Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal Passes Away at 95

Life and Legacy

Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, the former Guyana government minister and Commonwealth secretary general, died on Friday at the age of 95, according to a statement issued by his family.

According to the statement, Sir Shridath was a towering figure in international diplomacy and a cherished elder statesman of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean, who died surrounded by his children.

Career Highlights

Sir Shridath’s distinguished career spanned numerous pivotal roles, including 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, the University of the West Indies, 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.

Education and Early Career

Sir Shridath began his educational journey in Georgetown, attending schools before pursuing a law degree at King’s College London, graduating with LL.B. and LL.M. degrees. He was called to the bar at Gray’s Inn in London in 1951 and worked as a pupil barrister with the British politician and lawyer Dingle Foot.

He continued his studies at Harvard Law School in the US on a 1962 Guggenheim Fellowship and started his legal career as a Crown Counsel in the Attorney-General’s Office in 1953, becoming Solicitor-General and then Assistant Attorney-General of the short-lived West Indies Federation.

Notable Positions

Ramphal held various notable positions throughout his career, including Attorney General of British Guiana, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He also served as the Chancellor of the University of Warwick from 1989 to 2002, of the University of the West Indies from 1989 to 2003, and of the University of Guyana from 1990 to 1992.

Conclusion

Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive career achievements. He was a dedicated public servant, a champion of international diplomacy, and a beloved figure in the Commonwealth and the Caribbean. His passing leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his memory will continue to inspire future generations.

FAQs

Q: When did Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal pass away?

A: He passed away on Friday at the age of 95, according to a statement issued by his family.

Q: What were some of Sir Shridath’s notable positions?

A: He held positions such as Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation, Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, among others.

Q: What was the significance of Sir Shridath’s 1992 report, “Time for Action”?

A: The report remains a seminal blueprint for Caribbean development and was a result of his work as Chairman of the West Indian Commission.