Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal took his last breath on August 30, 2024, surrounded by his children in Barbados where he lived for several decades.
Sir Shridath, born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana), was a towering figure in international diplomacy and a cherished elder statesman of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.
Educated at King’s College London and Gray’s Inn, London, Sir Shridath was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lady Lois Ramphal, on September 20, 2019.
His distinguished career spanned numerous pivotal roles: Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation, Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. He also held concurrent positions as Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), the University of the West Indies (UWI), and Warwick University.
He was the only individual to have served on all the Global Commissions that produced landmark reports on the environment, development, and disarmament between 1980 and 1995. As Chairman of the West Indian Commission, his 1992 report, “Time for Action,” remains a seminal blueprint for Caribbean development.
Globally respected, Sir Shridath served in various capacities, including 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. He was also a mediator and facilitator in elections and constitutional crises.
Sir Shridath Ramphal and Queen Elizabeth II
As the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990, Sir Shridath was instrumental in the fight against institutional racism in Southern Africa, playing a key role in the termination of apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela once said of him: “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.”
In his later years, Sir Shridath continued to serve with distinction. At 92, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he was the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice, representing Guyana in a significant border dispute with Venezuela.
Sir Shridath was the recipient of numerous prestigious honours, 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 an appointment to the Order of New Zealand, New Zealand’s highest civil honour.
Following the passing of the distinguished Guyanese, President Dr. Irfaan Ali in his message of condolences stated that the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal marks the end of an era, not only for Guyana but for the entire Caribbean and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Sir Shridath Ramphal
“We mourn the loss of an outstanding statesman, a regionalist par excellence, and a committed internationalist. Sir Shridath’s life was one of magnificent service—dedicated to his homeland, to the region, and to the world.”
He noted that Guyana recalls with deep appreciation, his unflagging commitment to defending Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“His efforts before the International Court of Justice and the Tribunal of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) were not just a service to the nation; they were acts of supreme and selfless devotion to the land that nurtured him. He was deservedly the recipient of Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence.”
“As Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, he stood tall against the injustices of apartheid, becoming a voice for the oppressed and a champion for justice and equality. His firm opposition to apartheid rule will be remembered as one of the defining aspects of his illustrious international career. His contributions went beyond the Commonwealth, shaping international relations with his wisdom and leadership.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali
The Guyanese Head of State noted that the Caribbean, a region that was always close to his heart, benefited immensely from Sir Shridath’s dedication to regional integration.
“His efforts helped the Caribbean secure its rightful place in global negotiations, protecting and advancing the interests of our member states. His role as Chairman of the West Indian Commission helped to provide direction, impetus and revitalisation to the regional integration process in the post-Cold War era.”
Further, he added that Sir Shridath Ramphal was more than a statesman – he was a gem of Guyana, a towering figure in the Caribbean, and a respected leader in the Commonwealth.
“His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Guyana has lost one of its finest sons, and the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, a giant among men.”
The president on behalf of Guyana, expressed his deepest condolences to his family, relatives and to the countless friends, associates, and admirers who were touched by his life and work.
In addition, Attorney General Anil Nandlall stated “No doubt, his was a long and distinguished life, achieving heights on the global stage to which most hardly aspire, moreover, attain.”
He noted that Sir Shridath played a pivotal role in settling Guyana’s maritime dispute with Suriname. “In fact, he was the Co-Agent and Counsel on the Guyana-Suriname Maritime Arbitration (2004 – 2007).”
“In respect of the ongoing case between Guyana and Venezuela, Sir Shridath was one of the leading lawyers from the inception. He remained part of the legal team until his demise. Being privileged to be allowed to work with that team and appear at the International Court of Justice, I had the first-hand opportunity of observing Sir Shridath at work.”
“Personally, it was an intellectually stimulating exercise. He was already in his 90’s but his agility of mind and intellectual nimbleness were superlative. Even at that age, his energy and enthusiasm were boundless. When he could not travel, he would call to have discussions during the work sessions and before and after every Court Hearing. The respect which he commanded from the other legal luminaries on the team was simply extraordinary.”
He added that Guyana and the Caribbean have lost a most distinguished son.
