Pres Ali, CARICOM mourn passing of fmr Secretary General

– remembered for shaping Caribbean integration, CSME vision

President Dr Irfaan Ali has joined the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in mourning the death of Roderick Rainford, who served as Caricom Secretary-General from 1983 to 1992. In a message posted on his social media platform, President Ali recalled Rainford’s key role in the push for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and more so, assisted the Secretariat during a very challenging period for regional integration. “His consequential role in laying the foundation for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, in strengthening regional institutions, and in preparing the Caribbean for a future shaped by trade and economic liberalisation is part of his outstanding service to regionalism,” Dr Ali stated. “On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and other loved ones during this time of loss. May he rest in peace!”

In addition, CARICOM in a message stated that it was with great sadness it learned about the passing of the distinguished public servant.
“A national of Jamaica, Mr Rainford also served as Deputy Secretary-General and led the Secretariat during a period of significant global turmoil, including high oil prices and heightened Cold War tensions, which negatively impacted the region. Faced with the regional repercussions of the 1983 military invasion of Grenada, he, in his calm and dignified manner, drew on his vast reserves of diplomatic and academic skills to steer regional integration on a steady path, leading to the 1989 Grand Anse Declaration.

This set the foundation for the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) through the establishment of the Common External Tariff (CET),” CARICOM added. The release from the regional body further stated that he was a firm believer in the benefits of economic and functional integration to advance regional development and, above all, to improve the welfare of Community nationals from all spheres of life. Among the developments under his tenure were the rudiments of the Regional Stock Exchange, the negotiation of the framework for the Caribbean Investment Fund, and the reactivation and revival of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA). During his stewardship, the region heightened focus on environmental management and protection. His contributions included overseeing the development of a Caricom Uniform Building Code to harmonise standards in construction and infrastructure development and the creation or consolidation of institutions for common regional action, such as the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA, now CDEMA).
“For these and other significant contributions to the advancement of regional integration, he was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community in 2024.”
“Our community is stronger for his dedication and service. Caricom conveys deepest condolences to his wife, Nesha, other family members and all who mourn his passing.”