MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE FROM HONOURABLE EDWIN W. CARRINGTON, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON THE PASSING OF THE HONOURABLE GEORGE ODLUM, FORMER MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE OF SAINT LUCIA

It was with profound sadness that the Caribbean Community learnt of the passing of the Honourable George Odlum, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Saint Lucia, on Sunday, 28 September 2003.

The Hon. George Odlum was an outstanding political figure, who served his country, Saint Lucia, with distinction. He will be remembered for his passion for the causes, which he espoused, not least of which was the ‘…empowerment of the people, urging them to participate fully in the process of governance.’ Regarded as a political, social and cultural icon in the life of Saint Lucia, he was ‘…charismatic, eloquent and a consummate master of communication, both in speaking and writing.’ As we mourn his loss, we cannot but recognize the indelible impression he has left on the political life and development of his country.

The Hon. George Odlum also pursued with unwavering commitment the full development of the peoples of the Caribbean Region. As a consequence, his vision for and support of the regional integration process was never in question. He was tireless in his efforts for the improvement of the quality of life not only for his fellow Saint Lucians, but for all Caribbean peoples. He was, for example, one of the Region’s leading and most persistent exponents on the debilitating effects, of the erosion of trade preferences for the Region’s banana industry, on the livelihood of the people.

In paying homage to this great son of Saint Lucia and of the Caribbean Community, it is fitting to acknowledge that his distinguished service to his country and the Region will always be a great source of inspiration in our efforts in fulfilling the Region’s aspirations for a stronger and more viable Community.

On behalf of the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat, I wish to extend deepest condolences to Mr. Odlum’s family and the Government and People of Saint Lucia.