OTTAWA, Sept 4, CMC – Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has joined the growing list of people and institutions paying tribute to the Guyanese-born Caribbean statesman Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, who died last Friday at the age of 95.
“It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal, former secretary-general of the Commonwealth of nations,” Trudeau said, adding that Sir Ramphal was a politician and diplomat who dedicated his life to advancing human rights and social justice across the world.
“He was a great advocate for the equality and prosperity of all nations – large or small, developed or developing – on the world stage,” Trudeau said, noting that Sir Ramphal was the longest-serving Commonwealth secretary general from 1975 to 1990.
“In this role, he guided the organization through some of its most transformative years. Most notably, Sir Ramphal will be remembered for spearheading the Commonwealth’s anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa – a testament to his unwavering commitment to human rights.”
Trudeau said Sir Shridath was “a believer in the power of education as a force for good,” adding that “it is no surprise that the British Columbia-based Commonwealth of Learning was created during his tenure, making high-quality education available across the Commonwealth.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to Sir Ramphal’s family, friends, and those close to him. As we join our partners in the Caribbean and the Commonwealth in mourning this great loss, may we honor him by reaffirming the values of justice, peace and equality that he stood for.”
Educated at King’s College, London and Gray’s Inn, London, Sir Shridath, besides being Commonwealth Secretary General, was, among other things, assistant Attorney General of the West Indies Federation; Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana; and chancellor of the Universities of Guyana, the West Indies and Warwick.
In a statement announcing his “peaceful” death, the family said he was surrounded by his children. No date has yet been announced for his funeral.
CMC/nk/2024