Suriname l +597 521810 l firstlady@cabinetpresident.sr
First Lady of the Republic of Suriname
Quick Facts
Born as Mellisa Kavitadevi Seenacherry Lawyer by profession
on 27th of October 1980 in Suriname
Graduated from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands and
Anton de Kom University in Suriname
Profile
A result-oriented, motivated First Lady and lawyer who enjoys autonomy as well as working with others
to achieve the best results for generations to come. Versatile skill set with experience in dispute
resolution. An innovative thinker of unique, weighed and sustainable solutions for (legal) conflicts. As
well as a decisive, independent and critical decision maker.
As a (new) First Lady, I would describe myself as an energetic people person and team player with a getthe-job-done attitude. I enjoy coaching others both personally as professionally in matters of truth and
justice. I strife to create open communication and a safe environment where people can excel in both
their personal development and career for our beloved country Suriname.
Justice and equality have always been my foundation. It is therefore not surprising that my professional
career has developed in that area. However, I believe that you excel the quickest by taking a step
outside of your comfort zone so that you can drive yourself and your team to its limits for our future
ambitions.
You are as great as your legacy…….by Mellisa Santhoki-Seenacherry
Mellisa Santokhi – Seenacherry
Suriname l +597 521810 l firstlady@cabinetpresident.sr
Councils/Commissions
• Member of the National Anti-Money Laundering Commission, instated by the Council of
Ministers
• Secretary of the Platform Tripartite Consultation between Suriname, the Netherlands Antilles
and Aruba
• Secretary of the Commission on Reviewing the Civil Code of Suriname
• Member of the Council on Consultation with the Unions of the Ministry of Justice and Police
Professional Experience
• 2020 – present Partner • Law firm Moerahoe & Partners
• 2019 – 2020 Associate • Law firm Moerahoe & Partners
• 2014-2016 Advisor • Ministry of Justice and Police Suriname
• 2010-2014 RAIO • Judge in Training • Judiciary [Hof van Justitie Suriname]
• 2009-2010 General Management Coordinator • Ministry of Justice and Police Suriname
• 2008-2009 CFATF Legal Examiner • Caribbean Financial Action Task Force on Anti
Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing [CFATF]. Presentation in October
2009 at the FATF Plenary of the Mutual Evaluation of Aruba in the capacity of
Legal Examiner
• 2006-2008 Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Police• Ministry of Justice and
Police Suriname
• 2007 Internship at The Executive Office of Mayor Job Cohen • City of
Amsterdam [Mayor J. Cohen] The Netherlands
• 2006 Secretary of the Commission Revision Civil Code • Ministry of Justice and
Police Suriname
• 2005 Office Manager • Real Estate Suriname
• 2004 Intern • Law firm A.E.Debipersad
• 2003-2004 Teacher Assistant Business Law • Anton de Kom Universiteit Suriname
• 2002-2003 Teacher Assistant Litigation • Anton de Kom Universiteit Suriname
• 2000-2001 Student Committee Member • Anton de Kom Universiteit Suriname
Educational Background
• Master Dispute Resolution
| 2016- 2020 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
I am currently working on my thesis for the Master program: Conflicthantering, Rechtspraak en
Mediation
Mellisa Santokhi – Seenacherry
Suriname l +597 521810 l firstlady@cabinetpresident.sr
• Master International Business Law – Regulatory
|2018- 2019 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• Master International Business Law – Transactions
|2017- 2018 | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
IBL Thesis: Liability of company directors
The business judgment rule as developed in the US and adopted by Germany compared to the
Netherlands’ approach
• RAIO – Judge Training
| 2010-2014 | Hof van Justitie & SJSSN
• Master of Laws
| 1999-2005 |Anton de Kom Universiteit Suriname
• College Graduate
| 1996-1999 |Mr. Dr. J. C. De Miranda Lyceum
Key Skills Languages
Decision making Dutch – Native
Conflict Resolution English – Native
Critical thinker Spanish – Proficient
Adaptability German – Novice
Communication
Team player