The St.Lucian Icon Remembered

In the words of Carl Sandburg it is "not often in the story of mankind, that a man arrives on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is hard as rock and soft as drifting fog. Who holds in the heart and mind, the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect.

Such is the epitome of a man who is undoubtedly a household name in regional politics, whose legacy sets him "head and shoulders above any other politician in the Caribbean".

Without contest, Sir John George Melvin Compton is a man who many hold in high regard. His reputation as a leader with vision and passion served as a headconerstone of his existence and the standard of regional leaders today.

Impetuously, thousands turned out to pay their respects, when on September 7, 2007, Sir John Compton, the Father of the Nation and three-time Prime Minister of Saint Lucia passed away after a prolonged illness. Now four years since his death, the memory and legacy of Sir John remains etched in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born April 29, 1925, of the small island of Canouan in the Grenadines, it was Sir John Compton who brought Saint Lucia to independence on February 22, 1979, becoming Saint Lucia's first Prime Minister. With over 50 years of service, it is near impossible to mention any of Saint Lucia's history without referring to Sir John Compton. He literally helped form the Saint Lucian landscape; while continuing to show great concern for the economic and academic well being of all Saint Lucians.

His efforts as a politician and a man of the people, serves as the hallmark for today's continued development and growth. He was a leader of unique class and creed whose style pierced the hearts of Saint Lucians and earned him the title of Daddy Compton.