The University of West Indies has issued a statement hailing the contributions of Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal to “the development of Caribbean civilisation and institutions” while expressing sadness following his passing.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles says he is proud of the contributions Ramphal has made recognising his stature as a distinguished scholar and statesman, whose contributions to the University, the region, and the world cannot be forgotten. “In every sense, he was one of our greatest leaders and impactful citizens,” he said.
Between 1989 and 2003, Ramphal served as Chancellor of The UWI and The Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services was named in his honour as a tribute to his contribution to the University’s mission and vision.
This Centre aims to develop trade capacity and develop innovative trade solutions for the Caribbean region.
Ramphal played a critical role in shaping the region’s trade and economic development policies during the early days of independence.
During his career he played various exemplary and pioneering roles 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.
The release further stated: “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. 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.”
Rampath died August 30 at the age of 95.
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