Jörgen Raymann who led the debate tried to defend him while the other participants of the debate wanted to seize the opportunity to express their criticism in response to the controversial statement.

“Our people are not so smart,” said Reyme. Raymann tried to do some damage control by interrupting him but Reyme stuck to his opinion. “You know what I am talking about. This is why we keep choosing the wrong leaders,” said Reyme who added that investments must be made in the education system so that future leaders who receive the proper education can make the right choices. Once again Raymann interrupted him to sugarcoat the statements by saying that citizens must understand what it is all about. Kelvin Koniki (ABOP) and Bronto Somohardjo (PL) who clearly felt offended were eager to respond to Reyme’s comments. “But the people must vote for him?” asked Koniki. “The average American and the average Israelite are considered to be smart but look at the leaders that they elected so this statement does not make any sense. Our people know exactly what they are doing and what kind of leaders they must elect,” said Somohardjo. John Samuel who is an experienced diplomat and a representative of OPTSU also made it clear that he did not agree with Reyme. “We do in fact have smart and intelligent people in Suriname.”