Guyana has lost one of its most treasured and respected sons of the soil. The family of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal announced his passing today at the age of 95. He was surrounded by his children at the time of his passing.

Sir Shridath was born in New Amsterdam, and became a towering figure in international diplomacy and a cherished elder statesman of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.

His distinguished career spanned numerous pivotal roles, from Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation and Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, to Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

He also held concurrent positions as Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, and Warwick University.

In a statement, his family said he was the only person to have served on all the Global Commissions that produced landmark reports on the environment, development, and disarmament between 1980 and 1995.

He also 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.

As the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990, Sir Shridath was instrumental in the fight against institutional racism in South Africa, playing a key role in the termination of apartheid in South Africa.

In his later years, Sir Shridath continued to serve with distinction.

He was the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice, as he represented Guyana in the ongoing border dispute case, which is currently before the Court.

He was a key figure in that case and advised various Governments of Guyana on the border matter. He has been honoured over the years with a number of national and international awards, from Guyana’s Order of Excellence and CARICOM’s Order of the Caribbean Community to the Order of Merit of Jamaica and the Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo from South Africa.

Related posts:

Venezuela’s contention that ICJ lacks jurisdiction has no foundation -Sir Shridath tells International Court Sir Shridath appeals for respect for rule of law as vote recount nears the end Sir Shridath assures that Guyana’s border case is in Good Hands; “We go to work again to finish the job” Everything is at stake for Guyana in move to the International Court in territorial row with Venezuela -Sir Shridath