Sir Shridath Ramphal obituary

Sonny (Shridath) Ramphal, who passed away at the age of 95, had a distinguished career as a politician and diplomat, most notably serving as the Commonwealth secretary general from 1975 to 1990. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the resolution of the Rhodesia crisis and the Commonwealth's active role in combating apartheid in South Africa. Under his leadership, the Commonwealth became a vital mediator between developed and developing nations, fostering a spirit of cooperation and dialogue. Ramphal's early life was shaped by his family's commitment to education, with his father being a pioneer in secondary education in Guyana. After studying law at King’s College, London, he returned to his homeland, where he became involved in the West Indies Federation's secretariat. His legal expertise and diplomatic skills were instrumental in the establishment of the Caribbean Free Trade Area and the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom). In addition to his work within the Commonwealth, Ramphal played a crucial role in forming the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, which united these regions to negotiate with the European Economic Community. His efforts were recognized when he was appointed Commonwealth secretary general, a position he held during a transformative period for the organization. After leaving office, Ramphal continued to influence Caribbean politics and international relations, chairing the West Indies Commission and serving as Caricom's chief international negotiator. His legacy is one of dedication to regional integration and the promotion of peace and cooperation on the global stage.