Guyana extends condolences to Suriname as region mourns former president
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has expressed profound sadness at the passing of former President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, describing him as a “fine statesman” and a trusted friend of Guyana.
In an official statement issued on the former Surinamese leader’s death, President Ali extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana to the Government and citizens of Suriname, as well as to Santokhi’s family.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have received the news of the passing of Hon. Chandrikapersad Santokhi… A voice of wisdom has fallen silent. A friend has left us,” President Ali said.
The Head of State reflected on the close working relationship and personal bond shared between the two leaders, noting that their partnership was rooted in a shared commitment to regional development and cooperation.
“Former President Santokhi was a brother forged not by blood but by conviction… During his tenure as President, we walked a path together—leaders who understood that the destiny of our nations is woven from the same cloth,” he stated.
President Ali underscored Santokhi’s role in strengthening bilateral ties between Guyana and Suriname, highlighting his leadership in advancing cooperation within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and on the global stage.
“We were brothers in regionalism, standing shoulder to shoulder in the councils of CARICOM… and in the quiet spaces between formal engagements, we were simply two men who had come to trust one another,” he added.
According to the President, Santokhi’s tenure marked a period of deepened relations between the two neighbouring countries, grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations.
“Under his steady guidance, the relationship between Guyana and Suriname blossomed… he understood that the river which divides us also connects us,” President Ali said.
Describing the late leader as one who carried “the mantle of leadership with grace and humility,” President Ali noted that the region has lost a committed and principled voice.
“The region has lost a fine statesman… Guyana has lost a friend… I have lost a friend, someone whose presence in this world made the burdens of leadership lighter and the triumphs sweeter,” he expressed.
President Ali also offered words of comfort to the people of Suriname and the bereaved family, urging them to draw strength from Santokhi’s legacy of service and dedication.
“May his memory be a blessing that sustains you in the days ahead… and may the love that surrounded him in life be a comfort to you in this hour of loss,” he said.
He concluded by honouring Santokhi’s life and enduring impact, stating: “The sun sets now on a life well lived… the light of his example, his friendship, and his brotherhood will not fade.”
Reports emerging from Suriname indicate that the former Head of State died at the age of 67. According to initial information from Waterkant News, an ambulance was dispatched to the former president’s residence earlier today following a medical emergency. Emergency responders reportedly provided on-site assistance before transferring him to a hospital, where he subsequently passed away.
Santokhi’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes across the region, as Caribbean leaders reflect on his contribution to governance, regional integration and bilateral cooperation.
