aids and means of transportation. By way or precaution against material temptations, the Squad will have to subject itself to an ethical code.

Within the framework of the fight against drugs, the Police Force will collaborate with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). The Administration will work at the institutional reinforcement of the Procurator General's Office in respect of criminal investigation and prosecution.

The Prisoners' Welfare Department will be given special attention in the judicial policy. The progress made in combatting recidivism should gradually become noticeable. The Prisoners' Welfare Department will embark upon the process of rehabilitation.

In its policy on youth, the Administration will give consideration to preventing juvenile delinquency and to the (re-)integration of young people into society. Special attention will thus be given to education, meaningful recreation, assistance and employment. Furthermore, an information project will be mounted in respect of deviant behaviour at schools, such as theft, threats, destruction of school property, chronic truancy. This project should give positive incentives for better conduct.

Also on the basis of the development of networks among social work, police and youth welfare work, compliance with the Compulsory Education Act will be closely supervised.

Apart from the measures mentioned, the Administration will award great priority to the establishment of counselling centres and youth centres for derailed youngsters, in which the process of education and training will be continued.

The policy within penal institutions will be improved, particularly as regards socialization and work therapy, which should result as much as possible in subsistence activities. The feasibility of introducing alternative punishments will be studied.

The management of the Suriname Police Corps, its technical and material equipment and housing will be improved and strengthened as a matter of priority. Opportunities to follow specialist trainings will be afforded.

Within the framework of curbing the smuggling of goods, the Police Corps will be reinforced with other armed services. Starting from the integrity advocated by and within the government, the Administration will not tolerate corrupt practices within the public service. In view of moral re-education, the Administration will take steps in preparation of a law on integrity. Participation in this process by functional groups will be channelled via the communications platform mentioned earlier.

The Administration's policy on personnel will focus on a systematic improvement of the government apparatus by function-related trainings, among other things.

Instruments which will be deployed within the framework of improving the government apparatus and the Administration's personnel policy, are a more stringent application of the Personnel Act and regular civil servant registration.

The Administration will take measures to improve population registration. The legal instruments will be adapted to the requirements of the times, while the services will be extended by a larger number of auxiliary departments, which will be better distributed, people-oriented and customer-friendly. The Civil Registry will be modernized and adequately equipped.

A policy issue that merits special attention according to the Government, is the living conditions of retirees. The Administration will leave no stone unturned to regularly improve their status.

The Administration pursues equal chances for development and education for every citizen. It is convinced that the pursuance of a balanced socio-economic development will only be consolidated by active participation of women and men alike. A proportional participation of women in decision-taking processes will contribute to the further development of the entire society.

In order to carry out, on the short term, as stable a policy as possible, which is based on a wide participation process and forms part of the processes of national planning and development, the Administration will integrate gender policy into the Government policy.

This will eventually result in all aspects and facets of the Government Policy being tested for proportional quantitative and qualitative involvement of men and women, on the one hand, and for the stable manner in which they are the beneficiaries of the further development of society, on the other hand.

Within this framework of sorely needed nation-building in Suriname, in which this Administration underlines the role of women and young people, we cannot but give priority to their development.

The structural integration of the problems concerning nation-building and population development demands attention at the highest level.

The Administration will adjust the relevant legal regulations so that equality of men and women will be expressed therein. In the Administration's policy concerning appointment of professionally qualified women will not be discriminated.

The Administration's policy will further be aimed at boosting the political and social awareness of women. Furthermore, the policy will facilitate and support women's organizations in the further implementation of their programmes. The Administration would like the relevant women's organizations to pay special attention to women in the districts and in the interior, who are considered the most deprived of all women in the country.

This Administration will seek a solution to have our politico- historic documents which are stored in the Netherlands returned to Surinamese possession. After the building of the National Assembly and other government buildings burned down, many documents were lost. The transfer of the historic heritage to the Surinamese State is now more than ever necessary. In view hereof the Administration is giving consideration to precautionary measures. The Administration is aware of the necessity to protect our public records. Hence, measures such as the establishment of an additional archives depository will be taken as soon as possible, and documents will be put on microfilm. Preparations for the preservation of our public records will be made as well in that this Administration will take measures for the training of qualified archivists, if necessary with the assistance of external experts.

