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fiveProfessor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, has responded to the news of the death of Sir Shridas “Sunny” Ramfar.
Sir Hilary expressed condolences on behalf of the University, acknowledging Sonny’s status as an outstanding scholar and statesman whose contribution to the University, the region and the world must not be forgotten.
“Sonny contributed greatly to the development of Caribbean civilization and institutions. I regret his passing, but I am proud of his contributions. In every sense of the word, he was one of our greatest leaders and influential citizens.”
Sir Shridath served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies from 1989 to 2003. The Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services is a tribute to his contribution to the mission and vision of the University. The Centre is named after Sir Shridath in recognition of the key role this distinguished Caribbean statesman played in shaping the region’s trade and economic development policies during the early years of independence. The Centre aims to develop trade capacity and develop innovative trade solutions for the Caribbean region.
Sir Shridas played various exemplary and pioneering roles in his career. These included Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guyana, Assistant Attorney General of the Commonwealth of the British West Indies and Chairman of the West Indies Commission. He served as Director General of the Caribbean Community Trade Negotiation Office (now known as the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Mechanism) and served as its first Director General.
Sonny’s mission was to promote democracy and regionalism. As a legal draftsman, he was involved in drafting the constitutions for the Federation of the West Indies and the independence of Guyana. He played a vital role as an architect of multiracial democracy in the post-colonial era. He was instrumental in securing the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which helped to preserve and protect the regional character of the University of the West Indies. He made history as the first Secretary General of the Commonwealth to come from a “Third World” country. During his long tenure as Secretary General of the Commonwealth, he played a key diplomatic role in ending apartheid and freeing Nelson Mandela.
We express our heartfelt condolences to Sir Shridas’s family, friends, colleagues and those who came into contact with him. “We will honour his memory by upholding the values and principles he stood for,” said President Beckles. “May Sunny’s soul rest in peace.”
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