Latest update April 7th, 2026 12:30 AM
Former Caricom SG Roderick Rainford passes away
(Kaieteur News) – Former Caricom Secretary General, Roderick Rainford has died.
Former CARICOM Secretary General, Roderick Rainford
In a message of condolences, Caricom Chairman, Dr Terrrance Drew said the Caribbean Community has learnt with great sadness of the passing of Rainford, CCH, OJ, OCC who served as CARICOM Secretary-General from 1983 to 1992. A national of Jamaica, Mr. 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.
“Faced with the regional repercussions of the 1983 military invasion of Grenada, Mr. 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),” the Caricom chairman said.
Drew noted that Rainford 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).
During his stewardship, the Region 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 infrastructure 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).
For these and other signal contributions to the advancement of regional integration, 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.
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness described Rainford as a distinguished Jamaican who served our nation and the wider Caribbean with integrity and strength. “Mr. Rainford’s contribution to public life was significant. As Secretary-General of CARICOM from 1983 to 1992, he played an important role in advancing regional cooperation, and his leadership as Governor of the Bank of Jamaica reflected his deep understanding of economic development and governance. His work helped to shape institutions that continue to guide our region today. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, we extend sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues across the Caribbean. We stand with you in this time of loss,” Holness wrote on his facebook page.
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