Paramaribo MonitorVHP
Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij
In the Assembly
Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij has 17 members in the 2025–2030 Assembly. Membership: Thursday, 10 September 2026.
Parliamentary group leader: Asiskumar Gajadien.
The parliamentary group represents the party in DNA’s legislative work and scrutiny of government.
Background
The VHP was founded on 16 January 1949, with Jagernath Lachmon as its first chairman.
- Its own history places intercommunal cooperation at the centre of its identity, calling this the politics of fraternisation or harmony model.
- The party describes its economic approach as a regulated market economy with social-liberal and social-democratic principles.
2025 campaign proposals
Election programme 2025
- Its 2025 programme prioritises exchange-rate stability, low inflation and fiscal discipline alongside diversification and entrepreneurship.
- It proposes stronger tax and customs administration and temporary subsidies linked to performance.
- Environmental and technology proposals cover renewable energy, climate adaptation, connectivity and digital public services.
Members
- Natalie AmatmohamedMember
- Marciano DasaiMember
- Cheryl DijksteelMember
- Asiskumar GajadienParliamentary group leader
- Ameerani JarbandhanMember
- Mahinderkoemar JogiMember
- Johnny KasdjoMember
- Hakiem LalmahomedMember
- Krishnakoemarie MathoeraMember
- Roy MohanMember
- Rawien RaghoenandanMember
- Harriët RamdienMember
- Kishan RamsukulMember
- Cedric van SamsonMember
- Dewanchandrebhose SharmanMember
- Vidjaiprekash ThakoerMember
- Chuanrui WangMember
In the news
- Parliamentary reactions to the annual address
Reported parliamentary reactions; ABOP’s contribution is attributed to MP Edgar Sampie, not to the party as a whole
- Parliamentary leaders offered different responses to President Simons' annual address, according to Key News on 2 October.
- Rabin Parmessar welcomed the figures, while Asis Gajadien called for concrete steps on the savings and stabilisation fund.
- Other leaders stressed implementation schedules, purchasing power, interior development and protection of vulnerable groups.
- These are reported political positions, not a vote approving the proposed policies or budget.
- VHP faction objects to annual-address venue procedure
VHP faction’s procedural objection
- The VHP said it would attend the 30 September annual address under protest, arguing that preparations at the Congreshal preceded formal approval of the venue and budget.
- Suriname Herald describes a 29 September letter from Asis Gajadien to the parliamentary chair.
- DNA's own 25 September notice confirms the venue and preparations but does not resolve the procedural complaint.
- Attendance should not be read as the VHP endorsing the process.