Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet has extended condolences on behalf of the Government and People of Saint Lucia to the Government and People of Barbados following the passing of the Right Honourable Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados. Owen Arthur was Barbados’ longest serving Prime Minister, from 1994 to 2008.

In offering condolences, Prime Minister Chastanet, referred to the late Owen Arthur as a “patriot” who he “had the deepest respect for.” Prime Minister Chastanet said that he had in the past worked closely with the former Prime Minister, especially on the issue of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“Not only was he a patriot for Barbados but you can honestly say that he was a patriot for the Caribbean,” noted Prime Minister Chastanet. “He played a leadership role in the CSME. The vision he had in terms of integrating the Caribbean will always be remembered and I will always have the greatest amount of respect for him. His last role as the Chairman of LIAT is not an enviable position to be in but despite how difficult it was, even at this late stage he was willing to take it on. I know that he was not just doing it for Barbados, he was doing it for all of us in the Caribbean. He is going to be missed. On behalf of Saint Lucia, our hearts go out to Owen Arthur’s wife and daughters and all his family and friends and to the Government and People of Barbados.”

Saint Lucia’s flag is being flown at half mast today in recognition of the late Owen Arthur and in recognition of former Saint Lucian Member of Parliament and Attorney-at-law, the late Kenneth Foster, Q.C. who is being laid to the rest today in an official funeral.