PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The Suriname government has announced that the cremation of former president Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, who died earlier this week after a brief illness, will take place next Tuesday, April 7.
It said that the ceremony will be held at Stichting De Olifant, followed by the cremation at Uitkijk in the Saramacca district. The government has also announced that a book of condolences has been opened at the Presidential Palace, allowing the public to express their sympathy.
Additionally, Monday and Tuesday of next week have been declared days of national mourning with the flag being “flown at half-mast to commemorate the passing of the former president in a fitting manner”.
Santokhi, the chairman of the main opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP), died on Monday at the Academic Hospital in the capital, where he had been taken after falling ill at home.
In a statement, the VHP said that since Santokhi had assumed the leadership of the “great orange party in 2011, he has led the VHP 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 had served as Suriname’s ninth head of state from 2020 to 2025. Following the May 2025 general election, Santokhi returned to the Parliament as Leader of the Opposition.
“His many years of service in various public offices will be remembered,” President Jennifer Greelings-Simons said in a statement, as she honored Santokhi, who previously served the country as Minister of Justice and Police from 2005 to 2010.
In a statement, the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat said “the Community has lost a dedicated regionalist,” recalling how he “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.
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