Jennifer Geerlings-Simons - A Profile by Susannah Oluwaseun

Getting to Know Jennifer Geerlings-Simons

One of the biggest surprises I encountered after moving to the UK was that many people did not know what Suriname was or where it is located. As a Nigerian raised in the Netherlands, my main exposure to the Caribbean was through Surinamese culture. Most of this exposure came from my best friend, who introduced me to Saoto, one of the best soups I’ve had to date, as well as the Surinamese religion Winti. Therefore, when Jennifer Geerlings-Simons was elected as Suriname’s first female president on 6 July 2025, this was of significance to me.

President Simons started her career as a medical doctor. She subsequently entered the political arena in 1996 when she was elected as a member of the National Assembly for Paramaribo. In 2010, President Simons became the chair of the National Assembly and served two terms. President Simons was elected leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in July 2024, the party she has been a member of since beginning her political career.  

What’s Next?

Suriname is facing several challenges, including austerity and corruption. However, after offshore oil was found, the country is expected to generate billions from 2028 onwards. The discovery of offshore oil has seemingly also generated a renewed US interest in Suriname. President Simons' focus is on running a transparent government which battles corruption. She wants to reduce the country’s debt and improve education, healthcare, agriculture and tourism. During her inauguration, she expressed that “De armoede moet ons niet verslikken” – poverty should not choke us.

With ties to the former president and founder of the NDP, Desi Bouterse, who was convicted of drug-trafficking and extra-judicial killings, President Simons must differentiate herself. Luckily, she already has a strong political track record to support her. President Simons remains popular among young voters,  who refer to her as “Aunty Jennie”. However, until Suriname can cash in on its oil, President Simons has a tough road ahead to deliver on her promises to the Surinamese people.

Sources:

BlackPast, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons.
Al Jazeera, Suriname elects first female president amid economic uncertainty.
US Department of State, Secretary Rubio’s Call with President Geerlings-Simons of Suriname.
NOS, Surinaamse president Simons beëdiging: armoede moet ons niet verstikken.
NOS, Verkiezingen Suriname, wie is Jennifer Simons?
Starnieuws, Corruptie, dit keer geen mantel der liefde.
NOS, Rubio prijst Santokhi en waarschuwt voor China bij bliksembezoek Suriname.

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