Caribbean and Commonwealth leaders continued to pay tribute to Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal over the weekend, hailing him as a global statesman and one of the region’s greatest leaders and impactful citizens.

Sir Shridath, who once wrote that his life “cannot be said to be an example entirely of cultivated aims and pursued ambitions [and] more of following instincts, died Friday. He was 95 years old.

In a statement announcing his “peaceful” death, his family said he was surrounded by his children and described him as “a towering figure in international diplomacy and a cherished elder statesman of the Commonwealth and the Caribbean”.

Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson said Sir Shridath’s departure at the age of 96 marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Sir Shridath’s life was a testament to the power of intellect, diplomacy, and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. From his humble beginnings in British Guiana to his role as the second secretary general of the Commonwealth of Nations, he exemplified the best of Caribbean leadership on the world stage,” said Patterson.

“As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we are reminded of his tireless efforts in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, his advocacy for the rights of small nations, and his visionary approach to international relations. Sir Shridath was not just a leader; he was a beacon of hope for the developing world, championing causes that ranged from decolonisation to economic development,” Patterson said.

“His contributions to global initiatives, such as the Brandt Commission on international development issues, helped shape crucial discussions on North-South relations and the needs of developing countries,” the former Jamaican prime minister said, adding that Sir Shridath’s diplomatic acumen and passion for social justice made him a respected voice in international forums, always advocating for a more equitable world order.

“Here in the Caribbean, we remember him not only as Guyana’s foreign minister but as a regional unifier. His efforts to promote Caribbean unity and to assert our place in the global community have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness,” Patterson said.

“The Patterson Institute of Advocacy for the Caribbean and Africa mourns the loss of this Caribbean giant. We extend our deepest condolence to his family and to all who were touched by his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to progress,” he said.

Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland, in her tribute, said Sir Shridath “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,” Scotland said.

She said above all, he will be 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,’ ” Scotland noted.

“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,” added Scotland.

Vice chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, said while he was sorry for Sir Shridath’s passing, he was proud of his contributions.

“Sonny contributed much to the development of Caribbean civilisation and institutions… In every sense he was one of our greatest leaders and impactful citizens,” Sir Hilary said.

He described Sir Shridath as a distinguished scholar and statesman whose contributions to the university, the region, and the world cannot be forgotten.

“Between 1989 and 2003 Sir Shridath served as chancellor of The University of the West Indies. A tribute to his contribution to the university’s mission and vision is the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services. It was named after Sir Shridath in recognition of this distinguished Caribbean statesman’s critical role in shaping the region’s trade and economic development policies during the early days of independence. This centre aims to develop trade capacity and develop innovative trade solutions for the Caribbean region,” The UWI vice chancellor said.

“It was Sonny’s mission to promote both democracy and regionalism. In his role as a legal draughtsman, he worked on the constitutions of the West Indies Federation and Guyanese Independence. As an architect of multiracial 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,” Sir Hilary said.

He also noted that Sir Shridath was the first Commonwealth secretary general from a “Third World” country.

Sir Shridath was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Lady Lois Ramphal, on September 20, 2019. He is survived by his children Susan, Ian, Mark, Amanda as well as his his son-in-law, Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States.