Belize Mourns Diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal, CARICOM Celebrates His Legacy

Sir Shridath Ramphal, a Guyanese diplomat, attorney and statesman has died.  Ramphal’s passing is news worthy in Belize due to his contributions and love he showed the country since the 1970s.  Belize’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lisa Shoman, paid tribute to Sir Ramphal yesterday, documenting the various roles he played in and for Belize.  Shoman explained that it was Ramphal who ensured a smooth entry for Belize into CARICOM in 1974.  His support for Belize in its differendum with Guatemala was exceptional as he had been appointed as the Advisor in the Facilitation Process.   A compilation of his time and energy spent in and for the country is not yet documented, but Belize had shown tremendous gratitude in 2003 by bestowing on him the country’s highest national honor, the Order of Belize for service to Belize.  Upon the news of his passing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a true friend of Belize.  Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community has expressed condolences on his passing, dubbing him ‘one of the region’s greatest minds in diplomacy, law, and international relations’.  CARICOM remembers Sir Ramphal as a staunch advocate for the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final appellate court for CARICOM.  He was also an advocate for a special court that would adjudicate over matters arising over the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.  Sir Shridath Ramphal died on Friday, August 30 at the age of 95.  According to his son-in-law, Sir Ronald Sanders, the statesman died peacefully at his home surrounded by family.