PARAMARIBO – At the funeral service that was held for Desi Bouterse,  the former president who is also the former chairman and the honorary chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP), was praised by all of the people who appeared on stage. “Bouterse has left behind a legacy.” Jennifer Simons, the current chairwoman of the NDP, described her honorary chairman as an extraordinary person. “He was a leader. He knew how to bring groups together. We must continue his legacy. It is up to us to go on as a nation.  We must live in unity as one big nation. Suriname must become a country where everybody experiences wellbeing and prosperity,” said the NDP chairwoman. Due to the busy schedule the funeral service lasted longer than expected. The funeral procession was scheduled to leave for the Pt. Jagdew Paragh Crematorium before 6 p.m. but left much later as there were many people who still wanted to say their goodbyes to the honorary chairman of the NDP. Thousands of people escorted the coffin that was being transported to the crematorium on a horse carriage while former first lady Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring sat next to the coachman.  Many supporters of the NDP stood alongside the road to catch a final glimpse of the man that had led the purple party for dozens of years and who had served as president for two terms in office. Many people waited patiently outside the crematorium for the arrival of the funeral procession. The horse carriage arrived at the crematorium after 7 p.m. and various artists played a memorable tune and others beat their drums while the coffin was taken inside the crematorium. Bouterse did not get a state funeral or a funeral with state honor but he was symbolically given a worthy and unforgettable send-off by thousands of people. 

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