Farewell Sir George
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Contact: Shannon Lebourne
Thursday 28 October 2010 – The Government and People of Saint Lucia bade their final farewell to the elder statesman Sir William George Mallet, at an official state funeral which took place at the Minor Basilica of The Immaculate Conception, yesterday afternoon.
Sir George served as the Minister for Trade, Industry, Agriculture and Tourism in the first post-independence government of Saint Lucia in 1979. In later years, Sir George served as Deputy Prime Minister and was responsible for numerous government ministries including Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and CARICOM Affairs.
He also served as Governor General from June 1, 1996 to Aug. 31, 1997.
During the funeral service, Prime Minister Honourable Stephenson King paid special tribute to Sir George, who he described as a true statesman and a key figure accredited with Saint Lucia`s emergence from the post-colonial era to a modern independent state.
Prime Minister King also expressed condolences on behalf of the nation to the family of the late Sir George Mallet.
Other tributes were read by several well-wishers including Mr John Bristol and Mr. Neville Cenac.
Known for his excellent oratorical skills among other special traits, the late Sir William George Mallet had the distinction of having never lost the Castries Central seat during his political career – one that spanned some thirty eight years and which ended with his retirement from the House of Assembly in 1996.
His contribution to public service and the development of Saint Lucia earned him the Insignia of the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1989.
In 1996, he was awarded Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Lucia (GCSL); in 1997 Queen Elizabeth II conferred on him The Knights Grand Cross of St Michael and St George (GCMG) affording him the title of Sir William George Mallet.
He was born on July 24, 1923 and is survived by 6 children. May his soul rest in peace.
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