Suriname declares national mourning ahead of former President Santokhi’s cremation

The Government of Suriname has announced that the cremation of former president Chandrikapersad Santokhi, popularly known as “Chan,” will take place on Tuesday, April 7, following his death earlier this week after a brief illness.

Authorities said the ceremony will be held at Stichting De Olifant, followed by the cremation at Uitkijk in the Saramacca District. The government also announced that a book of condolences has been opened at the Presidential Palace, allowing members of the public to express their sympathy.

Additionally, Monday and Tuesday have been declared days of national mourning, with flags to be “flown at half-mast to commemorate the passing of the former president in a fitting manner.”

Santokhi, chairman of the main opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP), died on Monday at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo, where he had been taken after falling ill at home.

In a statement, the VHP said that since Santokhi assumed leadership of the “great orange party” in 2011, he had led with “unprecedented dedication, vision, and courage.”

“He transformed our party, united Surinamese people from all walks of life, and served our country as head of state during very challenging times.

“To us, he was not only a formidable leader, but also an inspirator, a bridge-builder, and a tireless fighter for justice, truth, and a prosperous Suriname.”

The 67-year-old served as Suriname’s ninth head of state from 2020 to 2025. Following the May 2025 general election, Santokhi returned to Parliament as Leader of the Opposition.

“His many years of service in various public offices will be remembered,” President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons said in a statement, as she honoured Santokhi, who previously served the country as Minister of Justice and Police from 2005 to 2010.

In a separate statement, the Caribbean Community Secretariat, based in Guyana, said “the Community has lost a dedicated regionalist,” recalling how Santokhi “dealt decisively with matters related to the expansion of the list of professions to be included for the skills certificate under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the action to be taken by the Community in relation to Haiti and the development of the CARICOM Industrial Policy among others,” when he served as chairman of the grouping.

Santokhi is survived by his wife, Mellisa Seenacherry, an attorney, and two children.