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Contact: Darnley Lebourne
FULL STATEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA ON THE PASSING OF SIR WILLIAM GEORGE MALLET, GCSL, GCMG, CBE
The Government of Saint Lucia announces with deep regret the passing of Sir William George Mallet, GCSL, GCMB, CBE former Governor General, Member of Parliament, and Cabinet Minister. Sir George passed away on Wednesday at approximately 3:00 a.m. at the Tapion Hospital after a period of illness. He was eighty-seven (87) years old.
Sir George has given outstanding service to Saint Lucia since his entry into national politics in the 1950s. He served as a Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Central Castries from 1964 until his retirement from politics in 1996. He was a Cabinet Minister in successive governments between 1964 and 1996, excluding the period 1979-1982. He was responsible at various times for the portfolios of Trade, Industry, Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs. As Minister for Trade and Industry, he was a pioneer of the Regional Integration Movement, was well respected regionally and internationally, and has served as Chairman of the CARICOM Council of Ministers on a number of occasions. At Regional Meetings, he was often the voice of reason and his contributions were sharp, to the point and focused.
As a Member of Parliament, the interest of his constituents was always his primary concern, and he was a fearless debater in the Chambers of Parliament.
As the most senior Member of the Cabinet after the Prime Minister, he acted in the Office of Prime Minister on a number of occasions. Upon his retirement from politics in 1996, he served as Governor General for the period 1996/97. The Government of Saint Lucia extends condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. The State Funeral of the late Sir William George Mallet, GCSL, GCMG, CBE, will be announced later. In the meantime, a period of national mourning has been declared commencing immediately, during which all flags are to be flown at half mast.
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER October 20, 2010
_____________________________ Darnley Lebourne Government Press Secretary |
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