🇸🇷 Nation mourns as former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi passed away

while business community warns of worsening business environment

De Brief
April 06, 2026

Chandrikapersad Santokhi fell ill at his home in Lelydorp on March 30, 2026, was rushed to the hospital, and passed away shortly after at age 67.
Emergency services transported him to the Academic Hospital Paramaribo, where medical assistance was unsuccessful.
The Progressive Reform Party (VHP) expressed deep sorrow, calling his death a major loss for both the party and the nation.
Santokhi led the VHP since 2011 and was widely regarded as a unifying leader, bridge-builder, and advocate for justice, cooperation, and national development.
He served as President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025, guiding the country through crises such as COVID-19 and a severe financial downturn.
Under his leadership, Suriname pursued economic recovery through an IMF program and gained international attention with major investments like TotalEnergies.
Santokhi broadened the VHP’s appeal across ethnic lines, helping the party become the largest in the 2020 elections.
Political parties, including the National Party of Suriname (NPS) , and organizations like the VSB praised his legacy of leadership, integrity, and commitment to democratic and economic development.
The government declared April 6 and 7 as national days of mourning, opened a public condolence book, and ordered flags flown at half-mast.
His state cremation is scheduled for April 7, 2026, at Stichting De Olifant followed by Uitkijk, as tributes continue honoring his lasting impact on Suriname.

Suriname Business Association warns that structural inefficiencies, especially in work and residence permit procedures, are severely hindering business operations.
Companies face long processing times, unclear requirements, and unpredictable administrative and financial obligations, delaying workforce deployment—particularly for foreign workers.
Labor shortages are increasing reliance on foreign workers, but complex procedures limit their effectiveness and slow business productivity.
These challenges lead to higher costs, production delays, and reduced investment confidence, making business planning difficult.
Businesses advocate practical improvements such as digitalization, clearer processes, better public-private coordination, and targeted labor market development to strengthen the overall business climate.

Anjulio Wolf was officially reinstalled as Director of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname, beginning his second term.
The installation took place at the Office of the President, led by Jennifer Simons, with senior officials present.
Wolf succeeds Brian de Souza, who had been serving in an interim role since March 2021.
He stressed the urgent need to strengthen aviation safety standards and quickly assess and improve the organization’s performance.
Wolf acknowledged limited prior stakeholder consultations but maintained communication with key government and supervisory figures.
He emphasized that strong cooperation and broad support are essential to successfully address challenges within CASAS.
The CASAS Personnel Union strongly opposes his reappointment, citing past conflicts, loss of confidence, and ongoing legal issues.
Union chairman Ewald Gefferie announced an emergency meeting after Easter to determine the union’s next steps amid continued dissatisfaction.