Vigie Airport Renamed "George F.L. Charles"

August 2, 1997 - The public is hereby notified that with effect from August 4, 1997, the Airport known as Vigie Airport, will be renamed the George F. L. Charles Airport.

This decision was taken by the Cabinet of Ministers in recognition of Mr. Charles' dedicated service both as a champion in the struggles for the working class, and as a statesman.

One of the most significant events in Mr. Charles' career as an advocate for the rights of the dispossessed, occurred in 1945, when he was employed as a time-keeper on the renovation and extension project of this same Vigie Airport. A wild cat strike (the first militant trade union action of the island) by workers on the project, placed him into sharp focus as he expressed solidarity with the workers. The workers at that time were affiliated to the St. Lucia workers cooperative union. Mr. Charles became secretary to the union branch.

The event at Vigie Airport marked the beginning of a long and difficult struggle on behalf of the workers of St. Lucia. It is from this base that Mr. Charles launched into populist politics.

Mr. George Frederick Lawrence Charles was the first Minister of Education and Social Affairs and first Chief Minister of St. Lucia. An official ceremony to mark the renaming of the airport is being planned. It is anticipated that the guest of honour will be on hand to unveil the symbolic plaque.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 1997 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.