Trudeau pays tribute to Sir Shridath Ramphal

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has joined growing tributes to Caribbean statesman Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal’s passing.
Guyanese-born Sir Shridath died on Aug. 30. He was 95.
“It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations,” said Trudeau on Monday.

Sir Shridath Ramphal, the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, who served from 1975 -1990. Photo courtesy thecommonwealth.org

“Born in Guyana, Sir Ramphal was a politician and diplomat who dedicated his life to advancing human rights and social justice worldwide,” he added. “He was a great advocate for the equality and prosperity of all nations – large or small, developed or developing – on the world stage.”
Trudeau noted that Sir Ramphal was the longest-serving Secretary-General of the Commonwealth from 1975 to 1990.
“In this role, he guided the organization through some of its most transformative years,” the Canadian prime minister said. “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,” Trudeau said. “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.