Suriname enters the new year under a cloud of profound grief as the nation mourns the devastating loss of five lives in a tragic incident that has shocked the community of Commewijne. On what should be a day of celebration and renewal, the country instead observes a solemn day of reflection following the death of Dennis Aroma (43) and his four children.
The sequence of events began on Monday, December 29th, when Aroma was detained at approximately 1:30 AM and placed in a supervised observation cell at the Keizerstraat detention facility. The cell remained unlit throughout his confinement. During a routine check at 6:10 AM, guards discovered Aroma had died by suicide using an improvised ligature.
According to official autopsy reports, Aroma’s death resulted from cerebral hypoxia caused by compression of neck vessels through hanging. Investigation reveals he repurposed bandaging material from a splint on his right lower leg, fashioning multiple loops attached to the cell’s bar structure positioned 180 centimeters above floor level. The bars themselves stood at approximately 150 centimeters in height, with only a green emergency blanket present in the spartan cell.
Disturbing details emerged that rigor mortis had already set upon discovery, indicating significant time had elapsed since death occurred. Two staff members present during the incident have been questioned as part of an ongoing investigation into apparent supervisory failures.
In response to the tragedy, the Surinamese government has announced it will cover all funeral expenses for the victims while providing ongoing support and counseling for bereaved family members. January 2nd has been officially designated a national day of mourning, allowing the nation to collectively process this profound loss.
This incident has sparked serious questions about detention facility protocols and inmate welfare monitoring systems, particularly regarding vulnerable individuals in custody. As Suriname traditionally prepares for renewal and hope, the community now faces deep introspection about institutional responsibilities and preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.
