This announcement made on behalf of Sir Shridath’s family by his son-in-law, Sir
Ronald Sanders.
Sir Shridath Surendranath (“Sonny”) Ramphal, the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, who led the Commonwealth Secretariat from 1975 to 1990, died on 30th August 2024 at the age of 95. Born in New Amsterdam, in what was then British Guiana, he won scholarships to study law at King’s College, London (where he wrote a perceptive essay on the consequences of the 1949 London Declaration), and Gray’s Inn, London, before returning to British Guiana, where he practised as a lawyer and (after serving as assistant attorney-general of the short-lived West Indies Federation: he remained a lifelong advocate of Caribbean integration) became attorney-general. After independence in 1966 he became minister of justice then minister of foreign affairs. As Commonwealth Secretary-General he was noted especially for his campaigning for economic and social justice for the developing world, and was an influential member of the Brandt Commission (on development, 1977-83), the Bruntland Commission (on the environment and development, 1984-87), and the Palme Commission (on disarmament, 1980-89). After retiring from the Commonwealth Secretariat he continued his campaigning, but also took on numerous academic roles including as chancellor the University of Warwick (1989-2002) and the University of the West Indies (1989-2003). Among his publications was Glimpses of a Global Life (2014), his memoirs.
Sonny Ramphal was a friend and mentor to many members past and present of the editorial and international advisory boards of The Round Table, and a frequent contributor to its pages. His first article in the journal was published in 1976, his last in 2022, and in between there were twenty others. In 2020 he gave an insightful interview for The Round Table, in which he reflected on his years at the helm but also the continuing significance of the Commonwealth. He will be much missed by members of the editorial and international advisory boards of The Round Table, and our condolences go out to his surviving family.
Click here to link to the video of the 14 September National Funeral of Sir Shridath Ramphal in Guyana.
This page also includes links below to articles by and about Sonny Ramphal from the Round Table Journal.
Tributes on this page will be updated:
Sir Ronald Sanders KCMG KCN AM
The family of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal is deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing on 30th August, 2024 surrounded by his children. Sir Shridath, born on October 3, 1928, in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana), was a towering figure in international diplomacy and a cherished elder statesman of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean.
As the longest-serving Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1975 to 1990, Sir Shridath was instrumental in the fight against institutional racism in Southern Africa, playing a key role in the termination of apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela once said of him: “He is one of those men who have become famous because, in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the whole world as their theatre.”
Statement from the Commonwealth Secretary-General on the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal
In marking the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal, the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, who served from 1975 -1990, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, said:
It is with the greatest sorrow that we mourn the passing of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal. He was a giant of the Caribbean and one of the Commonwealth’s brightest lights.
As a committed internationalist, and my longest-serving predecessor as Secretary-General, Sir Sonny served the Commonwealth with extraordinary vision, compassion, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the values which bind our family of nations.
His statesmanship was rooted in his humanity. His leadership was characterised by his belief in the power of dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation, and his unwavering dedication to justice.
His committed advocacy for the rights of small states, and his tireless work to bridge the divides which too often separate nations and peoples, was remarkable and visionary.
Above all, he will remembered for his principled and essential role in coordinating international opposition to apartheid in South Africa – the central achievement of a tenure marked by a resolute dedication to justice, equality, and the dignity of all people.
He guided the Commonwealth through some of its most challenging and transformative moments, and steered us into the modern era.
Nelson Mandela said of Sir Sonny, “He is one of those men who have become famous because, in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the whole world as their theatre.”
His life reminds us of the transcendent impact that one individual can have on the global stage.
His legacy is one of unity, hope, and a relentless pursuit of a more just and equitable world, with an influence which extends far beyond the Commonwealth. He leaves an indelible mark on international relations and his work will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
As we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived. The Commonwealth is stronger, richer and more just because of his leadership, and the world is a better place for his vision and impact.
On behalf of the Commonwealth family of 56 nations and 2.7 billion citizens, I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Sir Sonny’s family, his loved ones, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
I will hold them all in my heart and in my prayers as we continue to serve the Commonwealth and honour the values he so passionately believed in.
The Hon Dickon Mitchell, CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Grenada
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mourns the passing of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, son of the Region and leading international statesman.
We laud his pivotal contributions to regional integration and development, as an eminent jurist, Minister of Government and Attorney-General in his native Guyana; Chancellor of the University of Guyana and The University of the West Indies; and Chief Negotiator for CARICOM on External Trade Relations.
His influence extended beyond our shores to the international arena, where his decisive leadership as Commonwealth Secretary-General impacted outcomes on global matters including the ending of apartheid in southern Africa. Further, his deep intellectual interest in regional development issues led to significant publications, which are an invaluable legacy for the young people of our Region.
The Conference of Heads of Government was pleased to welcome his reflections and perspectives when he virtually addressed the 45th Regular Heads of Government Meeting in July 2023 as we marked CARICOM’s 50th anniversary.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends.
May his soul rest in peace.
Dr Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana
The passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal 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. Guyana recalls 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. 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. Sir Shridath Ramphal 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. On behalf of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the land of his birth, I express my deepest condolences to his family, relatives and to the countless friends, associates, and admirers who were touched by his life and work. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of grief. We stand with them, celebrating the life of a true legend—Sir Shridath Ramphal.
