Surinamese living from loan to loan

(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – A market survey by Finabank shows that the salaries of most wage earners in Suriname are burdened by two or even three loans. “People are living from one loan to the next,” says Finabank director Eblien Frangie. The Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) as well had earlier expressed concern about the spending habits of consumers and called for moderation. “Consumers should be protected against themselves. People are living too much on credit,” admits chairman Robby Berenstein of the Council of Trade Unions (RAVAKSUR). The fact that citizens have two or three outstanding loans is due to their own bank shopping. According to Frangie, most citizens have different accounts with banks, and consumers are taking advantage of 0% down payment and low payment offers from businesses such as car dealers, department stores, etc., and possibilities to buy clothes and foodstuffs on credit. Says Frangie, “Some people end up with just SRD 100 of their salary after they make every monthly payment they owe”.