On Tuesday, April 29, the Opposition United Workers Party leader, Allen Chastanet, executive members of the UWP and prospective parliamentary candidates gathered at Constitution Park to pay respects to the father of St Lucia’s independence.
Sir John George Melvin Compton, who passed away in 2007, would have celebrated his 100th birthday on April 29. A towering figure in Saint Lucian history, Sir John led the nation to independence in 1979, becoming its first prime minister. His political career was marked by three terms in office: a brief initial tenure in 1979, a second from 1982 to 1996, and a final term after returning to politics in 2005. Following his party’s victory in the 2006 elections, he served as prime minister until his death the following year.
On Tuesday, the official Facebook page of the Leader of the Opposition said: “Today, we celebrate 100 years since the birth of a man who shaped the soul of our nation, the Father of our Nation, Sir John Compton.
“Sir John taught us that leadership is about service, not status. About vision, not vanity. He believed in the strength of our people, in the promise of our future and in the power of unity to overcome even our greatest challenges.
“Because of Sir John, Saint Lucia found its voice. Because of Sir John, generations of Saint Lucians dared to dream bigger, work harder and build a country we could all be proud of.
“On this centennial, let us honour not just the leader, but the values he lived by; courage, integrity, perseverance and love for every Saint Lucian, no matter their station in life.”
Those gathering at Constitution Park on Tuesday, laid wreaths beneath the statue of Sir John, recited prayers and sang songs in his honour.
Interesting how he got sidelined at the end by some in this same group. Do respect his contribution and foresight to some area of St.Lucia. Did not like his North focused vision while some communities were being neglected or ignored.