Government Honours Three Outstanding Businessmen

Contact: Tesa St. Ange

Tuesday, October 31, 2000 - The Government of Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Commerce, International Financial Services and Consumer Affairs and the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture recently paid homage to three distinguished St. Lucian businessmen. The three are the late Sir Joseph Quintin Charles, founder of JQ Charles Ltd; Elwin Marcellin, Managing Director of Marcellin and Co. and Arnot Valmont, Managing Director of A.F. Valmont and Co. all of whom began their operations from the early forties.

The recognition came at a dinner at the Green Parrot Restaurant hosted by Prime Minister, Honorable Dr. Kenny Anthony and Minister of Commerce, International Financial Services and Consumer Affairs, Honorable Philip J. Pierre, on October 27.

The need to give greater recognition to the achievement and immense contribution of pioneers in the commercial life of St. Lucia was stressed during the ceremony. The three honorees were lauded, not only for their provision of goods and services and employment but for their strong advocacy, representation and philanthropy.

President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Linford Fevrier expressed hopes that the acknowledgement of the determination, foresight and acumen of the business pioneers would help dispel the negative perception of businessmen as exploiters and the objects of derision and disparagement. He suggested that the longevity and resilience of the enterprises of the honorees demonstrate that endurance and sustainability in business can be achieved. Their achievements, the Chamber President added, prove the value of local enterprise and bear testimony to the recognition of the private sector as an engine of growth in the national economy.

The Prime Minister stressed the role of the three stalwarts in the evolution and development of St. Lucia, particularly in laying the foundation of its economic, cultural and social institutions. "They too understood in their period that fundamental changes had to be effected to this country and economy. Their talents found expression in the political life of this country as we moved to adult suffrage. But most critically and most crucially, they began to nurse the modern institutions that we have today. Few St. Lucians know, for example, that Sir Joseph Quintin Charles was at the fore -front of the establishment of Copra Manufacturers, St Lucia Coconut Growers Association. Few St. Lucians would know for example of the tremendous role of these personalities in shaping our financial sector. But how many St. Lucians understood or even understand today that, in the transition from the sugar economy to the banana economy these, among other businessmen, were the ones to lay the basis for what was a traumatic experience?"

Minister of Commerce, International Financial Services and Consumer Affairs, Honorable Philip J. Pierre, appealed to young entrepreneurs to emulate the tenacity and wisdom of the honorees. He viewed the official recognition of the businessmen as a catalyst for strengthening the desire among young persons to become, not merely employees, but entrepreneurs. According to Minister Pierre, "They have displayed confidence in the economy and Government of Saint Lucia and endured in good and bad times, adjusting and changing their businesses, before diversification and reengineering were the buzz words. The successes of these three business people are testimony that St. Lucians can compete and meet the challenges," the minister said.

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