Dear Editor,
The Caribbean and Guyana lost one of its greatest persons with the death of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal on 30 August 2024, just a few weeks shy of his 96th birthday.
I knew him for many years in several of his capacities for distinguished and effective leadership of the Caribbean, the developing countries of the world, world consciousness and action at the earliest times for environmental protection and conservation of the global environment for present and future generations, the end of apartheid in South Africa, negotiation of international treaties and agreements with Europe and the USA, advancement of structural changes and development of the University of the West Indies, and Chairmanship of the Regional Eminent Persons Panel of the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Excellence Awards.
Sonny was remarkable for his inexhaustible energy, his inestimable knowledge and recall of critical facts, events and contexts, his mentorship and encouragement of younger professionals, and above all, his undiminished commitment to advancing the welfare of Guyana and the Caribbean.
My wife and I last saw Sonny when we visited with him at his home in Barbados in July this year. He was enthusiastic about my appointment as Guyana’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brazil, generously provided sound advice and good wishes, and referred me to several important historical documents on the Guyana-Venezuela border matter before the International Court of Justice. He was full of energy and erudite as usual.
Now that that he has gone, we, the beneficiaries of his intellectual, professional and personal legacy to the Caribbean and the wider world, should do no less than remain faithful to his vision and life’s work for human betterment. May his soul rest in peace. We will miss you, Sonny.
Yours faithfully,
Compton Bourne
Guyana Ambassador to Brazil,
Professor Emeritus, The University of the West Indies
