Guyana’s former Foreign Affairs Minister and the longest serving Secretary General of the Common-wealth, Sir Shridath Ramphal launched his memoir `Glimpses of a Global Life’ on Wednes-day at the Georgetown Club.
He was lauded by friends and colleagues for his contributions and he read excerpts from his memoir.
During his engagement with those in attendance he recalled the moments in history that he was involved in that led to the title of the book. Guyana’s former foreign affairs minister recalled his first meeting with the British Queen when he was appointed Commonwealth Secretary General in 1975. He noted that ascending to that position brought his life full circle as the property which he resided in in Britain was once the property of the largest slave owner in Vreed-en-Hoop who also initiated the use of Indian indentured servants once slavery was abolished in 1834.
Sir Shridath spoke fondly of his interactions with the late South African President Nelson Mandela and about speaking on the income disparity on the Brandt North-South-Commission. He recalled the moment he was first asked about the mass suicide at Jonestown in 1978 and feeling ashamed that he was unable to convey information to the owner of the Washington Post, Katharine Graham at the time because he was not entirely sure who Jim Jones was. He said as he learned more about Jonestown and the People’s Temple Cult he felt a sense of camaraderie with the Guyanese public who were also stunned at the events of 1978 which resulted in the murder of American Congressman Leo Ryan and the mass suicide of 918 cult members and American Congressman Leo Ryan.
While Sir Shridath did not comment on Guyana’s current political situation, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett lauded him for his guidance. She said that Sir Shridath was always focused on the issue at hand.
President Donald Ramotar who also spoke at the launching stated that Sir Shridath’s memory gave an insight into Guyana’s early independence. He said that Sir Shridath showcased Guyana’s early contributions to the international arena.
Sir Shridath has also served as the Chancellor of the University of Warwick in England where he presented Mandela with an honorary degree at a special ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on July 10, 1996.
The former Commonwealth General Secretary did not wish to comment on the prorogation of Guyana’s Parliament, by President Ramotar on November 10.
Stabroek News also asked Sir Shridath, as a former Commonwealth General Secretary, what would be the concerns of the Commonwealth given the importance placed on the respect for all three branches of government in its Charter. He was also asked if Guyana could face a referral to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group over the proroguing of Parliament. Sir Shridath stated that he did not wish to comment on current affairs at this time.
Sir Shridath’s memoir can be purchased at Austin’s Bookstore on Church Street, Georgetown.
