Former Surinamese president Chandrikapersad Santokhi has died at the age of 67.

According to Surinamese media outlet Waterkant, an ambulance was called to Santokhi’s home on March 30 after he experienced a medical emergency. He was taken to the Academic Hospital in the capital, Paramaribo, where he later died.

Santokhi, a former police officer, served as Suriname’s ninth head of state from 2020 to 2025.

The Caribbean Community said it was deeply saddened by his unexpected passing, describing him as a dedicated regionalist who served with distinction as chairman of the bloc from July to December 2022.

In a statement, CARICOM highlighted his leadership during the Forty-Third Regular Meeting of the Conference in Paramaribo, where he addressed key issues including the expansion of professions under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the regional response to Haiti, and the development of the CARICOM Industrial Policy.

Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali paid tribute to Santokhi, describing him as a close friend and brother.

“A voice of wisdom has fallen silent,” Ali said, noting their shared commitment to regional integration and cooperation.

“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.”

Ali added that under Santokhi’s leadership, relations between Guyana and Suriname strengthened significantly, emphasising the deep historical and economic ties between the two countries.

He described Santokhi as a fine statesman and extended condolences to his family and the people of Suriname.