The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is saddened by the passing of Dr. Kenneth Rattray. Dr. Rattray was both an accomplished diplomat and an eminent jurist who combined in a formidable mix, the skills and qualities of both professions in representing the interests of Jamaica, as well as the CARICOM Region.

The Caribbean Community acknowledges Dr. Rattray's outstanding and unmatched contribution to developments in the Caribbean and in the International Community, on issues relating to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority, and at the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Dr. Rattray was notably one of the crafters of the original Treaty of Chaguaramas that established the Caribbean Community. His body of legislative work is also part of the living testimony to the fertility and creativity of his brilliant legal mind. In addition to his tremendous contribution in the public domain, Dr. Rattray was also active in private legal practice.

The Caribbean Community expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Kenneth Rattray and to the Government and People of Jamaica, and joins Jamaica in mourning the life of this most brilliant legal mind. Jamaica and indeed the Caribbean Community have lost a distinguished son.