Sir Shridath Ramphal: “His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us” – CCJ

…says Ramphal’s advocacy was critical for formation of regional court

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has joined in the tributes for late legal luminary and elder statesman, Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal, hailing the important legacy left by the Guyanese icon and the role he played in the very existence of the regional court.
According to the CCJ, in a statement on Tuesday, Ramphal played critical roles in the development of regional and international law. The CCJ pointed out that it was Ramphal who, as Chairman of the West Indian Commission, helped to usher in a new era of regional cooperation within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“As a distinguished lawyer, diplomat, and statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal’s contributions to the development of Caribbean jurisprudence and international law were unparalleled. His tenure as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and his pivotal role in ushering a new era of regional cooperation within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as Chair of the West Indian Commission are testaments to his unwavering commitment to the ideals of regional integration,” CCJ said in its statement.

Describing him as one of the region’s greatest minds in diplomacy, law, and international relations, the CCJ also revealed that it was Ramphal who advocated for the establishment of an appellate court that would exclusively service the Caribbean region. This was instrumental in the birth of the CCJ, in 2001.
“Sir Shridath’s vision for an integrated Caribbean was not only rooted in political and economic unity but also in the strengthening of legal frameworks that protect the rights and freedoms of all Caribbean citizens.”
“His advocacy for the establishment of a Caribbean final appellate court and a court to adjudicate over issues arising out of the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas were instrumental in the inception of the CCJ,” the court explained.
Meanwhile, the CCJ said that it would continue to be inspired by the legacy left by Ramphal and that his contributions, across a wide sphere of areas, will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
“On behalf of the President, the Judges, and staff of the CCJ, we extend our deepest condolences to Sir Shridath Ramphal’s family, friends, and colleagues. We share in the profound sense of loss felt across the Caribbean and the wider international community.”
“His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to realise the full potential of Caribbean integration. In this time of mourning, we reflect on Sir Shridath’s remarkable life and the indomitable spirit with which he served the Caribbean and the world,” the court further said.
Sir Shridath Ramphal passed away on August 30, 2024, surrounded by his children in Barbados where he lived for several decades. He was 96 at the time of his passing.
The statesman was born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana) and 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.