Former Surinamese president Santokhi dies at age 67

Surinamese authorities report the death of former President Chandrikapersad Santokhi on Monday. Officials state that his passing has placed the Caribbean Community nation in a period of official mourning.

A government statement said that emergency services were called to the ex-head of state’s suburban home, where he was treated for an unknown illness. The cause of death is currently unknown. He was rushed to the main state hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

Santokhi was 67. He and his Hindutva-dominated VHP party had lost the general elections in May to a multiparty coalition led by former assembly speaker and now President Jenny Simons.

Santokhi had previously served as a police chief and justice minister before taking the helm of the VHP and guiding it to a single five-year term that ended mid-last year with the election defeat.

He had been serving as an opposition parliamentarian and opposition leader up to the time of his death.

Reacting to his shocking and unexpected passing, President Simons returned to his decades of public service to the Dutch-speaking nation.

“His many years of service in various public offices will be remembered. The government expresses its sincere condolences to the surviving relatives, family, friends, party colleagues, and everyone affected by the loss. The surviving relatives are also wished much strength and fortitude during this difficult time,” the statement noted