Secretary-General Saddened by Death of His Personal Representative

 

On Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Norman Girvan of Jamaica, who had been his Personal Representative on the Border Controversy between Guyana and Venezuela since April 2010.  He extends his heartfelt condolences to his family and to the Governments and people of the Caribbean region.

Mr. Girvan was one of the most distinguished Caribbean scholars of his time.  He was particularly devoted to the promotion of regional integration in the Caribbean and Latin America.  This commitment earned him the respect and admiration of the entire region.

The Secretary-General is grateful for Mr. Girvan’s contribution to the United Nations good offices process between Guyana and Venezuela.  The progress achieved during his tenure was acknowledged by the Heads of State of Guyana and Venezuela and is part of his impressive legacy.

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For information media • not an official record