Gregory Rusland

Political background

In the news

• Friday, 6 November 2026 Council of Ministers approves new teacher pay scales
  Summary

  • Vice President Gregory Rusland said the Council of Ministers approved new teacher pay scales after talks with unions and the relevant ministries, De West reports.
  • SUN cites an unnamed source estimating that many scale 2 teachers could take home SRD 1,500 to SRD 1,900 more.
  • The estimate depends on individual pay and tax treatment.
• Wednesday, 4 November 2026 Cabinet backs Heikerk for TAS director; appointment steps remain pending
  Summary

  • Vice-President Gregory Rusland said the Council of Ministers approved Glenda Heikerk’s nomination as TAS director on 4 November, ABC reports.
  • He said a Dutch certificate of good conduct was decisive and that she had not been convicted in a previously reported fraud case.
  • At the time of reporting, the presidential appointment resolution still required signature; the supervisory board would then prepare an employment contract for further cabinet approval.
  • Nomination approval therefore did not establish that she had taken office.
• Wednesday, 4 November 2026 Wonoredjo school fire prompts repair talks and crowdfunding warning
  Summary

  • A fire on 4 November destroyed a wing of O.S. Wonoredjo in Moengo, with no injuries reported by Waterkant and Suriname Herald.
  • In a 6 November follow-up, GFC reports district commissioner Clyde Hunswijk warning against crowdfunding without written permission from the education ministry’s director and planning talks about repairs.
  • The reports do not establish fraudulent collections, completed repairs or a reopening date.
  • Earlier accounts differ over the school’s street location, which remains unresolved.
  • ABC Suriname subsequently reported that Vice President Gregory Rusland visited the school and discussed temporary accommodation for pupils and plans for cleaning and repairs.
  • GFC Nieuws dates the visit to 6 November.
  • STVS reports that the Education Ministry is discussing temporary classrooms with several school operators and that space, sanitation and furniture remain practical constraints.
  • SUN quotes the acting deputy head estimating about 200 pupils and 18 teachers were affected.
  • GFC Nieuws puts the number of pupils affected at 428.
  • The reports give different counts and leave the reason for the difference unclear.
• Thursday, 29 October 2026 Rusland discusses possible UNESCO cooperation on science and heritage
  Summary

  • Vice-President Gregory Rusland met UNESCO science and social-policy representatives in The Hague on 29 October to discuss closer cooperation with Suriname, SUN reports.
  • Topics included discrimination, slavery’s legacy, cultural heritage, water management, climate, open science and technology.
  • The parties discussed possible research links and follow-up with Surinamese ministries.
  • The account announces no signed funding agreement, project award or completed programme.
• Tuesday, 27 October 2026 MPs seek travel reports and written authority for vice-president’s Netherlands meetings
  Summary

  • MPs continue to press the government for notice of foreign missions, reports of their results and access to agreements made abroad.
  • United News reports Rabin Parmessar’s demand for promised reports and Mahinder Jogi’s request for an overview of ministerial trips.
  • ABC separately reports Jogi asking whether Vice-President Gregory Rusland has presidential authority for planned Netherlands meetings, including one with King Willem-Alexander, and requesting the UNESCO-conference invitation.
  • Government coordinator Marinus Bee promised a detailed written answer.
  • United News describes an earlier stage at which the government lacked trip details and awaited parliamentary reporting instructions; ABC describes Bee subsequently providing details.
  • No completed royal meeting or diplomatic outcome is established.
• Thursday, 27 August 2026 Government says EBS capacity and investment needs require renewed discussions
  Summary

  • Vice-President Gregory Rusland said the government needed renewed discussions with EBS about current capacity, rising demand and investment plans.
  • He argued that generating capacity requires years of preparation and said EBS had previously warned about network pressure.
  • He wanted to establish which plans existed, how far implementation had progressed and what government support was needed.
  • The article announces a review and discussions, without confirming an investment budget, procurement award or new capacity in service.

Vice President

• Support to the Vice-President
• Council of Ministers secretariat
• Executive coordination
• Government communication
• Administrative and operational support