PARAMARIBO – In a historic moment for Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons was officially sworn in as the country’s first female president during a ceremony held today at the Nesty Indoor Stadium in Paramaribo.
Simons, a former Speaker of Parliament and a medical doctor by profession, received the presidential sash from outgoing President Chan Santokhi, who led the nation since 2020. The stadium erupted in applause as Simons took the oath of office, joined by dignitaries, diplomats, regional representatives, and special guests including Venezuela’s Vice President and a delegation from Ghana.
A Political Shift
Jennifer Simons, 71, is the leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), which secured 18 seats in the May 25 general elections. The NDP has formed a majority coalition with five other parties and alliances that contributed an additional 16 seats, granting the new governing bloc control of the National Assembly.
The new Vice President, Gregory Rusland, head of the National Party Suriname (NPS), was sworn in before Simons. He succeeds Ronnie Brunswijk, who stepped down to return to Parliament. Brunswijk's party is also part of the new coalition government. He left the stage to applause, marking the end of his vice presidency.
“Tante Jenny” Breaks the Glass Ceiling
Nicknamed "Tante Jenny" (Aunt Jenny) by many in Suriname, Simons has been a prominent political figure for nearly three decades. She made her mark as Speaker of the National Assembly, where she was known for her strong leadership and reform-driven approach.
Her election is widely viewed as a symbol of progress and empowerment in a country where no woman has previously held the highest office. Simons is the mother of three children, one of whom is deceased, and is deeply respected across party lines.
High Hopes Amid Economic Challenges
Simons takes office at a time when Suriname faces serious economic turmoil, including rising inflation, healthcare deficiencies, educational challenges, and unaffordable basic goods. However, optimism surrounds the upcoming exploitation of offshore oil reserves, which could generate billions in revenue for the nation.
The new president has pledged to focus on economic recovery, good governance, and social development, as her administration works to stabilize the country and improve living standards for all Surinamese citizens.
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ swearing-in is not just a political milestone—it marks a new chapter in Suriname’s democratic journey, one that many hope will be defined by progress, unity, and resilience.
