“He was a Guyanese loyalist, a Caribbean patriot, a Commonwealth devotee, and a confirmed internationalist. And in each of these spheres, he made outstanding contributions.”
Ambassador and diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders spoke these words during the keynote address at the 5th Patsy Robertson Memorial Lecture, held in Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The lecture was part of a pair of events held to honour the extraordinary legacy of the second Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal.
Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organization of American States (since 2015) and non-resident High Commissioner to Canada (since 2017). He was also a member of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group, which produced the report, A Commonwealth of the People: Time for Urgent Reform.
The tribute events were organised by the Commonwealth Association, the staff alumni association of the Secretariat and related bodies. Patsy Robertson was the first Chair of the association and was one of the early staff members of the Secretariat.
The lecture was attended by an appreciative audience, some of whom worked with Sir Sonny as he was known to many, who kept the noted diplomat on stage long after his presentation ended by asking probing questions and offering insightful observations.
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Chronically Sir Shridath Ramphal’s legacy
As the former Commonwealth Secretary-General’s son-in-law, and having known him intimately for over 50 years, Sir Ronald Sanders revealed that he still struggles to adequately capture the fullness of Sir Sonny’s contributions to the Commonwealth and the wider world. In his speech, Sanders highlighted Sir Sonny’s ability to craft solutions to complex issues that would move governments and other opposing sides into lasting consensus.
He referenced some of the most memorable moments of Sir Sonny’s contributions to the world, including championing the needs of small states and encouraging stewardship of the climate and environment. His fight against apartheid, the diplomat noted, is one of the examples of the power of the Commonwealth in action.
Sir Ronald shared that, then in his 90s, the former Secretary-General appeared virtually before the International Court of Justice on behalf of his native Guyana in the border dispute with Venezuela.
He observed:
“Where did he find the energy, stamina, and dedication to work diligently and to excel in every forum? Well, it was in his character: a fierce urgency to make change for the better, always driven to ensure that progress would reach the greatest number — and that progress would endure.”
Sir Ronald Sanders also said that the Commonwealth continues to have an important role to play in international affairs, recommending that the 56-member union should step boldly forward in light of the changing global landscape.
In his speech, he was gracious in his thanks to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Botchway, referencing her support for both events. In her opening remarks, the Secretary-General paid tribute to both Patsy Robertson and her predecessor. Of Patsy Robertson, who the lecture series is named for, she said:
“Her diplomacy was skilful, subtle and steadfast. And in the long struggle against apartheid, she played a critical role — working alongside the Secretary-General we honour today: Sir Sonny Ramphal.”
She described him as a giant of the Commonwealth and part of the foundation on which the Commonwealth’s identity still rests today.
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A celebration of a life of service
Earlier that day, the Commonwealth Association also partnered with the Ramphal family to have a memorial service at The Queen’s Chapel, located close to the Secretariat’s headquarters. The event also included a memorable experience, as another former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, spoke at the memorial service.
He said:
“Sonny Ramphal will be remembered as a man with great oratorical skills and wordcraft, as a remarkable Foreign Minister of his native Guyana and a great player in the affairs of his Caribbean region, as a global diplomat who rendered enduring service to the Commonwealth, indeed, as an icon of the modern Commonwealth.”
Media contact
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Charmaine Wright Head of Media Relations, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
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