UWP SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF AN ICONIC FIGURE AND PIONEER FOR WOMEN

   The Executive and members of the United Workers Party are saddened by news of the death of Mrs. Heraldine Rock, former Executive member of the party and Government Minister. Mrs. Heraldine Rock was a pioneer for St Lucian women in politics when she successfully contested the Castries South East Constituency in the General Elections of 7^th, May, 1974. She would later become Saint Lucia’s first female Minister of Government with responsibilities for Housing, Community Development, Local Government and Social Affairs, Groups Needs, Cooperatives, the Provident Fund and Water, from 1974 to 1980.

Heraldine Rock was a strong and courageous woman who endured the hostility of the male dominated arena of politics. She was a member of the Castries Town Board from 1964 to 1974. She was also the first female vice-president of the United Worker’s Party. Her bold move to enter the arena of politics provided confidence and opened the way for other women who followed.

During her tenure as a Minister of Government she was responsible for the construction of a number of community centres throughout the island and helped to nurture the growth of local culture. The constituency of Castries South East which she represented benefited significantly from a number of water and electrification projects which improved the standard of living for residents.

 Mrs. Rock was a longstanding farmer who was outspoken in lobbying for better conditions for farmers particularly in the banana sector. She is counted among other outstanding women pioneers in politics at the regional level like: Dame Nita Barrow, Dame Eugenia Charles and Dame Hilda Bynoe.

The United Workers Party salutes the work and memory of Heraldine Rock as an outstanding woman, icon and pioneer of women in politics. We extend our deepest warmth and sympathies to her friends and family at this time of grief. The name of Heraldine Rock will forever be etched in the political and social development history of St Lucia as a result of the contributions which she made. She will forever remain a “rock” among women who have contributed to our national development.