5 days ago
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Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew. St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who also serves as the chairman of the Caribbean Community, will lead a regional delegation to the official funeral of Chandrikapersad ‘Chan’ Santokhi, who passed away last week at the age of 67. The funeral is scheduled for Tuesday.
An official statement said the delegation’s presence “underscores the deep bonds of solidarity within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as regional leaders gather to pay their final respects to a distinguished statesman who served his country and the wider Caribbean with dedication.”
The Suriname government announced that Santokhi’s cremation will be held at Stichting De Olifant, followed by another cremation at Uitkijk, Saramacca district. A book of condolences has been opened at the Presidential Palace for the public to express sympathy. Monday and Tuesday have been declared days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast.
Santokhi, chairman of the main opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP), died at the Academic Hospital, Paramaribo after falling ill at home. He served as Suriname’s ninth president from 2020 to 2025 and returned to Parliament as Leader of the Opposition following the May 2025 general election.
“His many years of service in various public offices will be remembered,” said President Jennifer Greelings-Simons, highlighting Santokhi’s tenure as Minister of Justice and Police from 2005 to 2010.
Following official engagements in Suriname, Prime Minister Drew will travel to Guyana for “high-level bilateral” meetings with President Irfaan Ali. The leaders are expected to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to strengthen cooperation between St. Kitts and Nevis and Guyana.
The agreements will focus on seven strategic pillars, with particular emphasis on food security. Both nations aim to enhance agricultural production, reduce dependence on food imports, and build resilience against global supply chain challenges.
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