Message of Archbishop Kelvin Felix on the death of Prime Minister Sir John George Melville Compton who died in St Lucia on Friday, September 7

My dear People of St Lucia:
The Roman Catholic Community is deeply saddened by the unfortunate news of the death of our Prime Minister, Sir John George Melville Compton.

This news has plunged the entire nation into mourning, and not only St Lucia, but the entire Caribbean community and even countries beyond our shores, where Sir John was well recognised as a renowned political leader.

At this moment our sympathy and prayers go out to his beloved widow, Lady Janice Compton, and family, and all those who were so close to Sir John during his recent illness. 

This sad death will undoubtedly have an immediate and long term effect on this country, especially because of the kind of leadership that was expected of Sir John at this time and also because of the significant contribution that he has made towards the development of our nation and the high esteem in which he has been held for many decades.

The call for this nation and Saint Lucians everywhere to be united in prayer and single-minded in purpose could not be any stronger than at this time.

Let us with one voice and heart implore the mercy of Almighty God, that by His Divine Wisdom and Providence, He may lead us to greater prosperity, unity, and peace.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

+Kelvin E. Felix
Archbishop of Castries

Given at Domus Sanctae Marthae
Vatican City, September 8, 2007
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary