Early on the morning of April 7, formal ceremonies marking the state cremation of former Suriname President Chan Santokhi officially commenced, nearly a week after his sudden passing at the age of 67.
The solemn procession began after a joint detachment of military and police personnel retrieved Santokhi’s remains from the morgue of Paramaribo Academic Hospital. Following the retrieval, the cortège embarked on a pre-planned processional route past multiple key government buildings, making its first major stops at the Presidential Palace and the National Assembly building. At these sites, official delegations and gathered dignitaries led formal tributes to bid farewell to the former leader, who died unexpectedly on March 30.
From the National Assembly, the procession continued through Paramaribo’s inner city to De Olifant, the headquarters of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP). Santokhi had served as the party’s chairman from 2011 until his death, and crowds of residents had gathered along the processional route from early morning to pay their final respects to the fallen statesman.
Another ceremonial stop was held along Eddy Brumastaat, near the national headquarters of the Boy Scouts Suriname (Weest Paraat). Santokhi held the title of Chief Scout for the organization for many years, and members of the scouting leadership rank-and-file scouts gathered to greet the procession, holding a formal farewell in accordance with scouting tradition.
Local Surinamese media outlet Starnieuws is covering all events related to Santokhi’s state cremation via a continuously updated live blog to keep the public informed of the day’s proceedings.