In a deeply emotional ceremony held at the crowded Cathedral Basilica, family, friends, politicians, foreign dignitaries, members of the National Party of Suriname (NPS), and numerous citizens gathered on Tuesday to bid farewell to former President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan (RRV). The service was not just a tribute to the statesman but also a heartfelt goodbye to the man, father, and friend he was. The funeral was marked by his own words: ‘As RRV I came, and as RRV I leave,’ a sentiment echoed throughout the basilisk, accompanied by the Surinamese wish, ‘Waka bun, El Vene.’ Although Venetiaan had explicitly requested no state funeral, he was honored with a dignified tribute that reflected his life’s ethos: simplicity, dignity, and sincerity.
Roy Chyamnarain, a close friend and fellow party member, highlighted Venetiaan’s exceptional leadership. ‘What inspired a man passionate about nature, mathematics, guitar playing, and poetry to lead a nation plagued by economic collapse, corruption, crime, and poverty?’ he pondered. ‘It required vision, courage, and above all, unconditional love for his country and people. Despite the odds, he acted on faith, trust, and unwavering principles. With the support of many, he transformed Suriname into a better nation. Today, we honor the man who brought us these blessings.’
Family members painted a warm picture of the man behind the statesman. Children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews shared personal memories of a caring father figure who was a source of inspiration not only for his immediate family but for the entire extended family. ‘Papa, opa was always there,’ was a recurring theme. Niece and writer Ruth San A Jong recounted her special bond with her uncle, sharing an anecdote about a fire at his house caused by her mother. ‘He never made us feel guilty. When the new house was built, he insisted I place a ‘loto’ (a five-cent coin) in the cement,’ she recalled with emotion.
Son Alvin reminisced about the challenging 1980s when his father was under house arrest. ‘Despite everything, he insisted that the soldiers guarding him were also fed. That’s who he was,’ he said. Father Esteban Kross emphasized that Venetiaan would be remembered not for his titles but for his humanity. ‘God will judge him not by his achievements or honors but by his sincere life. To Him, all people are equal. Ronald Venetiaan was a great man, not just as a president but as a deeply faithful individual, convinced that there is only one right path: that of values and norms.’
In a gesture of solidarity, the Surinamese government declared Wednesday, November 12, a national day of mourning in honor of Venetiaan, expressing condolences to his family and the Surinamese people.