William Soemita (1 March 1936 – 23 September 2022) was a Surinamese parliamentarian and minister. He was the only Deputy Vice President of Suriname, serving from 1988 to 1990. His father Iding Soemita was born in West Java and came as an indentured labourer to Suriname where he founded the political party Kerukunan Tulodo Pranatan Inggil (KTPI) in 1949. In August 1972, Willy succeeded his father as chairman of the Javanese Surinamese party. Career Soemita became head of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, then Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in 1973. After the restoration of democracy in Suriname, Soemita returned as minister in 1988, taking the portfolio of Minister of Social Affairs and Housing. This ended in 1990 because of the military coup known as the "telephone coup". From 1991 to 1996 he was again Minister. In 2005, he coached Sonny Kertoidjojo to succeed him as chairman of the KTPI. However, in early 2007, Kertoidjojo decided not to run. The then 71-year-old Soemita was then re-elected as chairman of KTPI. In November 2019, Soemita retired from his position as party chairman, and was succeeded by Iwan Ganga. Soemita said that he would remain active in the party and support the new chairman. References 1936 births 2022 deaths Agriculture ministers of Suriname Economy ministers of Suriname Fisheries ministers of Suriname Housing ministers of Suriname Social affairs ministers of Suriname Party for National Unity and Solidarity politicians People from Commewijne District Surinamese people of Javanese descent Surinamese politicians