Parliament observes moment of silence in honour of Sir Sridath Ramphal
MEMBERS of the House of Assembley this week paused in silence to honour the life and legacy of a regional icon, Sir Sridath “Sonny” Ramphall, who died on August 30, 2024. Leader of Government Business in the House of Parliament, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves leading the tribute said he was “terribly saddened” by the passing of the regional statesman. The Guyana born icon who, in his latter years, made his home in Barbados, will be cremated in a private ceremony in his adopted home, and a public funeral is to be held, but the details have not yet been released.
Just before the end of the September 3, 2024 sitting of Parliament, the prime minister opened the tribute to Sir Sridath hailing him as, “the most outstanding diplomat and negotiator that this region has ever produced”.
The prime minister added that Sir Shirdath “is in the front ranks of statesmen and States women from the Caribbean.”
Reflecting on the life of the regional stalwart, Dr Gonsalves said “I saw him work from a distance, as a younger man; and then I got to know him well when I became prime minister, and we worked together.”
He said Sir Shirdath also became his friend, and “I was his student, because I learnt so much from him.”
In expressing condolences on behalf of the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the prime minister asked members of the House of Parliament to observe a moment of silence, in honour of Sir Shirdath who he said was committed to regional integration.
“He became a global citizen and held many high offices.”
Sir Shridath once served as Secretary General of the Commonwealth, and was the Foreign Minister in Guyana from 1972 to 1975.
Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, is among many other regional and international heads of organization who have paid tribute to Sir Shirdath, who was born in October, 1928.
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