The State recognizes the right of freedom of religion and philosophy of life. The good relations which successive governments have maintained with relevant groups, will be strengthened. Within the framework of the possibilities available, the Administration will assume a supportive attitude.

The Administration will improve the living conditions in the districts and the interior by working energetically to extend, improve and adjust the water supply system, energy supply and telephone network in the regions concerned.

The installation of transmission apparatus in all principal towns in the districts and in population concentrations will be completed, and a broadcasting policy that is adjusted to local conditions will be carried out.

The maintenance and improvement of the waterworks and the relevant secondary and tertiary roads will be taken up effectively.

This Administration will take the necessary provisions to enable the Council for Development of the Interior to operate properly. With regard to the issue of land rights, the Administration demands great decisiveness from the council. In view of the accelerated reconstruction and development of the interior, the tasks of this council will be expanded.

In order to support the reconstruction and development of the interior manageable administrative entities will be established in the interior, including new administrative areas in Sipaliwini. The housing and living conditions in the interior will be steadily improved.

The Accord for National Reconciliation and Development will be further carried out. Measures will be taken for the resocialization of groups which were involved in the armed conflict in the interior.

This Administration will take measures for a good performance of defensive tasks. The policy on defence will also be aimed at widening the civil-military relations within our society, whereby the armed forces will be given the opportunity to perform the constitutional tasks. Existing military structures will be employed to support, among other things, health care, education, transport, infrastructure, and for the protection of the economic interest of our country.

The training programme of the Ministry of Defence will be extended. The National Army will be provided with adequate means of transportation, personal standard equipment and other military necessities.

The Administration intends to achieve a structural conversion of our economy through national reconstruction. Suriname has possibilities to create welfare and prosperity for its population. A prerequisite is the rational utilization of the potential natural resources. The intended reconstruction is a means thereto. Development is only possible when humankind is thereby awarded a central place.

The Administration will dynamically work at effecting national reconstruction, among other things by optimally employing qualified personnel, and further by establishing functional services. On a medium-long term, our economy must be converted from an aid-depending economy into an autonomous, national, manageable and controllable production economy.

The process of conversion is also aimed at changing the irrational investment and spending policy and the service sector which has grown out of proportions. With the necessary decisiveness the Administration will transform the current economic structures which do not contribute to economic growth and production, into a production economy. The national development endeavours form the effective basis of this new order. The development strategy chosen, the production system and investments from the national savings in production should be considered as important incentives of this process.

To increase and strengthen production, the Administration will establish a council for production which will be charged with developing a production system.

The production policy will concentrate on the following sectors:

agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries; forestry and mining; energy and industry; artisanal industry, construction and tourism. Import substitution and export promotion are important objectives of this production policy.

Supported by the private sector, the Administration will endeavour to develop national entrepreneurship. As part of the development strategy, production will be increased, national, controllable projects will be implemented and priority will be given to natural resources.

This process of national reconstruction will also deal with the unequal distribution of income and wealth. The Administration will take measures to bring about a just distribution of income and wealth.

The general purpose of the income and pricing policy is to achieve a situation in which wages and prices are not determined at random and arbitrarily, but by economic factors.

The fickleness of wages and prices has adverse effects on the purchasing power.

In the context of national reconstruction a coherent package of measures is needed. New institutions will be established such as a socio-economic council and a council for national development. The implementation of a national automation project and an integral planning report of the government must result in more rational working methods.

The SGS control on quality and pricing will be reintroduced. Sectorally determined [profit] margins will be fixed when establishing prices and expenses.

Price control and price stabilization will be rehabilitated as part of the price control mechanism. This Administration will elaborate an integrated national classification model for wages and professions, on the basis of which minimum wages and compensations for wage-earners may be determined.

