Patterson, UWI join in tributes to Sir Shridath Ramphal

The Patterson Institute of Advocacy for the Caribbean and Africa and The University of the West Indies (UWI) have added their voices to the tributes that have been pouring in after the death of Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal, former secretary-general of the Commonwealth.

In a statement released late Friday night, after Sir Shridath’s passing was announced earlier in the day, the Patterson Institute said his death was greeted with “profound sadness and a deep sense of loss” and that he was “a true titan” of Caribbean diplomacy and global statesmanship.

“Sir Shridath’s departure at the age of 96 marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” the Institute says in its statement over the name of its head, former Jamaican prime minister, P. J. Patterson.

“Sir Shridath’s life was a testament to the power of intellect, diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. From his humble beginnings in British Guiana to his role as the second secretary-general of the Commonwealth of Nations, he exemplified the best of Caribbean leadership on the world stage.”

ADVOCATE FOR SMALL NATIONS

Patterson indicated that Sir Shridath’s journey was tireless in his efforts in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and was an advocate for the rights of small nations in his visionary approach to international relations.

“Sir Shridath was not just a leader; he was a beacon of hope for the developing world, championing causes that ranged from decolonisation to economic development.

“His contributions to global initiatives, such as the Brandt Commission on international development issues, helped shape crucial discussions on North-South relations and the needs of developing countries. Sir Shridath’s diplomatic acumen and passion for social justice made him a respected voice in international forums, always advocating for a more equitable world order.

“Here in the Caribbean, we remember him not only as Guyana’s foreign minister, but as a regional unifier. His efforts to promote Caribbean unity and to assert our place in the global community have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.”

In the meantime, The UWI, quoted its vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, stating, “Sonny contributed much to the development of Caribbean civilisation and institutions. I am sorry for his passing, but I am proud of his contributions. In every sense he was one of our greatest leaders and impactful citizens.”

In its statement, The UWI noted that, between 1989 and 2003, Sir Shridath served as its chancellor and that a tribute to his contribution to the University’s mission and vision is the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services.

The centre was named after Sir Shridath in recognition of his critical role in shaping the region’s trade and economic development policies during the early days of Independence. The centre aims to develop trade capacity and develop innovative trade solutions for the Caribbean region.

Throughout Sir Shridath’s career, he played various exemplary and pioneering roles. Among them, serving as the Commonwealth’s secretary general, Guyana’s foreign affairs minister, the British West Indies Federation’s assistant attorney general and the West Indian Commission’s chairman. A former director general of CARICOM’s Office of Trade Negotiations, now known as the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, he served as the first director general.

“It was Sonny’s mission to promote both democracy and regionalism. In his role as a legal draftsman, he worked on the constitutions of the West Indies Federation and Guyanese Independence. As an architect of multi-racial democracy in the post-colonial period, he played a crucial part,” stated The UWI. “He was instrumental in securing the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which has served to preserve and protect the regional character of The UWI. A first for the Commonwealth, he made history as its first secretary general from a ‘third world’ country.

In his long service as secretary general of the Commonwealth, he played an important diplomatic role in ending apartheid and freeing Nelson Mandela.