Prime Minister Mia Amol Mottley’s statement on the passing of Sir Shridhas Ramfar

IIf there is one man among us who truly deserves the title of “Caribbean”, it is Sir Shridharth Ramfar.

In the meantime, if we need a definition for the term “global citizen,” here’s a resume
All we need is Shridath Sir.

I can’t think of any other product in our area that has more “letters” after its name.
More organizations and countries than Sir Shridath – these are well deserved. Today, as we reflect on his passing, I take comfort in the fact that for nearly three quarters of a century, his contribution to the region and the world has been irreversibly etched in the annals of Caribbean history.

He was born in Guyana but has left a huge footprint in almost every country in the region.
He studied law at King’s College in the UK and Harvard University in the US.
He was knighted in the UK and received the highest national honors in New Zealand, Australia, India and South Africa. He was one of the first people to receive the Order of the Caribbean Community.

Sir Shridas, the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General ever, also served as Assistant Attorney-General for the Federation of the West Indies and was admired by the late South African freedom fighter and President Nelson Mandela for leading the fight against apartheid on the global stage.

As a region, we have produced many outstanding leaders in multiple fields – great men and women who have shown the world that we will never be defined or limited by our size. But there are a handful of individuals who stand at the pinnacle of Caribbean greatness, who have dedicated their lives to the well-being of the people of the West Indies, and who force us to see them not through the lens of their country of birth, but through their efforts to make us recognize and respect our oneness.

This is how we will remember you, Shridas sir.
In fact, I am most interested in his participation
We participated in the 50th anniversary commemorations of the CARICOM Summit last July, and five months later in the Argyle Declaration discussions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, working to advance an understanding between Guyana and Venezuela on the resolution of their border dispute.

On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, who have chosen to call Barbados their home,
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Shridath on his passing.

May his soul rest in peace and be gloriously resurrected.