Suriname relies partly on international cooperation for its development. Reasons for establishing cooperation may be capital, know-how, technology and potential markets.

This Administration will base its decisions to attract foreign capital on rational considerations.

Growth through development will thereby be a guiding principle. Our country should benefit as much as possible from these investments, on the basis of which further development and new stability may be achieved.

Important criteria shall be that investments must result in the increase of the National Added Value and that they must generate positive effects on the medium-long term.

The investment policy will be founded on fixed guidelines, and will clearly indicate the sectors in which foreign participation is desired with a view to production development and growth.

The investment legislation will clearly outline the Administration's desire for growth and development.

This Administration would like to have the Investment Act passed before long, which will not only lay down the government's view on development, but also indicate the place awarded to the State, the national entrepreneur and the foreign investor.

The Constitution lays down the objectives of the State within the economic order. Within society the State operates from several positions: sometimes arranging and coordinating, encouraging and supporting, as well as collecting and (re-) distributing, sometimes as a higher power, and sometimes as an enterprising body in state companies. At an economic level the State undertakes significantly less than the private sector. The Administration holds the view that the economy must, to an important extent, be borne by the private sector. According to the Constitution, the State has the responsibility to provide for this sector: it must promote and guarantee production as far as possible.

In view of enhancing the earning capacity and the generation of national currency, this Administration will conduct a strong facilitative policy by means of a package of encouraging and supportive measures in favour of the private sector. This policy should result, among other things, in a just distribution income and wealth.

This Administration will deal with the poor management in certain state companies. Measures will be taken to make these companies profitable.

The government has not yet been able to take note of convincing arguments explaining why privatization of these enterprises always offers better prospects than other possibilities.

The Government Policy will be directed towards increasing agricultural production. This policy will give attention to diversification and qualitative and quantitative improvement of the product assortment. If these objectives are realized, several management features, such as financing, input provision, marketing, research and development, will be tackled integrally. The semi-governmental companies will be commercialized.

In the framework of export increase, the bottlenecks in a number of sectors of agricultural production, such as the rice sector, must be dealt with shortly. The infrastructure in particular must be reconstructed on the short term. The government will design an investment programme which will give high priority to catching up with arrears in the machine capacity for paddy production and the water management system of the MCP.

Once a body for deliberation and consultation has been installed, the need for inputs such as urea, chemicals and machine parts can be provided for regularly.

In the plan of action for the rice sector, provisions will be made to tackle the water and irrigation problems of the Coronie District and in Wageningen. This plan includes the establishment of an authority to determine and regulate the need and supply of water in the Saramacca District.

In view of consumer protection and an efficient utilization of inputs a law will be enacted with regulations for a proper use of pesticides and insecticides.

The services tailored to the promotion of agriculture will be enhanced by introducing, among other things, new technological developments which encourage productivity. Furthermore, vigorous action will be taken as regards the training of farmers and the stimulation of the private sector. Products, wholesale buyers, processing companies, exporters and agricultural organizations will be involved in the planning and implementation of the policy.

The credit facilities of the Landbouwbank N.V. for agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries will be improved.

Agrotechnological research aimed at product development and company support will be expanded. The policy on animal husbandry will be aimed at increasing meat and dairy production. The research into the production of fodder based on local raw materials will be resumed. Local production of hatching eggs will be encouraged and provisions will be made for the export of beef. High priority will be given to measures to guard the fishing grounds, while coastal and river mouth fisheries will be encouraged by the introduction and efficient exploitation of mini-fishery stations.

Aquaculture will be further developed.

This Administration hold the view that Surinamese who want to utilize state-owned land should be given the opportunity to do so. After the land is issued, the government will see to it that it is exploited in accordance with the purpose for which it was issued.

The administrative procedure with respect to applications for land has been a problem for some time now, causing the annoyance of many persons concerned, who have been waiting for long periods. This Administration will change this shortly by means of automation and other rational procedures. The issuance of land and land registration will be included in the automation project.

