Edith Parsan-Veldema, a 100-year-old woman with a history of caring for young people in need, expressed hope for Suriname’s future, particularly regarding women’s rights, as she reflected on her life and the changes she has witnessed. She specifically highlighted the potential of Jennifer Simons becoming president as a positive development.

Parsan-Veldema emphasized the importance of women having a voice in leadership. She fondly recalled Simons as a kind and intelligent person, sharing anecdotes of their neighborly relationship in Paramaribo. She expressed her belief that Simons could improve conditions in Suriname, specifically addressing the issue of violence against women, which she finds deeply troubling.

Reflecting on her own life, Parsan-Veldema described a happy childhood with supportive parents who instilled in her the values of proper etiquette, education, and family unity. She also spoke of her loving marriage and her decision to move to the Netherlands for her children’s education.

In the Netherlands, she worked as a nurse and later ran a successful eatery, “Parie,” in Amsterdam. Through her eatery, she connected with many people in the community, including young men who had ended up in prison. Parsan-Veldema used these interactions to encourage them to pursue education and employment, aiming to steer them towards a better path.

Throughout her life, Parsan-Veldema has been a nurturing and supportive figure, not only to her own eight children but also to nine foster children she took into her home. She believes that all children deserve equal opportunities for a healthy upbringing. When asked about the best period of her life, she answered turning 100 years old, attributing her longevity to a life free of worry and surrounded by the help of her family.