PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and his wife, Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips, on Wednesday, attended the historic inauguration ceremony of Her Excellency Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, the first female President of the Republic of Suriname.

The ceremony was held in Paramaribo, marking a significant moment in Suriname’s history and the wider Caribbean’s progress toward gender equality in leadership.
Representing the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Prime Minister Phillips extended warm congratulations to President Geerlings-Simons, describing her election as a proud and transformative milestone for Suriname and an inspiration for the advancement of women in leadership roles throughout the region.

Guyana and Suriname, which formally established diplomatic relations in 1975, continue to share strong ties built on mutual respect, co-operation, and friendship.
The two countries collaborate closely on regional integration, trade, infrastructure development, and cross-border initiatives that benefit their peoples.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with Suriname under President Geerlings-Simons’ leadership to strengthen bilateral relations and advance shared goals for sustainable development and prosperity in the region.

He emphasised that Guyana and Suriname are “one people,” bound by shared history, values, and aspirations, and identified several key areas for continued collaboration—including energy co-operation with Brazil, agriculture, and fisheries.

The Surinamese Head of State expressed her intention to work closely with the Government of Guyana on bilateral matters of mutual interest. She noted the importance of transparency and co-operation in fostering fruitful relations and affirmed her Government’s readiness to engage in joint projects that will benefit both countries.

President Geerlings-Simons, a respected politician and former Chairperson of Suriname’s National Assembly, has been widely lauded for her decades-long public service and dedication to democratic governance. Her election marks a new chapter for Suriname as it continues its democratic journey with renewed focus on inclusivity and empowerment.