when they attended the cremation of former president Chandrikapersad Santokhi. The politicians who usually engage in fiery debates while pointing fingers at each other sat side by side like allies. Government officials and members of the coalition as well as the opposition convened to say one final goodbye to the man who held the presidency from 2020 until 2025. President Jennifer Simons who came into office as the nation’s first ever female head of state gave a memorable speech. “All of us came … and all of us will leave”, said president Simons who added that death comes unexpected and that mankind has no control over it. “The message came unexpectedly but God decides. He had fulfilled his task”, said president Simons as she described the presidency as a job that requires self-reflection, trust and commitment to the nation. President Simons also emphasized the paradox of the presidency. She explained that the president is surrounded by advisors but when decisions must be made the president must rely on individual considerations. Santokhi is the fourth former president who has died. Desi Bouterse, Jules Wijdenbosch and Ronald Venetiaan have also died several months ago.