PARAMARIBO, Suriname – One day after his body was cremated, the Suriname government has declared Wednesday a day of national mourning in honour of former president, Ronald Venetiaan, who died on November 5
A packed congregation as Surinamese nationals paid their last respect to former president, Ronald VenetiaanThe Ministry of the Interior in making the announcement said that it serves as a sign of sympathy and solidarity with the family of the former president and with all Surinamese people.
It said that the Surinamese flag will be flown at half-mast on all public buildings and ships moored at the dock as a sign of mourning and that the flag must fly at half-mast from 6.00 am (local time) until sunset.
In addition, media companies, including radio and television stations, are called upon to adapt their programming to the meaning of this national day of mourning.
On Tuesday afternoon at a packed Cathedral Basilica, family, friends, politicians, foreign dignitaries, members of the National Party of Suriname (NPS) paid their last respects to Venetiaan, 89, served as head of state from 1991 and 1996, and between 2000 and 2010. He had previously taught mathematics and physics and served as Minister of Education.
The funeral was marked by his own words: “Arrived as an RRV and left as an RRV” underscoring his wish that was repeated throughout the service that he did not wish for a state funeral.
“What inspired a man with a passion for nature, mathematics, guitar playing, and poetry to become president of a country that had collapsed economically and was burdened by corruption, crime, and poverty?,” asked his friend and longtime party member, Roy Shyamnarain as he reflected on Venetiaan’s exceptional leadership.
“That requires vision, courage, and above all, love—unconditional love for country and people. He knew that the risk of failure was greater than of success, but he acted out of faith, trust, and principled steadfastness. With the support of many, he made Suriname a better country. Today we commemorate the man who brought us those blessings.”
The son of the former president, Alvin remembered the difficult eighties, when his father was under house arrest, saying “despite everything, he insisted that the soldiers guarding him also be fed. That was who he was”.
Father Esteban Kross said Venetiaan will not be remembered for his titles, but for his humanity.
“God will not judge him on his merits or honours, but on his sincere life. Before Him, all people are equal. Ronald Venetiaan was a great man, not only as a president, but as a deeply religious man, convinced that there is only one right path: that of values and standards.”
