On April 7, the South American nation of Suriname gathered to bid a solemn, formal farewell to one of its most prominent political figures: former president and chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (VHP) Chan Santokhi. The state funeral ceremony, hosted at the De Olifant Foundation venue, drew hundreds of attendees including top domestic leaders and high-level international delegates, who gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased statesman. Following the formal service, a ceremonial procession escorted by full military honors departed for the Shabier Ishaak Funeral Park in Uitkijk, where Santokhi’s cremation would take place.
In her remarks during the ceremony, current Surinamese President Jennifer Simons reflected on the unprecedented string of losses the country has faced in recent years, noting that Santokhi is the fourth former head of state Suriname has lost in a short period, following the passing of Jules Wijdenbosch, Desi Bouterse, and Ronald Venetiaan. Simons emphasized that Santokhi’s death came as an unexpected shock to the nation, but added that the former leader had completed his life’s work and service to the Surinamese people.
Chairman of the National Assembly Ashwin Adhin further highlighted Santokhi’s enduring commitment to public service, confirming that the former president remained an active member of the legislative body up until his death. Adhin used the occasion to remind fellow politicians that while ideological and political differences are a normal part of democratic governance, the national interest of Suriname must always take priority over partisan divides. He closed his remarks with a call for national unity in advancing the country’s shared progress.
Tributes also poured in from international leaders across the Caribbean and South American region, who highlighted Santokhi’s key role in advancing cross-border cooperation and regional integration. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali spoke of a deep personal friendship with Santokhi, referring to him as “a brother” who dedicated significant effort to strengthening bilateral ties between Georgetown and Paramaribo. Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew also joined in honoring Santokhi, praising his reputation as a unifying figure and his decades of contributions to regional development.
Albert Ramdin, Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), characterized Santokhi as a deeply committed, disciplined leader who consistently prioritized dialogue to resolve differences and centered all his work on the wellbeing of Suriname and its people. Ramdin urged current and future leaders to carry forward the policy and ideological legacy Santokhi left behind.
On behalf of the entire Santokhi family, Mellisa Santokhi, the former president’s widow, delivered a closing thank-you address. She remembered her late husband as a loving, caring father and a man of deep faith and relentless action. She extended her family’s gratitude to the people and government of Suriname, as well as the international community, for the outpouring of sympathy and support following Santokhi’s passing.
To accommodate the ceremonial procession, local authorities implemented a full traffic closure along the Mr. P. Chandie Shawweg between Lakatanweg and Wanicakanaalweg, which remained in effect through 5:00 PM local time. The closure allowed the funeral procession to travel without disruption to the Uitkijk cremation site for the final state ceremony.