Obituary of Noel G. Sinclair

Ambassador Noel G. Sinclair, 76, died on February 4, 2017. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, His Excellency Noel Sinclair held a B.A. degree in French from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, and a Diploma in International Relations from a branch of the same university in Trinidad and Tobago. During his life, he held many prominent positions as an international civil servant that spanned different continents with diplomatic postings and high level posts in national, regional, and international organizations. Joining the newly established Ministry of External Affairs, Ambassador Sinclair quickly became a Third Secretary in the Guyanese Embassy in Caracas, a Second Secretary in Washington, First Secretary in the High Commission in Lusaka, Zambia. After which, he served as Permanent Representative to the UN where he also served as President of the UN Security Council. He then acted as President of the United Nations Council for Namibia, promoting expansion of the internal community for the territory of Namibia, then under occupation by South Africa. It is clear that Ambassador Sinclair's rise in the Foreign Service was based on his understanding of international diplomacy, his capacity for hard work, and his ability for productive interpersonal relations. And it must be said that his success was all the more noteworthy because it came at a time when professional achievement occurred against the background of a highly competitive Foreign Service. His work and achievements at the Guyana overseas Missions ensured that he would ascend to the highest position of the Foreign Service, that of Director General, a position that was re-designated from that of Permanent Secretary to bring it in line with the other Foreign Ministries of Latin America. To this position, Ambassador Sinclair brought his skills as an administrator and his understanding of the needs and purposes of the Foreign Service. But his Diplomatic career did not end there; recognizing his talent and his gifts as a diplomat, the region elected him to the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA). His Excellency was appointed Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, where he presided over the peace talks and the weapons disposal process during their 10-year civil war. He then became the Permanent Observer for CARICOM (Caribbean Community) to the UN. His most recent role in the United Nations was serving as Deputy Chef de Cabinet for the 68th Session of the General Assembly where he worked closely with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Noel Sinclair was perhaps best known for being a keen observer of those around him. He had ideal characteristics for a diplomat: he was eloquent, well read, intelligent, and he possessed a calm and reasonable demeanor when working with his colleagues. He displayed a natural curiosity for the various cultures he encountered during his vast travels. Despite his distinguished career, Noel was an extremely humble and practical man, dedicated to enriching the lives of those closest to him. Noel has called Maplewood home since 1995. He is survived by his wife Mona; his children Hasani, Masamba, Jabari and his daughter-in-law, Caitlin Dougherty; and his siblings Adeline Peters, Joyce, Nola, Eulene, and Donald Sinclair. The family will be receiving friends at Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Ave, South Orange on Wed, Feb 8th from 5:00 - 9:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, his family prefers a donation to the American Cancer Society in his name.