As far as natural resources are concerned in the mining, forestry, energy and water supply sectors, the government will conduct a dynamic policy aimed at a rational exploitation. With regard to the policy on land, the government will come to a rational administrative processing which will ensure that relatively rapid decisions can be take on the applications for land. The applications for and the issuance of land will be computerized, and the supervision on land use will be intensified.

Decisions on cooperation with foreign investors will also be based on guidelines established for the investment policy. In taking such decisions, this Administration will take into account that protection of the environment is one of the aims of the policy on energy in order to be self-supporting in our own energy needs. In view of the preparatory work that has been carried out in the course of years, the government will be decisive in taking the necessary steps, so that the energy problem will be eliminated by the time this period of administration has ended. This problem can be tackled by increasing the capacity of the State Oil Company and its oil refinery and by developing the hydro-electric capacity which abounds. Furthermore, the plans already developed for the utilization of solar energy and micro hydro-electric power for energy supply in the interior and the expansion of the capacity of the Energy Supply Company EBS will also be carried out in this government period.

The Administration appreciates the endeavours of experts in preparing forestry agreements with foreign investors. This ingenious preparatory work was concluded even though there is not even a clear investment policy or an investment act in our country. Before launching the last stage in the decision-making process concerning the implementation of this huge forestry project, whose eminent importance for our socio-economic development cannot be denied, this Administration will deliberate with the most relevant actors involved. Pending this deliberation, the draft agreements will be subjected to close consideration.

The policy on forestry will also be directed towards making available traditional timber production grounds to national forestry producers. Reorganization will be aimed at increasing the efficiency of these companies. The people of the interior will be given the opportunity to carry out small-scale forestry projects which can supply local demand. In the policy, due account will be given to this matter by taking measures for nature preservation and the protection of the eco-system. Eco-tourism to protected areas will be encouraged.

The Administration will give constant attention to acquiring higher earnings from the bauxite sector, while new possibilities for exploration will be studied as well. Research will also be carried out for other mining products, such as diamonds, kaolin, felspar, broken stone, etc.

The Administration's general policy will be that concessions granted and agreements concluded for the exploitation of ores be harmonized. If a concession gives exploration rights for gold, other precious metals and diamonds, while the agreement mentions only gold, problems will arise. The government will be careful not to be confronted by such problems.

Besides the planned, large-scale gold exploitation, this Administration will pay special attention to the exploitation in smaller entities, which benefit the people of the interior. Guidance of these local gold diggers will enjoy high priority. In this framework credit loans, equipment and a good purchasing system are considered important.

The Government Policy will be non-discriminatory as far as the allocation of facilities is concerned, where Surinamese nationals shall not be considered less important.

In the area of natural stone exploration, the Administration will expand the already implemented research by making use of foreign expertise from, for instance, Italy if this is deemed necessary. A research centre for natural stone will be established in the first year of our government period.

High quality potable water is a high priority. The best possible water management is an urgent requirement for agriculture. A strategy will be developed for the supply of potable water and industrial water. Thus, not only will the requirements of the domestic market be met, but also those of the regional markets.

This Administration will take measures which to promote regular deliberation among government, the trade-union movement and trade and industry. In this regard tripartite deliberation is considered a realistic and effective institutional framework. The determination of a social agreement which lays down codes of conduct is considered desirable. This agreement should also lay down national minimum wages and a national regulation for a minimum pension.

Furthermore, this agreement can contribute towards legitimizing decision-making on matters such as investments, prices, wages, taxes, labour conditions, promoting employment, and trainings.

The Administration will have the labour legislation evaluated and, where necessary, adjusted. Incentives of the people related to employment opportunities will be staunchly supported. The possibilities created by the social investment fund will have to be liberalized by the government and by personal endeavours in order to respond constantly to the needs of small traders, small entrepreneurs and cooperatives.

This Administration will install a council for cooperatives which will be responsible for integrating cooperatives into the system of labour relations. This council will make proposals for the manner in which cooperatives can contribute to the creation of jobs.

