ST. LUCIA – Saint Lucians are being applauded for the calm and dignified manner in which they collectively mourned the passing of the country’s distinguished former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Sir John G.M. Compton.
The official two week period of national mourning came to an end at midnight, Friday September 22nd, having been declared shortly after Sir John’s death on the evening of September 7th.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Senator Honourable Tessa Mangal said, “by and large, the media responded commendably, adjusting their programming to suit the sombre mood of the country”. The minister however held one reservation towards the ‘talk show’ genre which she said in some cases ‘could have been better controlled’.
Ms. Mangal said the Compton family has also expressed positive comments about the manner in which the nation observed the passing of Sir John. “As far as I’m aware the information and feedback that we’ve gotten is that they were very satisfied, they were very happy with the way in which the people of Saint Lucia responded and respected their wishes and the wishes of Sir John with regard to his funeral arrangements.”
The end of the official mourning period does not bring an end to the depth of loss and sadness which many continue to feel by the death of Sir John. Many local, regional and international personalities and institutions continue to eulogise Sir John’s life as a great person, politician and leader.
