SAD NEWS: West Indies icon dies at……
West Indies icon dies at 95
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, has responded to news of the death of Guyanese politician Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal (3 October 1928 – 30 August 2024).
Sir Hilary offered condolences on behalf of the University, recognizing Sir Sonny’s status as a prominent scholar and statesman whose services to the University, the region, and the world will be remembered.
Sir Shridath served as Chancellor of the University of the West Indies from 1989 until 2003. The Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services was established to honour his contributions to the University’s purpose and vision.
It was named after Sir Shridath in recognition of this distinguished Caribbean statesman’s critical role in shaping the region’s trade and economic development policies during the early days of independence. This 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.
Sonny’s objective was to advance both democracy and regionalism. As a legal draftsman, he contributed to the constitutions of the West Indies Federation and Guyanese Independence. He was a key architect of multiracial democracy in the postcolonial period.
He was essential in negotiating the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which has helped to preserve and protect The UWI’s regional character. He became the Commonwealth’s first Secretary General from a “third world” country, marking a historic moment. During his long tenure as Commonwealth Secretary General, he played a key diplomatic role in the end of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela.
We express our heartfelt condolences to Sir Shridath’s family, friends, colleagues, and those he affected. “We will honour his memory by upholding the values and principles he stood for,” stated Vice-Chancellor Beckles. “May the soul of Sonny rest in peace.”
