( Guyana Chronicle} THE Promenade Gardens was overtaken by an atmosphere of reverence, sadness, and a deep sense of national pride as one of the Caribbean’s most illustrious sons was laid to rest.
Regionalist, educator, and author, Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal, who passed away on August 30, 2024, was given a proper hero’s send-off at the Place of the Seven Ponds in the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, where his ashes were reposed after a ceremony filled with heartfelt tributes from various members of the diplomatic community and heads of state among other regional officials.The solemn yet celebratory event saw tributes from across the Caribbean, reflecting the far-reaching impact of Sir Shridath’s life and work. Former Prime Minister of Jamaica P. J. Patterson and Leader of Guyana’s Opposition Aubrey Norton, both delivered their addresses virtually.
The ashes of Sir Shridath Ramphal being taken the Place of the Seven Ponds by members of the Armed Forces and family members.
Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and Prime Minister of Grenada, Mr. Dickon Mitchell, who flew in for the funeral, also shared their condolences, underscoring the regional significance of Sir Shridath’s legacy. President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali also delivered the keynote address
Former Prime Minister Patterson offered a particularly moving tribute, emphasising Sir Shridath’s unwavering commitment to regional unity. “No one, but no one has spoken more passionately and more persistently written or more assiduously toiled in the vineyard of oneness than this genial giant,” Patterson said.
Patterson went on to praise Sir Shridath’s tenure as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, stating, “It is incontrovertible as we proclaim today there is no one who has made a more enduring contribution to the evolution and catalytic force of the modern Commonwealth than this avatar, Shridath Ramphal, the quintessential diplomat and consummate statesman.”
SIR SHRIDATH, THE MAN
The story of Sir Shridath is deeply intertwined with the history of Guyana and the wider Caribbean. Born in New Amsterdam, seat of administration of the County of Berbice in the then British Guiana, to an Indo-Guyanese family, Ramphal was the eldest of five children. His roots in the region ran deep, with one of his grandmothers having left India to emigrate here under the indentureship system. This heritage would later inform his passionate advocacy for unity and equality on the global stage.
After attending schools in Georgetown, among them the prestigious Queen’s College, Sir Shridath’s academic journey took him to King’s College London, where he studied law, graduating with LL.B. and LL.M. degrees. He was called to the bar at Gray’s Inn in London in 1951, marking the beginning of what would become a highly successful and influential life dedicated to law, diplomacy, and regional development.
Sir Shridath’s political career took a significant turn when he was invited back to Motherland by then Premier, Forbes Burnham. As President Ali noted in his eulogy, “As one of the architects of an independence constitution, he was instrumental in fashioning a document that would serve as a blueprint for our young nation.” This role as a nation-builder was just the beginning. He went on to become Attorney-General, drafted Guyana’s Independence Constitution, and served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and later as Justice Minister.
The family of Sir Shridath paid their respects at the memorial erected at the Place of the Seven Ponds
President Ali, in his tribute, emphasised Sir Shridath’s steadfast commitment to defending Guyana’s territorial integrity. “He played a pivotal role in crafting the strategies that would become the cornerstone of our nation’s defence against external aggression,” President Ali stated, highlighting Sir Shridath’s crucial role in shaping Guyana’s foreign policy. But his influence was not confined to Guyana’s borders. In 1975, he became the first Third World Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, a position that allowed him to advocate for developing nations on a global scale
ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER
Throughout his illustrious career, Sir Shridath was deeply involved in international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the Commonwealth, and the Group 77. President Ali commended his global impact, saying, “Sir Shridath played a crucial role in uniting the member states in opposing Apartheid, galvanizing international support for sanctions against the South African regime.”
This commitment to justice and equality was a hallmark of Sir Shridath’s work. He tirelessly advocated for developing countries, worked against Apartheid, and focused on establishing a new economic world order that would benefit all nations, not just the powerful few.Sir Shridath’s dedication to regional integration was another key aspect of his legacy, as highlighted by President Ali: “Sir Shridath played a pivotal role in the creation of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA).”
This work towards Caribbean unity was complemented by his dedication to human rights and environmental issues, as evidenced in his roles with the International Commission of Jurists and the World Conservation Union.
Beyond his diplomatic and legal work, Sir Shridath was also a prolific author. He penned several influential books, including “Glimpses of a Global Life” and “Caribbean Challenges”, both of which focused on international conflicts, diplomacy, law, and the unique challenges faced by Guyana and the wider Caribbean region. These works continue to inspire and inform new generations of Caribbean leaders and thinkers
