Saskia Natacia Walden (born 6 July 1974) is a Surinamese accountant and educator. She served as Minister of Economic Affairs from 16 July 2020 to 18 April 2022.
Saskia Walden | |
---|---|
Minister of Economic Affairs | |
In office 16 July 2020 – 18 April 2022 | |
Preceded by | Stephen Tsang |
Succeeded by | Rishma Kuldipsingh |
Personal details | |
Born | Saskia Natacia Walden 6 July 1974 Suriname |
Nationality | Suriname |
Political party | Progressive Reform Party (VHP) |
Occupation | Accountant, educator |
Biography
editWalden was born on 6 July 1974.[1] In 1999, she obtained her bachelor's degree in accountancy from the Port of Spain campus of the Andrews University. In 2011, she obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.[2][1]
Walden started her career as a mathematics and accounting teacher. Later, she became a corporate accountant, and worked for the Surinamese Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education.[3] In 2014, she became the Secretary of the Surinamese Checkers Union.[4] In 2020, she was working for the Surinamese insurance company Assuria, and was nominated by the Progressive Reform Party (VHP).[5]
On 16 July 2020, Walden was appointed as Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation in the cabinet of Chan Santokhi.[6] In October 2021, it was revealed that she was still the owner of nine corporations and foundations.[7] In her defence, Walden stated that she had performed no activities since her appointment,[8] and that ownership is not forbidden according to the Constitution of Suriname.[9]
Walden resigned as minister on 18 April 2022,[10] but indicated that she would remain available for future service.[11]
References
edit- ^ a b "Minister Saskia Walden". Handelsmissie.sr (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Seventh-day Adventist Appointed to President's Cabinet in Suriname". Adventist World. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Saskia Walden". World Bank. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Frank Lo Kim Lin verlaat schaken voor dammen". Dagblad Suriname (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "VHP draagt Saskia Walden voor als minister van Handel & Industrie". GFC Nieuws (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Dit zijn de ministers in het nieuwe regeerteam van Suriname". Waterkant (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Minister Walden heeft veel bedrijven en stichtingen op haar naam staan". Suriname Herald (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Bedrijven minister Walden slapend, geen activiteiten voor uitgeoefend". Waterkant (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Ir. Richard Kalloe over kwestie minister Walden: "De Grondwet moet op de schroothoop, die garandeert wanbestuur"". Dagblad Suriname (in Dutch). Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "EZ-minister Walden stelt haar portefeuille ter beschikking - Minister Kuldipsingh volgt Walden op". Dagblad Suriname (in Dutch). 2022-04-18. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ "Voormalig minister Saskia Walden met opgeheven hoofd afgezwaaid". Dagblad Suriname (in Dutch). 2022-04-21. Retrieved 2022-05-13.