Extracts from a statement by the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles:
Sir Hilary expressed his condolences on behalf of the University, recognising Sonny’s stature as a distinguished scholar and statesman, whose contributions to the University, the region, and the world cannot be forgotten.
t was Sonny’s mission to promote both democracy and regionalism. In his role as a legal draftsman, he worked on the constitutions of the West Indies Federation and Guyanese Independence. As an architect of multi-racial democracy in the post-colonial period, he played a crucial part. He was instrumental in securing the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which has served to preserve and protect the regional character of The UWI. A first for the Commonwealth, he made history as its first Secretary General from a “third world” country. In his long service as Secretary General of the Commonwealth, he played an important diplomatic role in ending apartheid and freeing Nelson Mandela.
Excerpt from a statement by Commonwealth of Learning:
A visionary leader whose commitment to bridging the North-South divide in social and economic development has left an indelible mark on the world. Recognising the transformative power of education, Sir Shridath championed distance learning as a means to promote inclusion across the Commonwealth. His foresight led to the establishment of COL, which he later described as “a jewel in the crown of the Commonwealth” in his reflections 25 years after its founding. His belief in technology-enabled learning as a catalyst for change has been validated, with millions now engaged in various forms of distance education.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Secretary-General Stephen Twigg paid tribute to Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal at a CPA Caribbean, Americas & Atlantic Regional Conference in Guyana:
Excerpts from a tribute by the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti:
His work laid the groundwork for what is now the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), an enduring alliance that continues to strive for the economic development, social progress, and political autonomy of its member states. Sir Shridath Ramphal’s legacy is a beacon that guides our ongoing efforts to build a fairer and more equitable world.
Sir Shridath Ramphal was not only a champion of the causes of the OACPS membership but also a mentor, a statesman of unmatched wisdom, and a true friend to all nations.
Recent articles about and by Sir Shridath Ramphal for the Round Table:
From 2022: Shridath Ramphal 72 years of public life
Sir Shridath Ramphal’s tribute to The Queen – 2022
The Commonwealth through the eyes of its former secretaries-general – Shridath Ramphal – 2020
Articles by Sir Shridath Ramphal for the Round Table Journal:
The other world in this one: The promise of the new international economic order The Round Table, Volume 66, 1976 – Issue 261
The Commonwealth in the 1980s: An era of negotiations The Round Table, Volume 71, 1981 – Issue 282
Small is beautiful but vulnerable The Round Table, Volume 73, 1984 – Issue 292
The commonwealth since Saskatoon The Round Table, Volume 76, 1987 – Issue 301
Why the EPG is right The Round Table, Volume 76, 1987 – Issue 303
Canada and the Commonwealth: Empires of the mind The Round Table, Volume 76, 1987 – Issue 304
Reflections on ‘Vancouver’ The Round Table, Volume 77, 1988 – Issue 305
A world without order The Round Table, Volume 77, 1988 – Issue 306
Nigeria The Round Table, Volume 85, 1996 – Issue 337
The commonwealth in the global neighbourhood: A distinctive and enlarging role The Round Table, Volume 86, 1997 – Issue 342
The Commonwealth’s need for renewal The Round Table, Volume 89, 2000 – Issue 357
Global Governance or a new imperium: Which is it to be? The Round Table, Volume 92, 2003 – Issue 369
Glimpses of the Commonwealth—at 80! The Round Table, Volume 98, 2009 – Issue 400
The Second Commonwealth of Nations The Round Table, Volume 98, 2009 – Issue 401
Education: Jewel in the Commonwealth’s Crown The Round Table, Volume 98, 2009 – Issue 405
Ireland: Time to Come Home The Round Table, Volume 99, 2010 – Issue 408
Editorial: Mrs Thatcher and the Commonwealth The Round Table, Volume 102, 2013 – Issue 3
The United States in the Caribbean: Thirty Years after American Fury The Round Table, Volume 103, 2014 – Issue 1
Brexit: ‘Everybody Lost’ The Round Table, Volume 105, 2016 – Issue 5
Mandela’s Freedom, the Commonwealth and the Apartheid Axis The Round Table, Volume 106, 2017 – Issue 6
“I saw the Commonwealth Secretariat as an intellectual hub, not as a bureaucratic machine” – Sir Shridath Ramphal [interview] The Round Table, Volume 109, 2020 – Issue 5
The Queen and her stand against racism in the Commonwealth The Round Table, Volume 110, 2021 – Issue 2
Queen Elizabeth II: fighting for a united Commonwealth The Round Table, Volume 111, 2022 – Issue 5
Articles about Sonny Ramphal
Ramphal’s Neo‐Kantianism Peter Lyon, The Round Table, Volume 78, 1989 – Issue 310
Sonny Ramphal: A Personal Tribute Peter Marshall, The Round Table, Volume 97, 2008 – Issue 398
Thatcher and Ramphal: A Long and Turbulent Relationship Derek Ingram, The Round Table, Volume 97, 2008 – Issue 398
‘The Wider World is Short of Ideas’: Sonny Ramphal Stuart Mole, The Round Table, Volume 100, 2011 – Issue 416
Ramphal on Record/The Record on Ramphal: A Review Article Terry Barringer, Peter Clegg, Stuart Mole (Assistant Editor) & Richard Bourne, The Round Table, Volume 104, 2015 – Issue 2
