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Prime Minister Mia Amol Mottley yesterday described Sir Shridath Ramfar as “a Caribbean man”, noting that if there was one person who truly deserved the title, it was him.
“Meanwhile, if we need a definition for the term ‘global citizen’, one need look no further than Sir Shridath’s resume. I cannot think of another figure in our region who has had his name followed by more ‘honours’ from more organisations and countries than Sir Shridath’s. Today, as we reflect on his passing, I am satisfied 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.
Shridas Sir passed away today at the age of 95.
She noted that he was born in Guyana and had left a mark on almost every country in the region. He studied law at King’s College in the UK and Harvard University in the US, was knighted in the UK and received the highest national honours in New Zealand, Australia, India and South Africa. He was also one of the first recipients of 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,” Mottley said. “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.”
“We will honour your memory with this, Mr. Shridath. In fact, I was most fascinated by his clarity and sharpness of mind when he participated in the 50th anniversary meeting of the Caribbean Community Heads of State last July and five months later in discussions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to reach an understanding between Guyana and Venezuela on the path to a resolution of the border dispute,” she said.
On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, Ms. Mottley expressed condolences to the family and friends of Sir Shridas. She said that Sir Shridas chose to make Barbados his home in his later years. (CM/PR)
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