It is with profound respect and deep sorrow that we reflect on the passing of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal, a luminary whose vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the course of history for the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group of States. His legacy, etched in the Georgetown Agreement and the founding of the ACP Group, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the collective empowerment of developing nations.

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life of a man who dedicated himself to the cause of multilateralism and global solidarity. Sir Shridath Ramphal’s pivotal role in the creation of the ACP Group provided a platform for over 46 nations at the time (now grown to 79) to come together, united by shared values and common aspirations. His leadership during the signing of the Georgetown Agreement in 1975 was not just a diplomatic milestone but a bold assertion of the right of developing countries to have a voice and agency in global affairs.

His work laid the groundwork for what is now the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), an enduring alliance that continues to strive for the economic development, social progress, and political autonomy of its member states. Sir Shridath Ramphal’s legacy is a beacon that guides our ongoing efforts to build a fairer and more equitable world.

In 2019, Sir Shridath Ramphal’s dedication to the ACP continued, evidenced by his participation in the inter-regional high-level consultations held on 26-27 March 2019, in Bridgetown, Barbados, as a keynote speaker. He called for reinforced regional cooperation and the need to institutionalize a forum of engagement for regional organizations. The Inter-Regional Organisation Coordination Committee (IROCC) was established that very year at the 9th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, Kenya, through the revised Georgetown Agreement. Sir Ramphal indeed laid the foundation for the establishment of IROCC.

Sir Shridath Ramphal was not only a champion of the causes of the OACPS membership but also a mentor, a statesman of unmatched wisdom, and a true friend to all nations.

His contributions to the African, Caribbean, and Pacific states and to the global community are immeasurable. His memory will forever inspire us to continue the work he so passionately championed.

As we honor his life and legacy, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. Sir Shridath Ramphal’s spirit will forever remain a part of the OACPS, guiding us as we navigate the future with the same courage and conviction that he embodied throughout his life.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.