following the pay raise approved by the previous administration. It is not yet clear how much of her salary she will donate, but she said it would go to a charitable fund. President Simons, who reportedly earns SRD 260,000 per month, urged others, including the private sector, to contribute as well.

“I will be the first to start,” said Simons, who is the nation’s first female president. She explained that the fund should be seen as a direct response to problems and needs. Money from the fund could be used to buy food for youths participating in the Krin Kondre campaign and for youths who need financial aid for education. “There are moments when the government is not in a position to address a problem, and that is when we as private individuals can lend a helping hand,” said President Simons.