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Last Day in Post for University of Warwick's Much Loved Chancellor

Originally published 31 January 2002

Today, Thursday 31st January 2002, will be the last day in post for the University of Warwick's distinguished and much loved Chancellor, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who leaves the post of Chancellor after 13 years of service during which he served with 3 Vice-Chancellors.

Sir Shridath is perhaps best known for his time as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth (1975–1990) a particularly crucial time for the Commonwealth – particularly in the role it played in the push to democratise South Africa.

Sir Shridath has also served in a number of other key roles including: Attorney General, Guyana 1965–73, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Justice, Guyana 1973–75, Chaired the UN Committee for Development Planning 1984-87, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (the Earth Summit), Rio de Janeiro 1992, Co-Chairman of the Commission on Global Governance (1992–date), Member of the Carnegie Commission on Preventing Deadly Conflict 1994–98, and Chief Negotiator on External Economic Relations in the Caribbean Region 1997.

He also served on the Brandt Commission on International Development; the Palme Commission on Disarmament and Security Issues; and the Brundtland Commission on Environment and Development.

Sir Shridath said today:

“It was a great honour to have been invited to be Chancellor of the University of Warwick and to have followed Lord Scarman in the Chancellorship. Thirteen years – and many thousands of Warwick graduates – later, the University’s great accomplishments have enhanced that honour. I leave the Office of Chancellor with immense pride in Warwick, with confidence in its future among Britain’s leading Universities – and with a profound sense of privilege”.

Over the last 13 years the University of Warwick has grown from 7000 students in 1989 to almost 18,000 in 2002. The same period saw over £150 million of new buildings on the University campus – including in 1997 a new teaching building named after the Chancellor – the Ramphal Building. It is also in this period that the University of Warwick firmly established itself as a top tier UK university through the quality of its research and teaching.

Sir Shridath will continue in his role of Chancellor of University of the West Indies – a post he has held since 1989. The University is expected to announce the name of its new Chancellor in March.

Note for Editors: Sir Shridath's books and publications include One World to Share (1979), Inseparable Humanity (1988) and Our Country, the Planet (1992)

For further details please contact:
Sir Shridath Ramphal's London Office
Tel: 020 72663409