PARAMARIBO – The National Assembly bid farewell to incumbent member and former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi during an extraordinary public mourning meeting on Friday. The VHP faction member died last Monday and was cremated on April 7. During the meeting, the president, chairman of parliament and faction leaders reflected on his life, his work and his sudden death, which was widely experienced as a shock.
Sudden loss brings reflection
In her speech, President Jennifer Simons emphasized the unexpected nature of Santokhi’s death. According to her, the sudden passing has not only affected the family, but also parliament and society as a whole.
She reflected on the duality of life and death, referring to both religious and existential insights. “We have been confronted with ‘man, remember that you are made of dust and that you will return to dust’, but at the same time it is also true that what is born does not die,” Simons said. That thought, she said, has occupied many people in recent days.
The president also reflected on her collaboration with Santokhi, which she characterized as businesslike and focused on work. According to her, this attitude made it possible to collaborate effectively within parliament despite political differences. “We have to continue as a family without him, and the country will also continue without him,” said Simons.
‘A life in service of the public good’
On behalf of the National Party of Suriname, faction member Mohamed Fatemohamed spoke of a man who devoted his life entirely to the service of public affairs. He described Santokhi as a “man of the institutions”, who contributed to the development of Suriname at various levels – from police officer to president.
Fatemohamed emphasized that despite political differences, there has always been mutual respect between the NPS and the VHP, Santokhi’s party. He praised Santokhi’s belief in the rule of law and his commitment to dialogue and international diplomacy. “On a day like today we look beyond the political color and see the person and the patriot,” he said.
He further pointed out that Santokhi’s death reminds Parliament of its responsibility to the people. According to him, the greatest honor lies in continuing the democratic values for which Santokhi has worked.
Differences disappear
Pertjajah Luhur faction leader Bronto Somohardjo underlined that political differences fade into the background at moments like these. He expressed his condolences to the family and reflected on the human side behind political positions.
“Behind every title there is only a person, a soul,” he said. Referring to the Quran, he recalled that every person is mortal, but that is precisely why life gains value. He expressed hope that Santokhi will find mercy and get a place in paradise.
BEP faction leader Ronny Asabina also emphasized the impact of the sudden death. He called Santokhi a versatile and meaningful Surinamese, who distinguished himself through commitment, perseverance and service. According to Asabina, he was a leader who dared to make decisions even in difficult times and consistently defended them.
Inspirational leadership and legacy
Party leader Steven Reyme of A20 emphasized the broader meaning of leadership and mortality. He referred to biblical texts to underline the temporary nature of life and called for more solidarity and respect within society.
According to Reyme, leadership requires sacrifices and difficult choices, and a leader is not always understood. “But what remains is how we served,” he stated, referring to the lasting impact of Santokhi’s commitment to country and people.
On behalf of the NDP, party leader Rabin Parmessar spoke about the transience of life. He recalled the moment parliament received the news of Santokhi’s death and expressed disbelief and confusion. Parmessar gave an overview of his career, from police commissioner to president, and emphasized that his passing is a loss for all who knew him.
‘Politics must bow’
DNA Chairman Ashwin Adhin reflected on the significance of the moment in his speech. He stated that parliament, where normally heated debates take place, now meets in silence and reflection.
“There are times when politics must bow so that humanity can speak,” Adhin said. He emphasized that it is not the position or power of a person that is central, but the meaning that someone has had for others and for the country.
According to him, Santokhi has written an indelible chapter in the history of Suriname. He called on those present to continue the work with dignity, respect and commitment to the common good.
