Jules Sedney (28 September 1922 – 18 June 2020) was a Surinamese politician who served as Prime Minister of Suriname from 20 November 1969 until 24 December 1973. He later held a leading position at the Central Bank of Suriname beginning in 1980. Sedney spent several years abroad before returning to Suriname in 1989 and died in 2020 at the age of 97.
Political career
Sedney led the national government during a period of social and economic change. His term as prime minister ran from late 1969 through the end of 1973. After his premiership he continued to be active in public affairs and, in 1980, took on the role of governor of the Central Bank of Suriname.
Approach to governance and the economy
During his administration Sedney assembled a cabinet that brought together ministers from different ethnic communities. He maintained that a diverse government, together with institutional checks and balances, would create a more stable environment for economic development in Suriname.
Exile, return and death
Following political upheaval in the early 1980s, Sedney went into exile in 1983. He returned to Suriname six years later, in 1989, and lived there until his passing. Sedney was hospitalized shortly before his death on 18 June 2020.
- Born: 28 September 1922
- Prime Minister: 20 November 1969 – 24 December 1973
- Central Bank role began: 1980
- Exile began: 1983
- Returned to Suriname: 1989
- Died: 18 June 2020 (aged 97)