'One of our greatest leaders and impactful citizens'

This was how UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles described Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, who passed away on August 30. Sir Hilary, in a statement on behalf of the university, said, “Sonny contributed much to the development of Caribbean civilization and institutions. I am sorry for his passing, but I am proud of his contributions.”

Born in Guyana in 1928, Sir Shridath was a consummate Caribbean man who, throughout his life, served in numerous regional roles at the highest level, including as Chancellor of The UWI between 1989 and 2003. His portfolios included Commonwealth Secretary General, Foreign Affairs Minister of Guyana, Assistant Attorney General of the British West Indies Federation, and Chairman of the West Indian Commission.

“It was Sonny’s mission to promote both democracy and regionalism,” the statement from the Vice-Chancellor said. “In his role as a legal draftsman, he worked on the constitutions of the West Indies Federation and Guyanese Independence.”

He was instrumental in securing the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which preserves and protects the regional character of The UWI. He made history as the first Secretary General of the Commonwealth from a “third world” country. As Secretary General, he played an important diplomatic role in ending apartheid and freeing Nelson Mandela.

“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.”