PM Persad-Bissessar Extends Condolences On Passing Of Suriname’s Former President
Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has expressed sadness at the passing of Suriname’s former president Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who died on Monday following a medical emergency.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, Mrs. Persad Bissessar described Santokhi as a leader whose life was defined by service, noting that he rose through the ranks of law enforcement to become Police Commissioner before entering public life as Minister of Justice and Police.
She said he later founded and led the Progressive Reform Party and served as President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025, guiding the country through “a period of economic challenge, reform, and renewed international engagement.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted Santokhi’s role at the regional level, pointing to his leadership as Chairman of CARICOM in 2022, where she said he helped strengthen cooperation among member states.
