Sir Shridath Ramphal Passes Away at 95
Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal, widely known as Sir Sonny Ramphal, has passed away today, August 30, 2024, at the age of 95.
Born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana, Sir Shridath rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected international statesmen of his time.
Sir Shridath was the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, a position he held from 1975 to 1990, making him the longest-serving individual in that role.
Before his tenure as Secretary-General, he served as Guyana’s foreign minister from 1972 to 1975 and as assistant attorney general of the West Indies Federation from 1958 to 1962.
An English-trained Barrister-at-Law and graduate of King’s College, London, and Gray’s Inn, Sir Shridath authored numerous publications on critical national and international issues.
His scholarly works include significant contributions to Guyana’s border disputes with Suriname and Venezuela.
Notably, he played a key role in resolving Guyana’s maritime dispute with Suriname, serving as Co-Agent and Counsel during the Guyana-Suriname Maritime Arbitration from 2004 to 2007.
In the ongoing legal case between Guyana and Venezuela, Sir Shridath was a leading member of the legal team from the beginning and remained actively involved until his passing.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Shridath received numerous prestigious awards from countries across the Commonwealth, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and various Caribbean nations.
He was also the recipient of Guyana’s highest national honor, the Order of Excellence.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall expressed his condolences, stating, “No doubt, his was a long and distinguished life, achieving heights on the global stage to which most hardly aspire, moreover, attain.”
President Irfaan Ali also paid tribute, saying, “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. We mourn the loss of an outstanding statesman, a regionalist par excellence, and a committed internationalist.”
Sir Shridath’s legacy as a towering figure in Caribbean and international diplomacy will endure.
He leaves behind a rich history of service, scholarship, and dedication to the global community. May his loved ones find solace during this time, and may he rest in peace.
