Johan Ferrier, the first post-independence president of Suriname, died on Monday at the age of 99 in the Netherlands, officials said. A career teacher turned politician, he served as lawmaker, prime minister and governor over the years before becoming president of the small South American country on November 25, 1975.
Ferrier resigned following a 1980 coup by ex-dictator Desi Bouterse, and took his family to the Netherlands. Suriname President Ronald Venetiaan told local radio that the news was "shocking," and that Ferrier had been in excellent condition despite his advanced years.
"Ferrier was well known for his strength and clear-headedness despite his age of 99 years," said Venetiaan, calling on the country of 480,000 inhabitants to place flags at half-mast. Funeral plans were not immediately announced.
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