Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles responded to news of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal’s passing.
Sir Hilary expressed his condolences on behalf of the University, recognising Sonny’s stature as a distinguished scholar and statesman, whose contributions to the University, the region, and the world cannot be forgotten.
“Sonny contributed much to the development of Caribbean civilization and institutions. I am sorry for his passing, but I am proud of his contributions. In every sense he was one of our greatest leaders and impactful citizens.”
Between 1989 and 2003, Sir Shridath served as Chancellor of The University of the West Indies. A tribute to his contribution to the University’s mission and vision is the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services. 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.
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.
A heartfelt condolence is extended to Sir Shridath’s family, friends, colleagues, and those whose lives he touched. “We will honour his memory by upholding the values and principles he stood for,” said Vice-Chancellor Beckles. “May the soul of Sonny rest in peace.”
