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Contact:
Rose
Marie Harris
Sunday, September 9, 2007 –
Air Jamaica joined the international tribute to the
life and legacy of Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Sir John George Melvin Compton
who died at the Tapion Hospital in Saint Lucia on September 7th,
2007.
A lawyer and vocal champion of the cause of the impoverished working class, Sir
John was remembered by George deMercado, Air Jamaica's Vice President of Sales,
as a regionalist and the "Father of the nation of Saint Lucia" which under his
leadership was "transformed into a modern, progressive country of which the
Caribbean should be extremely proud".
"We have lost one of the Caribbean's pioneering heroes," reflected deMercado who
described Sir John as "a true Caribbean visionary who has left an indelible mark
in Caribbean history and provided a roadmap for the sustainable development of
Saint Lucia".
"Our staff at Air Jamaica send our deepest sympathy to Sir John's family, the
Saint Lucian government, and St. Lucians the world over during this difficult
time," said deMercado.
Speaking from Washington DC, Lelei LeLaulu, president of Counterpart
International which works on sustainable development with Air Jamaica and the
Saint Lucia government, said "island states everywhere mourn the loss of a
revered elder and a statesman of historic proportions." LeLaulu announced his
organisation will remember Sir John during this month's World Leadership Awards
in New York where Saint Lucian Senator Allen Chastanet, Minister of Tourism and
Civil Aviation, will be recognised by the international community.
Senator Chastanet said the passing of Sir John signifies the end of a major era.
"I am very grateful that I had so many opportunities in my life to have worked
with him and to have benefited from his philosophy and his foresight. His
humility and absolute loyalty to the development of St. Lucia and its people are
unquestionable in my mind and the minds of so many other people."
Dr. Basil Springer, Chairman of Counterpart Caribbean in Barbados, said it is
with deep regret that he learned of Sir John's passing and sympathizes with his
family and the people of Saint Lucia on the loss of such a stalwart leader.
"Sir John was an elderly statesman with a bundle of energy as was manifested by
his return to politics having served his country in public office for several
decades. His successful return to lead the United Workers Party into an election
victory made international headlines and underscored his commitment to the upliftment
of the people of Saint Lucia from all walks of life," he said.
A committee under the Chairmanship of Former Prime Minister Dr. Bryan Michael
Pilgrim has been formed to plan the funeral arrangements. In observance of the
passing of the 82 year-old Sir John, the nation will observe a period of
mourning for two weeks.
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