My government will take measures so that institutions in charge of vocational training and finding jobs will be able to improve their work with a view to controlling unemployment.

The most significant objective of our social policy is to establish a society based on the principle of social justice.

An important feature of this principle is the idea of solidarity. In Suriname, the social security system consists of:

- industrial accidents insurance

- medical insurance

- family allowance

- pregnancy allowance

- old-age pension

- disability allowance

- widow's pension and orphan's allowance

- general medical insurance

- solidarity fund and unemployment benefit.

It is the government's opinion that in the division of burdens the point of departure should be individual purchasing power. With regard to national reconstruction this Administration aims at integrating the social securities into one body. Such an integration will lead to a proper overview. Furthermore, integration is considered advisable in view of controllability, at the same time providing a clear picture of the social security contributions and the increase of the social benefits.

In this period of government, and in the ambit of national reconstruction, my Administration intends to realise a national social security system. Several other measures, however, should be implemented first, such as:

1. the national health service will have to be transformed into a general health insurance;

2. a general pension scheme will have to be established with a minimum pension linked to the cost of living for all retirees.

The government will assign the execution of this national social security system to an executive body, called the National Insurance Fund, the NVVF.

In 1997 a solidarity fund will be set up. This fund will provide the financial means for the relief, counselling, care and nursing of the disabled. In case of disasters, such as fires and other calamities to be further specified, the fund will also be able to provide social benefits. The fund's income will be secured from public resources and, furthermore, from a levelling taxation of 1% of the gross income.

The Government Policy is aimed at promoting social independence. As regards the many people entitled to Old Age Pension, my Administration acknowledges a social debt that cannot at all be compensated for by the social safety net, which is considered too much as social goodwill. This Administration wants to compensate its social debt to this group in a manner that does justice to the intended social independence. In this regard the government will increase the Old Age Pensions considerably in 1997, so that the retirees will no longer be dependent on goodwill. The increase of the Old Age Pensions will naturally be linked to an increase in the premium.

Social services are provided to the citizens not only by the government but also by non-governmental organizations. The government will continue to support, financially and otherwise, individual initiatives in this area from private organizations. For a proper structuring such support will be given a legal basis, creating rules for the establishment, management and exploitation of institutions for social services.

To solve the problem of childcare for working mothers, facilities will be provided to promote the building and furnishing of daycare and nightcare centres for children in several residential areas.

Proper housing is an important factor in realising the objectives for well-being. The government has a constitutional responsibility to design a proper housing plan.

The government will undertake large-scale reorganizational and renovation activities and, furthermore, design a national housing scheme. First, an inventory will be made of the houses to be completed. Completion of these houses will be effected resolutely. May Administration wants the study on housing conditions and the inventory of persons seeking housing to be realised as soon as possible, so that a programme for housing projects can commence in 1997.

Within the framework of the housing scheme, individual building activities will be supported. The development and production of building materials with the aid of local raw materials will be stimulated.

Measures will be taken to strengthen the university intrinsically and structurally, and with materials. For poorer students housing facilities near the university will be provided.

The Administration will endeavour to gain more from cooperation with foreign universities than is thus far the case.

Measures will be taken which should lead to increasing the efficiency of the university and the Institute for Advanced Teacher Training.

By way of policy measures, such as development and periodical adjustment of the curricula, and through the reorganization of the examinations system, better educated students will be able to graduate from school without stagnation. Teacher training for pre-school and primary education will be adjusted and strengthened structurally and intrinsically.

Furthermore, the problems at the Christian teacher training college will be dealt with effectively. Programmes will be developed in cooperation with the media to lead to better achievements in schools. Possibilities will also be offered for homework guidance. Education facilities will be extended and the government will ensure that there are sufficient educational tools and equipment. Schools will be renovated, and attention will be given to school libraries.

This Administration will set up an institute with the aim to gear primary education and technical and vocational training to the needs of the labour market. The government, the trade-union movement and trade and industry will participate in this institute. Agricultural education at a primary level will be started again.

