Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has died at the age of 67.
According to Waterkant News, an ambulance was called earlier today to the former president’s home due to a medical emergency. After assistance at the scene, “it was decided to transfer him to the hospital, where he passed away.”
Santokhi, who led Suriname from July 16, 2020, to July 16, 2025, was a central figure in advancing Suriname’s emerging offshore oil and gas industry as the nation prepared for its first major development. During the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit in February 2025, he highlighted that “oil and gas must be seen as a stepping stone to our nation’s future and further development, not as a destination,” urging broad engagement and understanding of the sector’s impact.
In June 2024, Santokhi assured investors that the country offers a stable and business‑friendly environment and emphasized local content and policy measures as key to maximizing benefits from the emerging offshore industry, including the US$9 billion Block 58 project being led by TotalEnergies and APA Corporation.
Under his leadership, Suriname signed off on initiatives such as the now-canceled ‘Royalty’s Voor Iedereen’ program, which intended citizens born before January 1, 2025, “will receive a financial share of future oil royalties from Block 58.”
Santokhi worked with Guyanese leadership to strengthen regional cooperation. In August 2021, he visited Guyana where both Presidents expressed shared commitment to advance cooperation on bilateral and regional matters, reflecting a mutual interest in developing their oil and gas sectors.
Santokhi saw the potential for collaboration between Suriname and Guyana in energy and beyond, noting joint resource development could position both countries as influential players in the global energy market.
Jennifer Simons, President of the Republic of Suriname, has offered her sympathy on behalf of the country, stating, “his years of service in various public functions will be remembered. The government extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved, family, friends, party mates and everyone affected by this loss. The government wishes them much strength and strength during this difficult time”.
Also reflecting on the life of the late Santokhi was Dr Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana. In a statement today, he said Santokhi’s leadership helped deepen relations between their countries, noting that “the river which divides us also connects us, that our histories are intertwined.”
“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. We were brothers in regionalism, standing shoulder to shoulder in the councils of CARICOM, labouring in the vineyards of unity when the harvest seemed distant, and the work was hard. We were friends in the advancement of our shared global interests, raising our voices together on matters of principle,” the Guyanese leader added.
