PM Philip J Pierre remembers former SLP Chairman, Tom Walcott

Castries, Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre extended condolences on the passing of Tom Walcott, a former Labour Party (SLP) Chairman. PM Pierre woke up to the news of his friend’s death on Thursday and recalled the memories he had spent with Walcott. 

He remembered the time when his friend encouraged him to try his luck in the politics of Saint Lucia. PM Pierre expressed his delight in Walcott’s consistent support, which helped him gain his confidence and become the Prime Minister of the country. 

It is to be noted that he took to his official social media handle (Facebook) to share the news of his friend’s death. 

“Tom Walcott was my friend, advisor, critic, consoler, and epitomized Labour. The news of his death this morning took me on a journey of fond memories, struggles, and victories.

 From my entry into the politics of Saint Lucia, Tom’s unwavering support and loyalty guided me along a path which led me to become the Prime Minister of this country, an achievement which I am grateful that he got to witness”, the leader of Saint Lucia added. 

The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia further stated that Walcott spent his life serving the country and his political party. He was driven by the philosophy that “it’s not what my party can do for me, but what I can do for my party” – that was the way he loved, lived and breathed the Labour Party.

Noting this, PM Pierre extended his support and grief to the family and friends of Tom Walcott. 

“Tom believed in service to his country and his Party. He was guided by a philosophy 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”, remarked Prime Minister Pierre. 

While reacting to PM Pierre’s Facebook post, many people across the region expressed their grief on the death of Tom Walcott. 

A person named Magdelene Daniel wrote, “I will miss my Comrade and Chairman Emeritus. His straightforwardness and his loyalty. Our special name (Be Loyal). Farewell, my dearest Comrade and friend Tom.”

Another person, Nick Joe, commented, “Comrade Tom Walcott epitomized a rare quality of loyalty. He was purified Labour to its principles and people. His dedication and commitment to the country were arguably rooted in his genuine love for those who lived on the margins of our society. Bread, freedom, and justice were his standards for helping others. The Labour Party has lost a champion. Rest in peace and love.”