Measures will be taken for the regular maintenance of material provisions for all types of schools. The possibilities for second-chance education will be extended. After a specific study has been carried out as to the adequate approach, literacy campaigns will be started.

The policy on youth will receive new impulses for development.

In the sports policy, active participation of the school population in sports will be propagated and stimulated. Furthermore, the care and coaching of sports people in different community centres will be intensified. In the intended decentralization sufficient facilities for sports and recreational activities will be distributed in the city, districts and interior.

Sports will be intensively stimulated on an international level by offering additional facilities to extraordinarily talented persons.

The Administration will involve sports organizations in the decision-making on the sports policy, support their activities, and provide assistance where needed.

The policy on culture will be aimed at broadening and deepening the knowledge of the people as to the content, values and backgrounds of our cultural expressions, so that the national cultural identity can develop from a broad basis.

The policy on culture will also be aimed at cultural expression and must contribute to our national development. My Administration will augment international cultural cooperation.

The policy on mass communication will be given proper substance in consultation with the organizations involved.

In the Government Policy several provisions will be taken to regulate the organization of public health, such as:

1. setting up a national council for public health;

2. improving management structures in public health;

3. adjusting public health legislation to the demands of the times;

4. continuing the privatization process of government hospitals;

5. restoration of the public health structures in the interior.

Furthermore, the government will make public health affordable and accessible to all, and guarantees an systematic supply of medicines. The pricing of medicines will be supervised. The health service will be given a more national character.

Measures will be taken to restore and renew installations and equipment in the hospitals. The outpatients' clinics will be renovated.

Measures will also be taken to alleviate the lack of trained health workers. The policy will also be aimed at providing a motivated and optimum service in health centres.

The information-flow in the fight against the use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol, and in the fight against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases will be intensified.

In the interior malaria will be tackled. Setting up a national environmental policy is on the agenda as well. This policy will be aimed at protecting our rain forest and the rest of our eco-system.

Supervision of the observance of the laws on the use of pesticides, insecticides, the handling of industrial and other waste materials, and other actions that are detrimental to our environment will receive special attention.

Particular attention will be given to repairing and the maintenance of our infrastructure. Coastal and bank protection works for production areas will be restored to good condition and regularly maintained.

A national road scheme will be set up. Provisions for the traffic situation will be made on the basis of this scheme. The urban development act and the building act will be revised.

The proliferation in the building sector will be curbed by means of regulations. Additional standards and conditions will be laid down for the practice of professions in this sector, such as that of consultant and contractor.

For construction workers and other professionals specific training programmes will be organized.

The waste-disposal service, processing service, soil-testing laboratory, the hydrodynamics department, and the weather service will be privatized.

The government will set up a realistic programme for building bridges across the Coppename and Suriname Rivers, and will endeavour to realise this plan.

The Administration strives after the availability and accessibility of services to optimize transportation and communication, hence making the desired contribution to the economic development.

As regards water transport, the existing harbour facilities will be reconditioned. Furthermore, the necessary technical adjustments will be made to facilitate modern international transport. The Suriname Shipping Service, the SMS, will be given the opportunity to participate once again in the international maritime transport. Decisions will be taken regarding investments in existing ferry services.

In order to realize the objectives set several necessary purchases will be made to extend the transport capacity. In view of the expansion of the services of the SMS to tourists - offering river trips - a study will be made as to how the company can be involved.

Measures will be taken to make the Surinamese rivers more easily navigable and our harbour accessible.

Furthermore, provisions will be made for buoyage and beakening.

The legal regulations will be renewed with regard to maritime transport. Furthermore, a harbour authority will be created.

The development of trade relations with foreign countries and our integration into the region justify an efficient international system of air transport.

The legislation, the aviation policy, the existing aviation acts and the national aviation company, Surinam Airways, are instrumental thereto. The Administration will evaluate all components within the aviation sector intensively and, consequently, make decisions which are beneficial to the policy.

The government will take resolute measures that the tourist sector can be developed, giving special consideration to eco-tourism. Administrative obstacles concerning required visas will be eliminated and facilities will be improved.

