Chan Santokhi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chan Santokhi
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| चान संतोखी | |
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Official portrait, 2020
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| 9th President of Suriname | |
| In office 16 July 2020 – 16 July 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Dési Bouterse |
| Succeeded by | Jennifer Geerlings-Simons |
| Leader of the Progressive Reform Party | |
| In office 3 July 2011 – 30 March 2026 |
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| Preceded by | Ramdien Sardjoe |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Member of the National Assembly | |
| Assumed office 16 July 2025 |
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| In office 12 August 2010 – 16 July 2020 |
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| Constituency | Wanica District |
| Minister of Justice and Police | |
| In office 1 September 2005 – 13 August 2010 |
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| President | Ronald Venetiaan |
| Secretary-General | Carla Barnett |
| Preceded by | Siegfried Gilds |
| Succeeded by | Lamuré Latour (ad interim) Martin Misiedjan |
| Chairman of the Caribbean Community | |
| In office 1 July 2022 – 31 December 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Johnny Briceño |
| Succeeded by | Philip Davis |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Chandrikapersad Santokhi
3 February 1959 Lelydorp, Suriname district, Suriname (present-day Wanica District, Suriname) |
| Died | 30 March 2026 (aged 67) |
| Political party | Progressive Reform Party |
| Spouses |
Sharda Ramkisoen
(divorced)Mellisa Seenacherry
(m. 2020) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Nederlandse Politieacademie, Apeldoorn (BS) |
| Awards | Honorary Order of the Yellow Star (2010) Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2023) |
| Nickname | Sheriff |
Chandrikapersad "Chan" Santokhi was an important Surinamese politician and police officer. He served as the ninth President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025. Santokhi was known for his dedication to public service throughout his career. He passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 67.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Chandrikapersad Santokhi was born on February 3, 1959. His birthplace was Lelydorp, in what is now the Wanica District of Suriname. He grew up in the countryside as the youngest of nine children. His father worked at the harbor in Paramaribo. His mother was a shop assistant in Lelydorp.
After finishing high school in Paramaribo, Santokhi received a scholarship. He used it to study at the Police Academy in the Netherlands. He attended the academy in Apeldoorn from 1978 to 1982. After completing his studies, he returned to Suriname in September 1982. He began his career working for the police force there.
A Career in Public Service
From Police Officer to Commissioner
Santokhi started his police career at the age of 23. He worked as a police inspector in Geyersvlijt and Wanica. In 1989, he was appointed head of the national criminal investigation department. Just two years later, in 1991, he became a commissioner of police.
Serving as Justice Minister
In September 2005, Santokhi became the Minister of Justice and Police. He represented the Progressive Reform Party. During his time as minister, he focused on upholding law and order. He worked to ensure safety and justice for everyone. His firm approach earned him the nickname "Sheriff."
Running for President in 2010
Santokhi entered the 2010 Surinamese general election as a presidential candidate. He received a high number of votes. However, his political alliance did not win enough seats. As a result, Dési Bouterse was elected as the eighth President of Suriname.
International Leadership Role
For fifteen years, Santokhi was Suriname's representative. He worked with the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD). This organization is part of the Organization of American States. It helps countries in the Western Hemisphere work together on important issues. In 2010, Santokhi was chosen to be the president of CICAD for one year. He had also served as its vice-president in 2009.
Leading a Political Party
On July 3, 2011, Santokhi was elected chairman of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP). Under his leadership, the VHP grew significantly. It became a multi-ethnic party, welcoming people from all backgrounds. The VHP became one of the biggest political parties in Suriname. Until 2020, it was the largest opposition party in parliament.
Becoming President of Suriname
The 2020 Election and Inauguration
The 2020 Surinamese general election results showed the VHP as the largest party. This made Chan Santokhi the most likely candidate for president. On July 13, 2020, he was elected as the ninth President of Suriname. Ronnie Brunswijk became the Vice President.
His inauguration ceremony took place on July 16, 2020. It was held at the Onafhankelijkheidsplein in Paramaribo. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was private. President Santokhi took his oath while reciting Hindu prayers. Christian religious leaders also offered blessings during the event.
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Strengthening International Ties
In September 2021, President Santokhi visited the Netherlands. This was a very important trip. It was the first time a Surinamese president had visited since 2008. The visit helped improve diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, called this renewed connection "historic."
Personal Life
On July 19, 2020, Chan Santokhi married his long-term partner, Mellisa Seenacherry. Their wedding was a private ceremony. Mellisa is a lawyer by profession. Santokhi also had two adult children, a daughter and a son, from a previous marriage.
Chan Santokhi passed away on March 30, 2026. He was 67 years old.
Awards and Recognition
Santokhi received several honors for his service.
- He was awarded the Honorary Order of the Yellow Star in July 2010.
- On July 16, 2020, he received the Honorary Order of the Palm.
- From India, he received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Award) on January 9, 2021.
See also
In Spanish: Chan Santokhi para niños
