Jennifer Simons

Jennifer "Jenny" Simons, married Geerlings (born 5 September 1953 in Paramaribo[1]) is a Surinamese politician. On 30 June 2010, she was elected as Chairperson of the National Assembly of Suriname with 26 out of 50 votes. Simons is the second female chairman of the Surinamese Parliament. She was re-elected on 30 June 2015.[2] She announced her retirement on 20 June 2020.[3]

"Jenny Simons" redirects here. For the South Park character, see List of students at South Park Elementary.

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons
Chairperson of the National Assembly of Suriname
In office
30 June 2010 – 28 June 2020
Preceded byPaul Somohardjo
Succeeded byRonnie Brunswijk
Member of the National Assembly
In office
1996–2020
ConstituencyParamaribo District
Personal details
Born (1953-09-05) 5 September 1953
Paramaribo
NationalitySurinamese
Political partyNational Democratic Party
SpouseGlenn Geerlings (1981-)
ChildrenEdward Geerlings
Jonathan Geerlings
Naomi Geerlings
ResidenceParamaribo
Alma materAnton de Kom University of Suriname (Drs.)

Biography

Simons was first elected as a member of the National Assembly in 1996, representing the district of Paramaribo. She served as one of the vice-chairpersons of the National Democratic Party, which was founded by former leader Dési Bouterse. She was leader of the parliamentary fraction from 2000 until 2006.

In April 2012, Simons was accused by the opposition in the parliament of dictatorial behaviour because of her decision to forbid members of the parliament from referring to the amnesty law of April 2012 during a debate on the anti-stalking law.[4]

On 8 April 2020, the Law Exceptional Condition COVID-19 (State of Emergency) has been approved by the National Assembly in order to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.[5] The State of Emergency will go into effect for three months unless the National Assembly one-off extends the duration for another three months.[6] Simons was appointed to lead the Parliamentary COVID-19 Crisis Management Team.[7]

On 20 June 2020, Simons announced her retirement from politics. She had been elected in the 2020 Surinamese general election, but has decided not to take her seat. Stephen Tsang who was on 6th place on the NDP list, is now eligible for the National Assembly.[3]

Personal background

Family

On 29 June 1981, Simons married Glenn Geerlings. They have 3 children: Edward, Jonathan and Naomi. Simons is a dermatologist.

References
  1. "H.E. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons – Global Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament".
  2. "Geerlings-Simons herkozen als voorzitter met 1 stem uit oppositie" (in Dutch). De Surinaamse Krant. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  3. "Jennifer Simons neemt na 24 jaar afscheid van DNA". Star Nieuws (in Dutch). Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  4. "Nieuw Front in het geweer tegen dictatuur in Suriname". Waterkant.Net. 23 November 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  5. "Law Exceptional Condition Covid 19 has been approved (in Dutch)". Suriname Herald. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  6. "Law Exceptional Condition (pdf in Dutch)" (PDF). Foundation for Law in Suriname (SRiS). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  7. "Law Exceptional Condition after heavy debate and marathonsessions approved dna (in Dutch)". United News. Retrieved 8 April 2020.

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