The First Lady of Suriname is a ceremonial designation used for two spouses of Surinamese presidents: Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring (2010–2020, wife of Desi Bouterse) and Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry (2020–2025, wife of Chan Santokhi). From 2010 to 2025, the First Ladies had their own office with a secretariat in the former Huis Du Plessis at the Onafhankelijkheidsplein.
Upon the inauguration of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, her husband Glenn Geerlings was discussed in terms of the designation "First Gentleman". However, they chose not to continue this tradition.Suriname Herald, No Cabinet for the First Gentleman, 16 July 2025
Allowance and earlier period In January 2011, Desi Bouterse enacted a presidential decree (Article 99 of the Constitution) stipulating that the First Lady should receive a remuneration. This was made retroactive to 12 August 2005, thereby also covering Liesbeth Venetiaan-Vanenburg (1991–1996, 2000–2010, wife of Ronald Venetiaan), who had performed her duties without compensation. The monthly allowance amounted to SRD 8,742 (EUR 2,956), equal to the salary of a member of the National Assembly.Starnieuws, First Lady to Receive SRD 8,742 per Month, 14 January 2011. Archived on 10 December 2022.
Liesbeth Venetiaan-Vanenburg, however, informed Minister Soewarto Moestadja in a letter that she would not accept the money and was satisfied with the compensation she had received as a civil servant. She thereby declined an amount of approximately SRD 525,000 (EUR 177,000).Starnieuws, Liesbeth Venetiaan Declines Half a Million SRD, 14 January 2011. Archived on 10 December 2022. Following her refusal, it was decided to amend the effective date from 2005 to 2010.Dagblad Suriname, Eugene van der San: "No Monthly Allowance for Second Lady", 15 October 2017. Archived on 10 December 2022.
Bureau of the First Lady (2011–2020) Another change Bouterse implemented in early 2011 was to provide his wife with an Bureau of the First Lady, including a secretariat and a number of permanent staff to support her. He believed this was necessary because she had additional responsibilities, such as organizing campaigns in the fields of care (including home care and mental health), welfare, and youth services.
In 2016, Bouterse laid down the duties of the First Lady in a presidential decree.Suriname Herald, President Santokhi Defends the First Lady, 21 October 2020. Archived on 10 December 2022. Bouterse described these tasks as follows: "She supports the president in performing ceremonial duties and further provides her support in communication, assistance, and aid activities.Official Gazette of the Republic of Suriname 2016, no. 153 The term "First Lady" is not enshrined in the Constitution, and therefore, she bears no political responsibility.Starnieuws, The First First Lady!, Eugene van der San, 24 October 2021. Archived on 10 December 2022.
Institute of the First Lady (2020–2025) On 31 August 2020, President Chan Santokhi issued a presidential decree transforming the Bureau into the Institute of the First Lady. At the same time, he established the seal of the institute, featuring the Coat of arms of Suriname in the center with the inscription around it: "First Lady Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry." He adopted the task description of the First Lady from Bouterse without modification.Staatsblad van de Republiek Suriname 2021, no. 146. Archived on 11 November 2022.
No First Gentleman In her first press conference, President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons stated that there would be no First Gentleman: "We're not really into 'firsts'. Perhaps it's a personal view, but we have the president – Mrs. Simons or Mrs. Geerlings-Simons – and we have Mr. Geerlings, who will somewhat continue what he is already doing: promoting education, particularly agricultural education."
Spouses of the President Suriname has had presidents since its independence in 1975, but an elected president only since the 1987 Constitution, with the inauguration of Ramsewak Shankar.Eugene van der San, Starnieuws, The First First Lady!, 24 October 2021Carlo Jadnanansing, Starnieuws, In Memoriam: Doergadei Hilda Ramdat Misier-Dewanchand, 22 October 2021Vrije Stem, Photo, from left to right ... Mrs. Shankar, 18 April 1972
NoPictureNameTenurePresident Edmé Vas1975–19805 yearsJohan Ferrier (m. ????)Sherlyne Chin A Sen1980–19822 yearsHenk Chin A Sen (m. ????)Hilda Doergade Deeanchand1982–19886 yearsFred Ramdat Misier (m. ????)Vacant1988–19902 yearsRamsewak Shankar (unmarried)1990–19911 yearJohan Kraag (unmarried)Liesbeth Vanenburg1991–19965 yearsRonald Venetiaan (m. 1966)Vacant1996–20004 yearsJules Wijdenbosch (unmarried)Liesbeth Vanenburg2000–201010 yearsRonald Venetiaan (m. 1966)1Ingrid Waldring2010–202010 yearsDési Bouterse (m. 1990)2Mellisa Seenacherry2020–20255 yearsChan Santokhi (m. 2020)Glenn Geerlings2025–Present0 yearsJennifer Geerlings-Simons (m. 1981)
References
See also List of spouses of heads of state President_of_Suriname#List_of_presidents