Saint Lucia: Philip J Pierre, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, joined a gathering of the National Council members of the Saint Lucia Labour Party on the evening of Sunday, 4 February, which was to pay tribute to the late Tom Walcott, Chairman Emeritus. The presence of PM Pierre at the gathering was shared by him on his official social media account.
Philip J Pierre quoted Tom Walcott, “We had the opportunity to share our memories of him, particularly those of his devotion and loyalty to our great Party. No one can sing the Party song like Tom, but we did our best as a tribute to him. I will miss him. We’ll keep the red flag flying, comrade.”
Just a few days ago, the Saint Lucia Labour Party revealed the death of 87-year-old Tom Walcott, who served the party with dedication for many years as chairman. Thomas Walcott, commonly known as Tom, played a crucial role in the Labour Party. He also contributed to the success of the party in political campaigns by bringing victories at the polls for years.
The party, on the loss of Tom Walcott, shared many words with the public about him, mentioning his dedication, hard work, and contribution towards party works. The party members also mentioned his loyalty, commitments and the unforgettable legacy he left behind himself.
The Labour Party mentioned in their statement while expressing the sorrow, “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Chairman Emeritus, Tom Walcott. He was a soldier to the end; we will miss him dearly! May He Rest in Peace.”
PM Philip J Pierre shared his words for Tom Walcott at the time of his death, “Tom Walcott was my friend, advisor, critic, consoler, and epitomised Labour. The news of his death this morning took me on a journey of fond memories, struggles, and victories.”
PM also mentioned about role of Walcott in his political journey, “From my entry into the politics of Saint Lucia, Tom’s unwavering support and loyalty guided me along a path which led me to becoming the Prime Minister of this country, an achievement which I am grateful that he got to witness.”
Philip J Pierre also mentioned abouth the life of Tom Walcott and said, “His philosophy was of not what my party can do for me, but what I can do for my party. That is how much he loved, lived, and breathed the Labour Party. To his family, friends, and the Saint Lucia Labour Party, accept my sincerest condolences. We have lost a true and faithful soldier, Chairman Emeritus. Rest in peace, my comrade.”
Lisa Jawahir, the Communications Director of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, also said, “Contributions, resilience, and steadfast commitment of Walcott to the Labour Party will be remembered as a cornerstone in the history of the party. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving party members and supporters mourning the loss of a stalwart figure who played a crucial role in shaping the party’s success.”
The death of Tom Walcott is also seen as the reason for sorrow among the citizens of the nation, with PM Philip J Pierre and members of the Labour Party.
The people of Saint Lucia, while sharing their words for Tom Walcott, said, “RIP Tom Walcot, a true Labour Patriot. I can’t imagine anyone who must have been more pleased to see Philip Pierre become Prime Minister. Labour has lost a champion. Tom was Labour to the core.”
People also said, “A great loss to the Party. We should find something to name after him to keep his memory alive. His mentor was another outstanding Engineer, Thomas R Theobalds, with whom he worked and was also educated in Canada. We only honour our heroes after they have passed away. This is so sad. Theobalds was given the St Lucia Cross posthumously. The same will be done for Chairman Tom Walcott. Better late than never. Again, this is my personal opinion. May he rest in perfect peace. Rest with the angels in Heaven.”