Leaving behind a legacy of service, Sir Shridath Ramphal laid to rest

Sir Shridath Ramphal- the distinguished Guyanese who served his country, the Caribbean, and the globe- was laid to rest on Saturday after a national funeral at the Promenade Gardens in Georgetown.

At the funeral, many highlighted just how Sir Shridath distinguished himself.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves described himself as both a student and friend of Sir Shridath. And according to the Prime Minister, “Sonny” Ramphal was simply different from most.

He, like Grenadian Prime Minister and incumbent Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dickon Mitchell, detailed the illustrious regional and international career Sir Shridath had. Whether it was pushing for regional integration or helping to bring an end to Apartheid in South Africa, the regional leaders posited that Sir Shridath left an indelible mark on the world.

“He held the flag of our region high… He brought honour to Guyana and the Caribbean community,” Prime Minister Mitchell said at the Promenade Gardens.

As the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary- General and someone who served on several crucial global commissions, Sir Shridath’s work is world-renowned.

But Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali stressed just how committed Sir Shridath remained to Guyana.

In fact, President Ali hailed him as one of Guyana’s “architects.”

“Sir Shridath was in every sense, one of the architects of Guyana, shaping its legal framework, defending its territorial integrity, and raising its profile on the international stage… Sonny served as a technocratic Attorney General, Minister of State, and Minister of Foreign Affairs,” President Ali said.

The Head of State also reminded the gathering that decades ago, Sir Shridath was instrumental in the creation of the country’s constitution and foreign service. After that, he was at the forefront of efforts to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

His service to Guyana, President Ali, continued until his passing. The Guyanese leader said he turned to Sir Shridath since assuming office, but especially over the past 18 months when threats to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity were mounting.

And he emphasised that Sir Shridath’s enduring principles of seeking international solidarity and peaceful resolutions guide the government’s ongoing efforts to protect what belongs to Guyana.

So the President declared, “His legacy is one of service to his country, the region and the world. He was a gem of a human being.”

After his funeral, Sir Shridath was interred at The Place of the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens.

The global statesman was surrounded by family members, President Ali, Grenadian Prime Minister Mitchell, Prime Minister Gonsalves, and other officials as he was laid to rest.