It was with profound sadness that the Caribbean Community learnt of the death of the Honourable Jagernath Lachmon, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname on Friday October 19, 2001 at 85 years of age.
On behalf of the Caribbean Community, the Staff at the CARICOM Secretariat and on my own behalf, I wish to extend heartfelt sympathies to his bereaved family and to the Government and People of the Republic of Suriname, on the passing of a most eminent and distinguished statesman who served his country with the highest distinction and pursued with devotion and unwavering commitment the integrity of the political and democratic process in Suriname.
Born on 21 September 1916, the Honourable Jagernath Lachmon belonged to the first generation of the descendants of immigrants from India in Suriname. A lawyer by profession, he was a veteran of pre-independence politics and played a significant role in the country’s independence from the Netherlands in 1975. He was Chairman of the Progressive Reformed Party (VHP) which he founded, along with others, in 1949, as the Hindi United Party.
The Honourable Jagernath Lachmon will be remembered for his passion to the causes which he espoused not least of which was that of securing the harmonious integration of the Surinamese society with its diverse cultures, races and religion. As we mourn his loss, we cannot but recognise the indelible impression he has left on the political life and the development of his country. Gaining recognition for consistently being elected as a Member of Parliament since Suriname held its first general election in 1949, he has been acknowledged as being the longest serving elected member of a representative national body in the world.
In paying homage to this great son of Suriname and of the Caribbean Community, it is fitting to recall that in May of this year, the Right Honourable Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados in his capacity as Chairman of the Conference, led a CARICOM Mission to Suriname and made a historic address to the National Assembly where he congratulated and saluted the Honourable Jagernath Lachmon for his outstanding and dedicated service to his country for more than half a Century.
The Caribbean Community gives thanks for the life of this distinguished political figure and in honouring the contribution of this great son of Suriname and of the Caribbean Community, extends its deepest condolences to his family and the Government and People of Suriname.
“Moge zijn Ziel in vrede rusten”- May his soul rest in peace.
