With profound sadness, the family of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal on Friday announced his serene passing . Sir Shridath departed this world earlier in the day as he had lived—surrounded by family, and with grace.
Born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana), Sir Shridath Ramphal was not merely a figure of remarkable achievement but a symbol of enduring hope and unity for the Commonwealth and the Caribbean. His journey began in the humble surroundings of his hometown and evolved into a global odyssey marked by compassion, wisdom, and tireless service.
Educated at King’s College London and Gray’s Inn, Sir Shridath’s intellect was matched only by his deep commitment to justice and equity. His life was shared with Lady Lois Ramphal, his beloved wife of 67 years, whose passing on September 20, 2019, left a void in his heart that he carried with dignity.
Sir Shridath’s career was a tapestry of significant roles: he served as Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation, Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. His leadership extended to academia, where he was Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, and Warwick University.
He was the sole individual to serve on all the Global Commissions that crafted pivotal reports on the environment, development, and disarmament between 1980 and 1995. His 1992 report as Chairman of the West Indian Commission, “Time for Action,” continues to inspire and guide Caribbean development.
Sir Shridath’s influence transcended borders. As 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 impact was global. His role in mediating elections and constitutional crises further underscored his dedication to peace and justice.
His tenure as the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990 was marked by his unwavering fight against institutional racism in Southern Africa, playing a crucial role in the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela once praised him, saying, “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.”
Even in his later years, Sir Shridath’s spirit remained indomitable. At 92, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he made history as the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice, representing Guyana in a critical border dispute with Venezuela.
Throughout his illustrious life, Sir Shridath was honored with numerous prestigious awards, 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 New Zealand’s highest civil honor, the Order of New Zealand.
Sir Shridath Ramphal’s legacy is one of unparalleled dedication to humanity and diplomacy. His life was a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of unwavering commitment to justice and peace. As we remember him, we honor not just his achievements but the warmth and compassion with which he touched the lives of many. His light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew him and in the enduring impact of his work.
