Former, Ambassador to the UN, Noel Sinclair, a career diplomat, who served Guyana with distinction in the Foreign Service since 1966, and revered as one of the most kind, individuals to work with, died at his home in New Jersey, on Feb. 4. He was 76.
Sinclair who was born in Georgetown, earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in French at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, and a Diploma in International Relations from UWI’s Trinidad and Tobago campus, became headmaster at his Alma Mater, Central High School, before joined the Foreign Service.
His passion and commitment to service led him to the Ministry of External Affairs, before being appointed third secretary in the Guyana Embassy in Washington DC.
This ambitious son of the soil was relentless in his pursuit to make his mark in the Foreign Service. As such, he became first secretary to the Guyana High Commission in Lusaka, Zambia, where he served for four years before taking up the post of permanent representative to the United Nations.
His experience, and dedication made him the most, sought after diplomat, who was propelled to top-ranking posts such as deputy permanent secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA).
His contribution as deputy chief de cabinet to the president of the 68th Session earned him the respect of many, who referred to him as a well-spoken socially sophisticated diplomat whose presentations at the UN General Assembly were held in high regard.
The Guyana Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the calm and reasoned approach that Sinclair brought to his duties, made him well liked and respected by his colleagues.
Mr. Sinclair, who was president of the United Nations Council for Namibia, promoting expanded recognition of the Council by the international community as the legal administering body for the territory of Namibia, was a simple, down-to-earth person and good friend, said Guyana’ s current Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador, Rudolph M. Ten-Pow.
“Ambassador Sinclair joined his solid diplomatic skills and polished professionalism with an enviable intellect and great personal warmth. He was an unfailing and selfless mentor to many an aspiring diplomat from Guyana and the Caribbean, including, me.”
“Despite his stature in the foreign service, he treated me like an equal, added Ambassador Ten-Pow who described Sinclair as a respectable person whose lasting friendship he cherished up until his death.”
His sister, Joyce Sinclair, noted management and training consultant, said, although she was aware that her brother, diagnosed with cancer, his death was unexpected.
“I was surprised to learn of his death,” she said, according to Kaieteur News.
The Hon. Barbara Atherly, Consul General of Guyana to New York, said. “It is with a deep sense of sadness that we mourn the loss of Ambassador Noel Sinclair, a
dear son of our beloved homeland, who was a diplomat extraordinaire.”
“Ambassador Sinclair was well respected by all those with whom he came into contact. He was dignified and disciplined. He always notified the consulate well in advance whenever he planned to visit. And he always sent us a message to say thanks.”
“As recent as the 24, December 2016 he wrote — “Everything went well on that day and I must not fail to express my sincere feelings of gratitude and appreciation”.
“The Consulate of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, New York extends sincere condolences to the family of Ambassador Sinclair. The demise of such an outstanding Guyanese is a major loss not only to his family, but also to all Guyanese and the entire diplomatic community.
“We trust that his wife Mona, children and siblings can take comfort in the magnificent legacy and achievements of this great son of the soil,” said Mrs. Atherly, adding that he left a legacy of excellence and cherished memories.
“He was well-known by many Guyanese, and colleagues from the CARICOM community, where his body of work includes the third international conference on Small Island Development States (SIDS), held in Samoa in 2014 according to a release.”
Ambassador Sinclair leaves to mourn, his wife Mona and his three sons Hasani, Masambi and Janari, as well as by his siblings Adeline Peters, Joyce, Eulene, Nola and Donald Sinclair.
