(de Ware Tijd) AMSTERDAM -The gold deal to be signed with Newmont and Iamgold will most likely yield a US$ 2.5 billion investment, former President and presidential advisor Jules Wijdenbosch said in Amsterdam on Friday.
The former President held a presentation on the Surinamese economy. He did not go into details, however, because the management of the two gold mining companies and the Surinamese government have agreed on keeping the lid on the deal for now. Even Parliament has not received information on the deal, Wijdenbosch tells dWT. The two companies have yet to return with a definite answer which does not exclude alterations in the agreement in principle. ‘I can assure you that the government will earn a lot more than the current deal with Iamgold yields, especially if we look at the deal with Newmont.’
The multinationals have asked for at least three weeks before announcing the particulars of the deal. Wijdenbosch could not be moved to react to rumours that Suriname might get a 27 percent share from the deal. He did disclose that Surinamese cadre, even Surinamese in the Diaspora, will fill in all positions at mid-level and 80 percent of the lower positions. Executive positions will be manned by Surinamese in three to four years.
Several prominent Dutch of Surinamese descent were present at the event, including Max Ghazi, Stanley Lo A Njoe, Ram Ramlal, Iwan Leeuwin, Roy Lieuw A Sie, Chantal Doekhie and members of the VHP Lachman Soedamah and Shekar Bissesur. Stichting Collectief Overzee was in charge of the organization. Prior to the presentation Ernest Grep of the foundation held a presentation on the Diaspora draft bill: Persons of Surinamese Descent (PSA).
