PARAMARIBO – The newly appointed district commissioners have triggered fierce discussions and renewed demands for a new system aimed at appointing DCs.
A growing number of people are in favor of letting each district choose its own DC instead of allowing political parties to appoint the highest official for each district.
Regional Development Minister Miquella Huur made it clear that the political parties have formed the government and that they have also selected the DCs. She also stated that she does not have a say in who gets to run each district, as that responsibility lies in the hands of politicians. “The candidates are chosen by political parties. I do not have any say in the matter,” said Minister Huur.
Meanwhile, the list with the names of the nation’s 21 DCs has triggered a wave of criticism, as critics have labeled some of them as weak and inexperienced. Other DCs are seen as controversial figures because of their past. Minister Huur pointed out that all of the DCs participate in a thorough training program and that they will be better prepared for their tasks within six months. A few former DCs were also chosen. Minister Huur explained that selecting former DCs—even the ones who are deemed controversial—is part of the learning process. She does not wish to comment on the wave of criticism, as her job is to facilitate and train the DCs.