Caribbean News
Salute to a CARICOM Stalwart, Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal
Garfield Ekon
Staff Writer
September 5, 2024 – The CARICOM Secretariat says it is “profoundly saddened” at the passing of a stalwart of our Community, Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, on 30 August 2024.
In an illustrious career devoted to public service, Sir Shridath blazed a trail of excellence in diplomacy, law, academia and politics, earning respect and admiration in his homeland Guyana, elsewhere in the Caribbean Region, and across the Commonwealth of Nations.
He was a leading advocate of regionalism, and contributed practically to its advancement, notably in high-level service to the legal fraternity, institutions of higher learning, and as Chairman of the West Indian Commission which produced the 1992 seminal report, “Time for Action”. An astute negotiator, he was appointed by Heads of Government to lead the CARICOM Regional Negotiating
Included among his well-deserved accolades is the Region’s highest honour, the Order of the Caribbean Community, which he received in 1992 in the first conferral of the award, for his sterling contributions to the Region.
The Secretary General and staff of the CARICOM Secretariat join the Region and the international community in mourning his loss, and in lauding his life marked by committed service and excellence.
Meanwhile, Chairman of CARICOM, Hon. Dickon Mitchell said the “pivotal contributions” to regional integration and development, by Sir Shridath who was as an eminent jurist, Minister of Government and Attorney-General in his native Guyana; Chancellor of the University of Guyana and The University of the West Indies; and Chief Negotiator for CARICOM on External Trade Relations, must be celebrated
“His influence extended beyond our shores to the international arena, where his decisive leadership as Commonwealth Secretary-General impacted outcomes on global matters including the ending of apartheid in southern Africa. Further, his deep intellectual interest in regional development issues led to significant publications, which are an invaluable legacy for the young people of our Region,” the Chairman said.