Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, the widow of the late president Chandrikapersad Santokhi, appeared at the VHP center to speak as an oil expert. She discussed the topic of the oil rush in Suriname and the balance between resource dependency and growth. This appearance has been described as an absurd scene in local politics. Questions have been raised regarding her qualifications for this role. Some point to past changes made to the statutes of Staatsolie. The situation suggests a connection between marriage ties and oil interests.