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13th Feburary 2010
A pledge towards statue of Sir John

FirstCaribbean International Bank has pledged EC$13,600.00 as its contribution to the creation of a life-sized bust of St. Lucia’s former Prime Minister, the late Sir John George Melvin Compton.
The placement of the bust of the late statesman is part of a larger legacy programme aimed at highlighting the contribution made by Sir John to the social, political and economic development of St. Lucia.
Sir John has been described as the most celebrated Saint Lucian politician having served for thirty unbroken years in power, and having taken the country from Associated Statehood to independence in 1979.
Well known Saint Lucian Sculptor Ricky George has been commissioned to undertake the work at a project cost of USD 442,350. Of that sum the St. Lucian government has allocated USD107, 500 towards mobilisation, with the rest to come primarily through donor contributions from the private sector and investors who wish to honour Sir John.
The Corporate sector and the citizens have been challenged to invest in what is expected to be an impressive memorial to a public servant whose passion and vision have shaped present-day Saint Lucia. At the same time, it is hoped that the memorial will fuel the country’s greater national pride and inspire other suitable public memorials in honour of St. Lucia’s significant heroes.

 
 

“We see many parallels between what Sir John valued and championed and our own philosophy as a bank. He saw education as the avenue out of poverty and the tool for prosperity of our people and our economy.” Said Country Manager, Mauricia Thomas-Francis
She cited his lead role in advancing OECS Integration in recent times and his advocacy of a federation of the West Indies in earlier times as contributing to the promotion of a Caribbean identity.
“We ourselves embrace the responsibility of helping our region’s people to see, appreciate and value our uniqueness and how that can be leveraged on the world stage of business, arts and culture. Our social partnerships with such entities as the University of the West Indies, and our flagship Unsung Heroes programme are examples.”
September will mark three years since the passing of Sir John Compton. The nine foot bronze statue will be erected in the roundabout that connects the John Compton Highway and the government buildings on the Castries Waterfront with Jn Baptiste Street near the Castries market. Port Castries is constantly referenced as an example of Sir John’s development vision.
It is expected that the project will be completed by the anniversary of Saint Lucia’s Independence in 2011.

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