Sharona, The Elections Are Near!

In Suriname, we're counting down towards the elections on the 25th of May 2025. 😂 Unexpectedly, I landed myself in this race, with the opportunity to be a voice for the people of Suriname. 💚 I've heard the people's stories and their pleas.  When I see how unheard they feel, it hurts me. Maybe that's why I try to take a different approach to politics. I understand what it's like to feel the way they do. We live in a world where politicians often forget the needs and desires of the people who feed and pour into them. When their hopes and dreams are used as currency and traded to feed the selfish needs of a small group. I know that for a long time, Surinamese people have felt stuck in a loop! It's hard to know who to trust when everyone approaches you. During my campaign, I'm not here to win souls! I'm out here to share a message that we can be the change we need to make this country a place we're proud to call home! I know that not everyone will understand the philosophy that I carry with me. So I'd rather let my actions speak for me, and must admit I started this campaign a bit lazily. 😜 It's a good thing I'm surrounded by so many loving people who see the potential in me and support me. Just this simple fact in my life makes me feel like a winner! No matter the outcome, I know the people who support me share my dream. A dream of change where we aren't burdened by the hypocrisy of corruption and bureaucracy! How does it make sense that I need to stand 4 hours in a line to deliver one document from a government office to another government office? How come they accept online payments, but don't use technology to their advantage and spare us the burden of standing in line? As if the normal Surinamese person has all the time in the world, and not a burden to solve for the day? It's the small things I'd change first. But the impact would take our country's performance level to new heights! I don't want to sound like a bragging know-it-all. Suriname's system has been outdated for far too long. I don't like to focus too much on who I am! Instead, I like to focus on who I represent. With or without politics, I'll stay an innovative soul silently creating in this loud world. 😎😜

I represent a generation that screams for modernization ( Modernization Theory, look it up)! I represent the people who are tired of not being heard! I represent the people who constantly wonder why our country is so rich in resources, but it feels like we're stuck when it comes to development. I represent the people who yearn for equal opportunity! Why can't everyone in the country be friends and family? To me, it already feels like I'm related to all the people I come across. Some carry lessons of pain with hidden notes of wisdom. Others bring blessings and joy as they fight to take away your sadness. I've always openly admitted that I've friends from different political parties of Suriname. When it comes to doing what's right for the country, why should the color you're wearing separate us from the common vision?        A vision of prosperity and well-being for all Surinamese citizens has always been my dream.  Somehow, I've been lucky enough to make the right people find me. Despite being a well-known introvert, people usually gravitate towards me. When they look at me, I can tell what they see. My eyebrows curl as if I'm a female version of Sherlock, and I see a destiny I cannot hide as a part of me.  It's these same people who have pushed me forward as a leader.  The bond we share cannot be understood by those who lack humanity! 😏😅 No wonder, I ended up having so many campaign managers who roast me.😂 I think I've had enough interventions during my campaign to last any politician for a lifetime! This new phase of my life made me grow in other areas of my emotional intellect. I want to dare to be authentic and different for the people who stand by me! Many years ago, I learned an important life lesson. I learned not to focus on the bad, the negative, and the people who simply can't understand you! Focus instead on the good, the love, the positive, the support, and those willing to walk with you! This is a blessing I'm eternally grateful for. As a creative, I couldn't help but share what these motivating roasts look like. 😂 Some people are afraid my introverted nature wouldn't make me show up during this election. Although I kicked off my campaign late, I'm still showing up! Maybe differently, maybe my campaign has a "unique style". But in between all the fancy words thrown around during the race, I want to be sure that although my voice doesn't always speak, I am heard! Let my chords carry the wisdom and the strength to help vocalize the people's needs. I pray to God that no matter how my story ends, he'll give me the strength and guidance to walk a path where I bring light instead of darkness. After all, as a leader, you are responsible for your own sanity! My generation was a part of the promised golden generation for Suriname! We were told we'd live in skyscrapers, enjoying the luxury of all the country's wealth. When I look at reality, I see a different truth! For every Surinamese young face, life has become a struggle. My generation heard stories of how people bought new cars from car dealers with a currency of  $1 equalling SRD2,80. Meanwhile, for many young families, purchasing property seems like a fantasy! A dream just out of reach. Surinamese people are creative and hard-working. But how much is that effort worth with a crippling economy? For generations, we've allowed politicians to divide us into boxes! As a young leader, I understand that prosperity cannot be without unity! That's why after being roasted with my people, I stepped foot in the political race with a different style. It might not be something Surinamese people are used to! But a woman has to step up and dare to be different if she wants to lead her people to safety and abundance! We might face storms together, but those storms will help us discover our strength! The journey ahead is long, but the destination is filled with pots of honey for the next generation. If we want to develop Suriname as a country, we must first heal the things that separate and hold us back! We must be willing to approach the future with an open mind so that the birth of innovation for a nation can manifest itself. The policies I'd help build if I get the opportunity would open doors of opportunity for people in all parts of the country! If I don't get in, I'll keep rowing my boat. After all, I'm just a traveler with a million dreams for a better world roaming through her head. 💚Those million dreams can be built in different ways. Although I was reluctant to step into the spotlight during this election, I have to admit that behind the scenes, many people motivated me! This song is called " Sharona, The Elections Are Near!". I hope you enjoy this musical episode, my Story Time readers, as you follow my adventures in tropical Suriname!