About Us
About the SRC
The Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services (SRC) is the premier trade policy training institution in the Caribbean. We train and build the capacity of young professionals and key stakeholders to effectively interact and negotiate with global, regional and national institutions. At the SRC we also provide research and outreach services for the wider Caribbean in trade, industrial and development policy matters.
In keeping with the UWI strategic plan, the mission of the SRC is to contribute to the enhanced competitiveness and sustainable development of the Caribbean region through its training, research and outreach initiatives.
Our History
The SRC was formerly known as the UWI Centre for International Services (CIS) which was established in 1999. Its mandate was to stimulate the development of the international services sector in the CARIFORUM member countries by increasing the value and volume of trade in services in the region.
The CIS allowed the University to expand and deepen its developmental role in the Caribbean. It was a multi-faceted training, research and policy advisory agency.
In the fulfillment of its mandate, the Center hosted specialised activities including short courses, workshops, conferences and newsletters, particularly in the areas of financial services, law and information technology. The CIS has authored publications on Franchising, Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, Trinidadian Export Capabilities and E-Commerce. The Secretariat of the MITP was merged with the CIS in 2006.
By 2003, following a two-week trade policy course for Caribbean government officials conducted in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS) and The World Trade Organization (WTO), it became clear that the Caribbean region needed to build capacity to effectively prepare for, and participate in, trade negotiations and to implement the changes necessary to enhance the region’s competitiveness in global trade.
From this realization was born the idea of a Masters Degree in International Trade Policy (the MITP). Following a series of consultations across the Cave Hill Campus, the MITP was approved by the Board for Graduate Studies in February 2004. The MITP Secretariat Unit was set up in the summer of 2004 and the MITP Programme began in August 2004 with 28 participants.
In 2006, the CIS and the MITP Secretariat were merged and renamed The Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services in honour of distinguished Caribbean statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal.
The SRC’s first Director was Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, followed by Dr. Keith Nurse, Mr. Neil Paul, and Dr. Jan Yves Remy.
Vision & Mission
"We strive to be an excellent trade policy training, research, and outreach institution."
SRC Vision Statement
To nurture the Caribbean region’s talent, ideas and capacity in the field of trade in order to exploit the opportunities presented by globalization and build resilience and competitiveness. Through our training, research and outreach activities, we aim to be a beacon for excellence and creativity, dedicated to serving our students, community, region and the wider world.
SRC Mission Statement
To develop trade capacity and create innovative trade solutions for the Caribbean region.
Our Team
We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to trade policy training, outreach, and research.
Advisory Board
Past Directors
SRC Director (2017 – 2021)
Officer-in-charge (2012-2017)
Dr. Keith Nurse
SRC Director (2007-2012)
Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton
SRC Director (2005-2007)
Sir Shridath Ramphal
The Shridath Ramphal Centre is named after the late Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal.
A regionalist, educator, and author, Sir Shridath was a Guyanese national who served as the Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (1989-2003), Commonwealth Secretary General (1975-1990), Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana (1972-1975), and Assistant Attorney General of the British West Indies Federation (1958-1962). He also held the post of Chairman of the West Indian Commission (1990-1993) and was the first Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, currently known as the CARICOM Office of Trade Negotiations.
Sir Shridath authored several texts notably ‘Caribbean Challenges: Sir Shridath Ramphal’s Collected Counsel’ (2012), ‘Triumph for UNCLOS: The Guyana-Suriname Maritime Arbitration (2008), and ‘Our Country, The Planet: Forging a Partnership for Survival’ (1992).
Sir Shridath began his tertiary education at Kings College in London England where he started his legal journey which would see him make a significant impact in both Guyana and the wider region. He was called to the Bar in 1951 and by 1953, Sir Shridath was back home expanding his repertoire. Upon returning to his homeland, his love for institutional law was birthed when he served as a Crown Counsel in the Attorney General’s office. He became a legal draftsman for the now defunct West Indies Federation in 1958. Being the man on a mission, he went to Havard Law School to pursue higher education and on returning to Jamaica in 1962 he entered his private practice.
His life was about to take a major turn, as the then Premier of British Guiana, Forbes Burnham invited him to return to his home country where he would become Attorney-General and drafter of the Guyanese Independence Constitution. After independence, he was named the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. In 1972 he was also made the Justice Minister. He would go on to develop the country’s foreign affairs and became more deeply involved in Caribbean politics once more just as he had been during the federation period. He placed his footprint deep in organizations like the UN, the Commonwealth and the Group 77 where he went on to bridge the gaps between the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as becoming a key figure in representing African and Pacific countries in their negotiations with Europe.
Sir Shridath would continue to be elevated in the political arena when in 1975, he became the first man from the “third world” to be appointed the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. It was then that he set out on his mission to see the establishment of an economic world order where developing countries would better benefit and apartheid in South Africa would be brought to an end.
Sir Shridath also harboured a deep commitment to human rights and was once a member of the International Commission of Jurists. After his time as Secretary General for the Commonwealth ended, he then went on to serve as head of the World Conservation Union and was a key member of the Earth Summit in 1992 where he doubled down on his desire for international economic reform.
Sir Shridath lived to be over 90 years old – a long time to be alive. Longevity brings with it experiences that he has shared through the writing of several texts. His thoughts and opinions on international conflicts are reflected in his 2014 book called ‘Glimpses of a Global Life’, where he talks about his role in some of the world’s great affairs like apartheid. In ‘Caribbean Challenges’ (2012) he goes in depth into the federation, diplomacy, law, leadership, environment and external trade negotiations.
In 2016 Sir Shridath wrote ‘Guyana in the World: The First of the First Fifty Years and the Predatory Challenge’. This piece of literature was penned as his proud place of birth, Guyana, celebrated its 50th independence. He took the time out to highlight its regional and international encounters in the earliest years of Independence; and the challenges it has faced on its borders, particularly from Venezuela.
Finally, for the most extensive look into his work over the years, read ‘Shridath Ramphal: The Commonwealth and the World: Essays in Honour of His 80th Birthday’. This book is a collection of essays written by academics who have all had the privilege of meeting or working with Sir Ramphal throughout the years and gives an account of his many contributions to the region and abroad.
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About the SRC
Our History
Vision & Mission
Our Team
Advisory Board
Past Directors
Sir Shridath Ramphal