Attractive locations will be made accessible and foreign investors will be sought. Furthermore, possibilities will be investigated for making eco-tourism bloom with the help of international organizations.

In the policy on telecommunications the government will look into the global technological progress of telecommunications, and introduce these new possibilities of communication in our country. The Telecommunication Company TELESUR will be given the opportunity to implement these techniques in our country. The national and international telecommunications infrastructure will be further expanded and improved, in Paramaribo as well as in the districts.

Furthermore, the interior will be integrated in the national broadcasting system. A broadcasting council will be set up.

Mister Speaker,

The government is at the starting point of carrying out the difficult task to bring an accelerated development to our people. We beg the Almighty to give us his blessing to bring this difficult endeavour to a successful end.

Mr. Speaker,

After having presented the outline of the Government Policy Statement for the period 1996-2001 to the National Assembly, the draft budget for the working year 1997 will also be formally presented.

This presentation is in accordance with the provisions of Article 156, paragraph 3 of our Constitution, which states that the budget should be submitted to the National Assembly annually and on the first working day of October at the latest.

Mr. Speaker,

The submission of the budget for the year 1997 takes place under extraordinary circumstances.

In the first place, the preparation of this draft budget had to take place in the period between the general elections on 23 May of this year and the transfer of power on 14 September last.

The estimates which were available after my inauguration as regards the actual situation of the state finances over the year 1996, as well as the estimates for 1997, provided an incomplete picture of our financial position.

Although an all-out effort was made these last weeks, the exact figures could not be determined, as a result of which they are still temporary.

Mr. Speaker,

The policy of my Administration, which was just outlined to the National Assembly, sets the framework for the government period of five years. We wish to confer with your august body on the policy to be followed, so that the required parliamentary permission can be obtained.

Only after the policy for the full five years has been determined will we be able to present you with the policy to be conducted annually, together with the financial consequences of the implementation thereof.

This is, Mr. Speaker, the second reason why the budget which we submit to parliament today, had to be a temporary one.

Mr. Speaker,

In our draft budget for the working year 1997 we were forced to restrict ourselves to the estimates of income and expenditure required for the continuation of departmental activities, and to meet the current and necessary obligations. The figures which are now presented to the National Assembly comprise only the costs for staff, materials and transportation and the necessary and specific departmental expenditures.

In this sense, Mr. Speaker, the budget for 1997, in its current form should be viewed as a "technical budget" in which substantiation of the policy has not taken place yet.

This Administration therefore meets the requirements of the Constitution as laid down in Article 156, paragraph 3, but is fully aware of the fact that the estimates will have to be fundamentally revised.

The government does not doubt that the National Assembly will understand the circumstances described and the solution which was chosen.

We promise you that the policy programme for the year 1997 will be presented to you with the revised estimates of income and expenditure as soon as the policy for that year has been determined.

Notes of amendment will be submitted to the National Assembly for the departmental budgets as well as for the Estimate of Funds to meet the expenses for the working year 1997.

Mr. Speaker,

We have calculated that, with the extended and intensive inventory that we have begun, together with the realization of our policy programme for the year 1997, we will be able to present to this Body realistic estimates within a reasonable period of time.

In this regard, Mister Speaker, it must be noted that the inventory should also enable us to present you the revised draft budget for the working year 1996, which was presented to you in September 1995 through notes of amendment.

Besides the realization of the presented estimates, the budgetary consequences of my Administration's one-hundred day emergency plan will be incorporated.

Mr. Speaker,

The problems which face our country are given extra dimension by the condition of our public finances.

Government and parliament, in joint consultation, will have to take those measures to cope with the distressing situation at hand.

Together we shall lead our people with inspired leadership and maximum effort towards realizing our objectives.

Those objectives are initially to take care of, solve or alleviate the problems of the people while laying a basis for financial stability and a healthy growth and development.

It is in this light, Mr. Speaker, that I now present you with the draft budget for the working year 1997.

Thank you.

Paramaribo, 1 October 1996