With profound sadness, we acknowledge the passing of two Guyanese luminaries, Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal and Ameena Gafoor.
Sir Shridath died on August 30 at the age of 95. He was born on October 3, 1928 in New Amsterdam, British Guiana (now Guyana). From these humble beginnings, he rose to become a respected figure in international diplomacy. His life was a testament to commitment and service to humanity.
He was educated at King’s College London and Gray’s Inn, London. He then set out on what would become a lifetime’s journey in public service, with his first step taken as the Assistant Attorney-General of the West Indies Federation.
From there he climbed upwards to serve as Guyana’s Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs, eventually becoming the longest-serving Secretary-General of the Commonwealth from 1975 to 1990. During his tenure, he played a critical role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, earning global respect for leadership and advocacy.
Sir Shridath’s contributions also extended beyond politics. He was Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies, and Warwick University. His work on global commissions addressing the environment, development, and disarmament between 1980 and 1995 left a lasting impact. His 1992 report, Time for Action, remains a cornerstone for Caribbean development.
Even in his later years, Sir Shridath remained active in international affairs. At 92, during the Covid-19 pandemic, he made history as the first lawyer to appear virtually before the International Court of Justice, representing Guyana in its ongoing border dispute with Venezuela.
Sir Shridath was honoured with many prestigious awards, accolades that are a testament to his legacy. Among these awards are the Order of the Caribbean Community, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, and the Order of Excellence of Guyana.
His passing marks the end of an era.
We also mourn the passing of another Guyanese cultural giant in Ameena Gafoor, who died on August 26 at the age of 83.
Her life was a beacon of dedication to the arts, education, and the betterment of her community. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a legacy that will continue to inspire us for generations.
Gafoor was born in 1941, and rose from humble beginnings to become a respected educator, literary critic, and cultural advocate in Guyana. Her impact extended far beyond her homeland, touching many lives across the Caribbean and the diaspora.
As the founder and editor of The Arts Journal, Gafoor created a platform that gave a voice to Caribbean artists and writers, ensuring their talents were recognised and celebrated. Her passion for the arts was evident in every aspect of her life, and her contributions were unparalleled.
Gafoor’s commitment to preserving Caribbean history and culture led her to establish the Ameena Gafoor Institute for the Study of Indentureship and its Legacies at Cambridge University. This institution reflects her lifelong dedication to advancing the study of Caribbean heritage, particularly the experiences of Indentured labourers and their descendants.
She was recognised for her immense contributions to literature and culture by the University of Guyana with an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 2022.
Beyond her work in the arts, Gafoor was deeply involved in philanthropy. Alongside her husband, Sattaur Gafoor, she co-founded the Gafoor Foundation, funding numerous medical, educational, and sports projects.
One of their most significant contributions is the Ameena Gafoor Medical and Dialysis Centre, established in November 2022, which provides affordable dialysis treatment to those in need. Her work with organisations such as the Doobay Medical Centre further demonstrated her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and improving lives.
Like Sir Shridath’s, her passing too is the end of an era.