Chandrikapersad Santokhi: The former president of Suriname dies suddenly at the age of 67

“His many years of service in various public positions will be remembered“, declared the president on her social networks.

Santokhi, who until now led the opposition, governed Surinam between 2020 and 2025 with the Progressive Reform Party (VHP, in Dutch) and also served as Minister of Justice between 2005 and 2010.

“The Government expresses its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, party colleagues and all the people affected by this loss. I wish you a lot of strength and fortitude in these difficult times. May your soul rest in peace”said the Government of Suriname.

At the moment, the causes of his death are unknown.

For its part, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) expressed its condolences and affirmed that Santokhi, who served as president of the Caribbean organization between July and December 2022, represented his country with distinction at the forty-third conference of Caricom Heads of Government that was held in Paramaribo.

“Santokhi firmly addressed issues related to the expansion of the list of professions to be included in the skills certificate under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), the measures to be taken by the bloc in relation to Haiti and the development of industrial policy, among others.“said a statement from the organization.

MORE INFORMATION: Prosecutor’s Office searches the home of former President Arce of Bolivia in a case of alleged corruption

The members of Caricom They are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

“The community extends its deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Suriname, to his wife and the rest of his family, as well as to his political colleagues. Caricom has lost a committed regionalist. May your soul rest in peace”concluded the community document.

Santokhi was elected president of Suriname in 2020 and replaced the former military man Desi Bouterse of the National Democratic Party (PND), a position he held until last year when he ran in the general elections in May 2025 to be re-elected, but lost to the coalition led by the PND.