Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal, a revered statesman and legal luminary, was laid to rest at the Seven Ponds Place of Heroes in the Botanic Gardens, Guyana, following a national funeral service held at the Promenade Gardens. His cremated remains were interred in a ceremony that honored his lifelong dedication to Guyana’s sovereignty and contributions to global diplomacy. Ramphal passed away on August 3, 2024, at his home in Barbados at the age of 95. His legacy was celebrated by leaders and dignitaries from across the region, as he was remembered for his tireless efforts in defending Guyana’s territorial integrity, particularly against Venezuela’s long-standing claims.
President Irfaan Ali led the tributes, hailing Ramphal as one of Guyana’s architects and a global citizen whose work spanned decades. Ali emphasized Ramphal’s instrumental role in shaping Guyana’s legal framework, specifically in the defense of its territorial integrity in maritime disputes. Ramphal was a key figure in Guyana’s successful representation before international tribunals, including the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention and the International Court of Justice. President Ali shared a personal note from Ramphal that underscored the importance of diplomacy: “Draft to win new allies and keep existing friends.” This advice, Ali noted, continues to resonate as he navigates the complexities of global diplomacy today.
Also present were Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, and Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell. Reflecting on Ramphal’s global influence, Sir Ronald Sanders, Ramphal’s son-in-law, noted how even on the night before his passing, Ramphal was reading documents related to Guyana’s border dispute with Venezuela. Sanders highlighted Ramphal’s contribution to the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which laid the groundwork for Guyana’s legal case at the International Court of Justice. He emphasized that the agreement should be implemented in its entirety to secure Guyana’s sovereignty.
Ramphal’s career extended beyond his work on territorial disputes. He served as Guyana’s Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs, where he was pivotal in shaping the country’s foreign policy, balancing regional cooperation, global diplomacy, economic development, and environmental sustainability. His tenure as the second Secretary-General of the Commonwealth was marked by international efforts against apartheid in South Africa and support for Zimbabwe’s liberation. At international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, he ensured that the Caribbean’s voice was respected, particularly in advocating for an equitable global system. He was also a pioneer in the fight against climate change, with CARICOM Chairman Mitchell acknowledging Ramphal’s awareness of the connection between the environment and development.
Ramphal’s advocacy extended into education, where he served as Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of Warwick, and the University of the West Indies, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s intellectual development. His contributions earned him Guyana’s highest honor, the Order of Excellence, cementing his place as one of the nation’s most distinguished citizens. Leaders across the world, including his dear friend, former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, mourned his passing. Patterson praised Ramphal for his wisdom and humanity, stating, “No one has spoken more passionately or persistently written in the vineyard of oneness than this genial giant.”
In his final years, Sir Shridath remained a staunch advocate for Guyana’s sovereignty and democracy, supporting President Ali’s vision of national unity under the motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” His vision for a just and equitable world, which included efforts in racial equity, global justice, and Caribbean unity, will continue to inspire future generations.
