GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 30, CMC – The Guyana government Friday paid tribute to Sir Shridath Ramphal, describing him as a “regionalist par excellence” and saying that he played a “pivotal role in settling our maritime dispute with Suriname” as well as being one of the leading lawyers in the ongoing border dispute with Venezuela.
Sir Shridath, 95, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, according to a statement issued by his son in law, Sir Ronald, Sanders, the Antigua and Barbuda ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States.
President Irfaan Ali said his death “marks the end of an era, not only for Guyana but for the entire Caribbean and the Commonwealth of Nations.
“We mourn the loss of an outstanding statesman, a regionalist par excellence, and a committed internationalist. Sir Shridath’s life was one of magnificent service—dedicated to his homeland, to the region, and to the world.”
Ali said Guyana will recall “with deep appreciation, his unflagging commitment to defending Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“His efforts before the International Court of Justice and the Tribunal of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) were not just a service to the nation; they were acts of supreme and selfless devotion to the land that nurtured him. He was deservedly the recipient of Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence. “
Ali said that as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, “he stood tall against the injustices of apartheid, becoming a voice for the oppressed and a champion for justice and equality. His firm opposition to apartheid rule will be remembered as one of the defining aspects of his illustrious international career. His contributions went beyond the Commonwealth, shaping the international relations with his wisdom and leadership.
“The Caribbean, a region that was always close to his heart, benefited immensely from Sir Shridath’s dedication to regional integration. His efforts helped the Caribbean secure its rightful place in global negotiations, protecting and advancing the interests of our member states.
“His role as Chairman of the West Indian Commission helped to provide direction, impetus and revitalization to the regional integration process in the post-Cold War era.”
Ali said that Sir Shridath “was more than a statesman; he was a gem of Guyana, a towering figure in the Caribbean, and a respected leader in the Commonwealth.
“His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Guyana has lost one of its finest sons, and the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, a giant among men,” Ali said, adding “our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of grief”.
In a separate statement, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall said that Guyana and the Caribbean have lost a most distinguished son, but that Sir Shridath “lived a full life and left an unmistakable mark.
“The footprints of his contribution will remain embedded on the national and global stage for generations to come,” said Nandlall, noting that Sir Shridath was the author of numerous publications “on significant national and international issues, including, scholarly works on Guyana’s border controversy with both Suriname and Venezuela.
“For his outstanding contribution on the international stage, Sir Shridath is the recipient of a number of prestigious national awards from countries across the Commonwealth, including, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Caribbean. He is the recipient of Guyana’s highest national award, the Order of Excellence. “
Nandlall said that in terms of Guyana’s border controversies, Sir Shridath played a pivotal role in settling our maritime dispute with Suriname and that he was the Co-Agent and Counsel on the Guyana-Suriname Maritime Arbitration between 2004 – 2007.
“In respect of the ongoing case between Guyana and Venezuela, Sir Shridath was one of the leading lawyers from the inception. He remained part of the legal team until his demise.
“Being privileged to be afforded an opportunity to work with that team and appear at the International Court of Justice, I had the first-hand opportunity of observing Sir Shridath at work.
“Personally, it was an intellectually stimulating exercise. He was already in his 90’s but his agility of mind and intellectual nimbleness was superlative. Even at that age, his energy and enthusiasm was boundless.”
Nandlall said that when Sir Shridath he could not travel, he would call to have discussions during the work sessions and before and after every Court Hearing.
“The respect which he commanded from the other legal luminaries on the team was simply extraordinary,” Nandlall said.
He said his life at the age of nearly 96, “was a long and distinguished life, achieving heights on the global stage to which most hardly aspire, moreover, attain.
He said Sir Shridath was born “in humble beginnings in New Amsterdam, British Guiana” and rose to become a respected international statesman, “and one of the most iconic figures of the Caribbean.
“A definite blot on an otherwise superlative professional career would have been that period when he functioned as Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs of a Government that assumed office through successive fraudulent elections.”
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