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Scholar, erudite jurist, orator and diplomat

By P.J. Patterson
Former Prime Minister of Jamaica

No matter how close the sources or the length of their acquaintance, it still remains unlikely that the combination of tributes will encompass the full measure of the man. For Sir Shridath Ramphal, whose 80th birthday we all celebrate today, is indeed one who has achieved so much in varied fields of endeavour that it would require volumes to cite all his accomplishments. I write from my own vantage point but within the confines of space limitations.

P.J. Patterson

Shridath Ramphal was already an eminent advocate when he assumed office as Attorney-General of Guyana. His legal acuity and forensic skills would by themselves have placed him at the very top of the professional ladder, had he not been asked to undertake the formidable responsibilities of Minister of Foreign Affairs in his native land.

He responded to this challenge with remarkable alacrity, at a time when emerging nations were seeking to carve out their own identity and assess their place during the fierce tempest of the Cold War.

Ramphal immediately became a respected voice in the Non-Aligned Movement as it sought to win the fight against decolonization and the evil system of apartheid.

He was at the forefront in the struggle of the South to carve out its own space in the international economic order.

Not only the Caribbean, but Africa and the Pacific owe him a debt of gratitude for the lead role he played in establishing the ACP Group and as a consummate negotiator in the Lomé Agreement.

His appointment as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in 1975, heralded the dawn of a new dynamic secretariat, giving it new life and meaning. He provided the leadership and vision and equipped it with the human skills to make its own unique contribution to global denouement and the onslaught of globalization.

Sonny Ramphal’s commitment to the Caribbean is unquestionable; his contribution over the years is immeasurable. He helped to spawn Carifta. Through Caricom to CSME, his hand is indelible. Time for Action prescribed a clear path for advancing regional integration. It still remains an apt prescription today to conquer the obstacles and fulfil the opportunities of today.

He has served with distinction as Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, which celebrates its Diamond Anniversary this year.

On this special day, we celebrate the birthday of a scholar, an erudite jurist, an orator, diplomat par excellence and an energetic fighter for global peace and equity.

To a priceless colleague and a dear friend, I extend sincere wishes that many more runs will flow from his willow.

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