On Friday, the National Assembly of Suriname (DNA) convened a special memorial sitting to honor the life and legacy of Chan Santokhi, a sitting member of the assembly who passed away suddenly on March 30.
Leading the tribute, DNA Speaker Ashwin Adhin delivered an address reflecting on Santokhi’s life, his public service contributions, and the lasting mark he left on Suriname’s political landscape. Adhin opened his remarks by noting that even in a chamber where political disagreements are a daily part of operations, the entire body had come together in collective reflection and mourning. “There are moments when politics must step aside, to let our shared humanity take center stage,” Adhin told the assembled lawmakers.
The speaker emphasized that when a public figure passes, their legacy is not measured by the office they held or the power they wielded, but by the positive impact they had on fellow citizens and the broader development of the nation. He spoke on behalf of the entire National Assembly, pointing out that while differing political views are common within the body, these divisions are actually a core strength of Suriname’s democratic system.
“Above all our differences, one unifying truth remains: we share the same nation, the same future, and the same responsibility to build it for the next generations,” Adhin said. He framed Santokhi’s life and career as an important chapter in Suriname’s modern national history, noting that every contribution to public life — whether made through periods of political struggle or national development — forms a key part of the country’s collective national narrative.
Adhin closed his address by calling on all present lawmakers to carry on Santokhi’s legacy by continuing the work of governing with responsibility, mutual respect, and unwavering dedication to public service. “The story of Suriname does not stop. It demands that we keep building and keep serving for the good of the entire nation,” he stated. Finally, he extended the entire assembly’s deepest condolences to Santokhi’s widow Mellisa, daughter Shanylla, and the rest of his family, wishing them strength in the face of their loss.