former president of the Republic of Suriname and chairman of the VHP, who died on March 30th. Now that Kasdjo has joined parliament the Commewijne District  has five representatives in the house of the people. When he gave his maiden speech he announced that he would focus his attention on the daily problems of citizens such as the rising costs of living, bureaucracy, limited chances for youths and the obstacles that entrepreneurs face. “I do not come here with big promises that I can't keep. Suriname has already been through enough,” said MP Kasdjo who wants to focus on direct contact with the people and more accountability in the political arena. According to Kasdjo, parliament must look at the daily consequences of policy decisions on citizens. “Suriname needs a transparent government and an economy that provides youths with the perspective to build their future in their own country,” said MP Kasdjo who added that he wants to have close ties with the community and that he will not steer clear of sensitive issues.  “I will head into the residential areas. I listen to the people who are not in conference rooms but who feel the weight of the decisions that are made here. If you implement policy without knowing the people, you are building on quick scans,” said MP Kasdjo who made a good impression with his maiden speech.