Georgetown, Guyana (CMC) — Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, a distinguished diplomat and former minister of justice and foreign affairs of Guyana, passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 95. Surrounded by his children, Sir Shridath was hailed as “a towering figure in international diplomacy and a cherished elder statesman of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.”
Born in 1928, Sir Shridath’s illustrious career spanned over seven decades, covering pivotal roles in regional and global diplomacy. In his autobiographical curriculum vitae (CV) titled “My CV – and how life unfolded”, he reflected on his life’s journey starting from the age of 18 in 1946. He expressed a mix of pride and modesty about his achievements, attributing much of his success to instinct rather than meticulously pursued ambitions.
Sir Shridath described his early years as “joyous and care-free,” with school being a pleasant experience although he “was not a star.” His journey into law began not out of personal ambition but because his father, a pioneer educationalist in British Guiana, envisioned this path for him. He pursued his education at King’s College London and Gray’s Inn, London, setting the foundation for a career that would see him serve as assistant attorney-general of the West Indies Federation and later as Guyana’s minister of justice and foreign affairs.
One significant turning point in Sir Shridath’s life was his involvement with the West Indies Federation, a short-lived political union of Caribbean territories. He played a crucial role in the legal and diplomatic arenas of the region, despite the federation’s eventual collapse. His work continued with the development of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), fostering regional integration and cooperation.
As the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990, Sir Shridath left a significant mark on global politics. His tenure was notable for his efforts against institutional racism in Southern Africa and his instrumental role in ending apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela commended him for his global fight for human justice, describing him as one who chose “the whole world as their theatre.”
Sir Shridath’s accomplishments extended to environmental and development issues. Between 1980 and 1995, he served on all major global commissions that produced landmark reports on these subjects. He also chaired the West Indian Commission, producing the influential 1992 report “Time for Action,” a critical blueprint for Caribbean development. His various roles included 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. His mediation and facilitation skills were also called upon in elections and constitutional crises.
Remarkably, at the age of 92, Sir Shridath continued his legal and diplomatic service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he became the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), representing Guyana in its border dispute with Venezuela.
Sir Shridath’s dedication to public service earned him numerous prestigious honours. These include the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG), Order of Excellence of Guyana (OE), Order of Merit of Jamaica (OM), and the Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo from South Africa. He was also an Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) and a recipient of New Zealand’s highest civil honour, the Order of New Zealand.
In a significant academic contribution, Sir Shridath donated his extensive collection of official papers to the Library of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in 2005. These documents detail his service across various regional and international entities, ensuring that future generations can learn from his vast experience and contributions.
Sir Shridath was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Lady Lois Ramphal, in 2019. He is survived by his children Susan, Ian, Mark, and Amanda, as well as his son-in-law, Sir Ronald Sanders, the Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS).
The passing of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal marks the end of an era of exceptional diplomatic service and visionary leadership. His contributions to Guyana, the Caribbean, and the world will be remembered for generations to come.
