–President Ali pays tribute to late former CARICOM Secretary-General Roderick Rainford
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has paid tribute to the late former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Roderick Rainford, describing him as “a distinguished Caribbean son” whose leadership and vision helped shape a critical era in the Region’s integration movement.
In a statement on Sunday, President Ali said Guyana joins the wider Caribbean in mourning the passing of Rainford, whose contribution to regional development left an enduring mark on the CARICOM.
The President said Rainford played a consequential role in guiding the CARICOM Secretariat during one of the most challenging periods.
“His consequential role in laying the foundation for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, in strengthening regional institutions and in preparing the Caribbean for a future shaped by trade and economic liberalisation is part of his outstanding service to regionalism.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I extend deepest sympathy to his family and other loved ones,” President Ali added
According to CARICOM, Rainford, CCH, OJ, OCC served as CARICOM Secretary-General from 1983 to 1992.
A national of Jamaica, Rainford also served as Deputy Secretary-General and led the secretariat in a period of significant global turmoil, including high oil prices and heightened Cold War tensions, which impacted the Region negatively.
CARICOM recalled that Rainford played a crucial role during the 1983 military invasion of Grenada.
Recounting his professionalism, CARICOM, in a statement, said Rainford in his calm and dignified manner, drew on his vast reserves of diplomatic and academic skills to steer regional integration on a steady path, leading to the 1989 Grand Anse Declaration. This set the foundation for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy CSME, through the establishment of the Common External Tariff (CET).
He was a firm believer in the benefits of economic and functional integration to advance regional development and, above all, to improve the welfare of Community nationals from all spheres of life.
Among the developments under his tenure were the rudiments of the Regional Stock Exchange, the negotiation of the framework for the Caribbean Investment Fund, and reactivation and revival of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA).
Further, during his stewardship, the Region had heightened focus on environmental management and protection.
“His contributions include overseeing the development of a CARICOM Uniform Building Code to harmonise standards in construction and infrastructural development, and the creation or consolidation of institutions for common regional action, such as the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA, now CDEMA),” CARICOM said.
He was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community in 2024.
“Mr Rainford’s patience, equanimity, team spirit and analytical skills are fondly remembered by those who worked with him in the CARICOM Secretariat and across the Region. Our community is stronger for his dedication and service. CARICOM conveys deepest condolences to his wife, Nesha, other family members and all who mourn his passing,” CARICOM added.
