Caricom Secretary General voices sadness over Odlum passing

Mr. Edwin Carrington

Saturday, October 4, 2003

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Caricom Secretary General, Mr. Edwin Carrington has voiced sadness over the passing of former St. Lucian Foreign Minister, Mr. George Odlum. Mr. Odlum died on Sunday, 28th September from a long struggle with pancreatic cancer and will be buried on Monday, 6th October.

"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," stated Mr. Carrington, in a release yesterday. "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.'"

The Secretary General also called said Mr. Odlum "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," added Mr. Carrington. "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."

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