GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Sir Shridath Ramphal- the distinguished Guyanese who served his country, the Caribbean, and the globe- was laid to rest on Saturday after a national funeral at the Promenade Gardens.
During the funeral, many, led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, highlighted how Sir Shridath distinguished himself.
In his tribute, Ali described Sir Shridath as one of Guyana’s architects and an outstanding son of the country, the Caribbean, and the Commonwealth.
“Few men embody the spirit of a global citizen quite like Sir Shridath Ramphal. His life and legacy stand as a testimony not only to his brilliance as a legal eagle, statesman, and diplomat but also to his undeniable dedication to the land of his birth, Guyana.”
The President noted that Sir Shridath’s contributions were not only confined to his early years in the government of Guyana.
Decades later, he continued to be a stalwart defender of the nation’s territorial integrity, playing a pivotal role in Guyana’s legal team before the International Tribunal of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, where Guyana successfully asserted its maritime rights.
“He has been at the forefront of the presentation of Guyana’s case before the International Court of Justice; whenever he has been summoned to service in defense of this country’s territorial integrity, he has never been found wanting,” Ali said.
He also noted that Sir Shridath’s tenure as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth stands as one of the crowning moments of his career, bringing recognition to Guyana. Guyana, a small developing nation, attained greater international prestige through his leadership.
“His words carried weight, not only because of his distinguished career but also because they were grounded in a deep and abiding concern for the future of Guyana; Sir Shridath reminded us that democracy is fragile and must be protected at all cost.”
Ali also mentioned that through his interactions with the late statesman, Sir Shridath supported his ambition to achieve Guyana’s oneness, reflecting the motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”
“Sir Shridath Ramphal has earned his place among the greats in Guyana’s history, and his service to Guyana and the world will never be forgotten,” the President said.
In his tribute, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said, “Sir Shridath was at the vanguard of the consciousness of the nexus between the natural environment and development.”
He said the late statesman’s dedication to the betterment of the Caribbean pushed him to play critical roles in developing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA).
Mitchell also pointed to Sir Shridath’s pivotal work as Chairman of the West Indian Commission, which is legendary. The commission was appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government to recommend strategies to prepare the Region for the 21st century.
“The ground-breaking report, “A Time for Action,” covered insightful and strategic recommendations on critical issues, including government and politics, finance, trade and industry; social and civic partnerships; communications, education, youth, and gender. The Association of Caribbean States, which connects CARICOM with the wider Caribbean and Central America, marked its 30th Anniversary in July this year. This is an enduring product of the recommendations in Sir Shridath’s report on deepening and widening the greater Caribbean integration movement.”
He added that, with his erudite portfolio of experiences and sharp intellect, “it is no surprise that institutions of higher learning courted his presence.”
Sir Shridath served as Chancellor of three universities—the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, and the University of Warwick—providing critical policy direction to shape the future of young people in the Region and beyond.
“In the face of his significant accomplishments in foreign policy, law, trade, and academia, what is often understated is that Sir Shridath was at the vanguard of the consciousness of the nexus between the natural environment and development. His early efforts assume greater resonance when viewed against the current realities of climate change in our Region. His service also extended to support to bodies focused on disarmament and international humanitarian issues, where he offered critical perspectives on North-South relations and the specific needs of developing countries.”
The CARICOM chairman said Sir Shridath was committed to promoting regional unity, democracy, and the protection of the rights and freedoms of Caribbean and Commonwealth citizens.
“He held the flag of our Region high, and his life of distinguished service as a regional and international statesman has brought honor to his country, Guyana, and the Caribbean Community.”
In 1992, he was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) for his sterling contributions, CARICOM’s highest award.
Another tribute came from Sir Shridath’s dear friend and colleague, former Prime Minister of Jamaica P.J Patterson, who recalled Sir Ramphal’s outstanding sense of wisdom and humanity, stating that “No one has spoken more passionately and more persistently written or more assiduously toiled in the vineyard of oneness than this genial giant.”
“Undoubtedly, Sir Ramphal’s memory will endure in the hearts and minds of his loved ones, colleagues, and future leaders inspired by his rich legacy,” Patterson said.
Sir Shridath, who died peacefully on August 30th, was interred at The Place of the Seven Ponds, also known as the Place of Heroes, in the Botanical Gardens.
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