The Tribune

CARIBBEAN statesman Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal died aged 95 on Friday, prompting a flood of tributes.

A statement issued by his family described Sir Shridath as “a towering figure in international diplomacy and a cherished elder statesmen of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean”. 

Sir Shridath, was born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana), and was educated at King’s College London and Gray’s Inn, London. 

His roles over the years included Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation, Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. 

He also held concurrent positions as Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, and Warwick University.

He was the only individual to have served on all the Global Commissions that produced landmark reports on the environment, development, and disarmament between 1980 and 1995. As chairman of the West Indian Commission, his 1992 report, “Time for Action,” remains a seminal blueprint for Caribbean development.

He also served in various capacities, including president of the World Conservation Union, special adviser to the UN Conference on Environment and Development, and chief negotiator for the Caribbean on External Economic Relations. He was also a mediator and facilitator in elections and constitutional crises.

As the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990, Sir Shridath was instrumental in the fight against institutional racism in Southern Africa, playing a key role in the termination of apartheid in South Africa. 

Nelson Mandela once said of him: “He is one of those men who have become famous because, in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the whole world as their theatre.”

In his later years, Sir Shridath continued to serve with distinction. At 92, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he was the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice, representing Guyana in a significant border dispute with Venezuela.

Sir Shridath was the recipient of numerous prestigious honours, including the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG), the Order of Excellence of Guyana (OE), the Order of Merit of Jamaica (OM), the Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo from South Africa, Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), and an appointment to the Order of New Zealand, New Zealand’s highest civil honour.

Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, said: “It is with the greatest sorrow that we mourn the passing of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal. He was a giant of the Caribbean and one of the Commonwealth’s brightest lights.

“As a committed internationalist, and my longest-serving predecessor as Secretary-General, Sir Sonny served the Commonwealth with extraordinary vision, compassion, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the values which bind our family of nations.

“His statesmanship was rooted in his humanity. His leadership was characterised by his belief in the power of dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation, and his unwavering dedication to justice.

“His committed advocacy for the rights of small states, and his tireless work to bridge the divides which too often separate nations and peoples, was remarkable and visionary.

“Above all, he will remembered for his principled and essential role in coordinating international opposition to apartheid in South Africa – the central achievement of a tenure marked by a resolute dedication to justice, equality, and the dignity of all people.

“He guided the Commonwealth through some of its most challenging and transformative moments, and steered us into the modern era.

“His life reminds us of the transcendent impact that one individual can have on the global stage.

“His legacy is one of unity, hope, and a relentless pursuit of a more just and equitable world, with an influence which extends far beyond the Commonwealth. He leaves an indelible mark on international relations and his work will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

“As we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived. The Commonwealth is stronger, richer and more just because of his leadership, and the world is a better place for his vision and impact.

“On behalf of the Commonwealth family of 56 nations and 2.7 billion citizens, I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Sir Sonny’s family, his loved ones, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“I will hold them all in my heart and in my prayers as we continue to serve the Commonwealth and honour the values he so passionately believed in.” 

The Bahamas government also sent its condolaneces, with a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying: “Sir Shridath had a personal commitment to peace and justice and to the fight against institutionalised racism and apartheid that was felt globally.

“Sir Shridath is remembered for his presence and able executive support as Secretary General during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas, in 1985, presided over by Prime Minister Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, which resulted in the Nassau Accord, calling on the government of South Africa to dismantle its apartheid policy. Sir Shridath served in many significant roles: Assistant Attorney General of the West Indies Federation; Chairman of the West Indian Commission, which helped define The Bahamas’ role within what would become the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); and Minister of Foreign Affairs for his homeland Guyana.”

Sir Shridath passed away on August 30, surrounded by his children. His son-in-law, Sir Ronald Sanders, is a regular writer for The Tribune. 

His wife of 67 years, Lady Lois Ramphal, died on September 20, 2019.