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 |
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.
Walden 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]