Saint Lucia: PM Philip J Pierre expresses grief on passing of Haynes Cyril

Saint Lucia: Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J Pierre, expressed grief on the passing of Haynes Cyril SLMH(S), OSJT, CPM, QPM. Cyril was regarded as a World War II Veteran.

Prime Minister Pierre posted a social media post and expressed his sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Haynes Cyril SLMH(S), OSJT, CPM, QPM, World War II Veteran and a member of the Saint Lucia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League.

“Only last month, we observed Veteran’s Day together by singing and dancing along with stories of your service to this country. I am happy that we had the opportunity to fellowship together,” PM Pierre’s post on Cyril read.

He furthermore prayed that his soul rests in peace.

Along with the Prime Minister, the Saint Lucian arm of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Servicemen League also reacted to this heavy loss. The post by the League read, “Condolences go out from the League to Mr Cyril’s family in this difficult time. We are proud and honoured to have had the privilege of Mr Cyril’s leadership. His commitment will not be forgotten, and his spirit will live on with the League. Mr Cyril served his country admirably in many capacities, including the RSLPF and as St Lucia’s first fire chief.”

Many of the Saint Lucians believe that it is a great loss for the nation. Cyril passed away on the morning of December 20, 2022, at the age of 101. Apart from being a World War II veteran and an active member of the Saint Lucia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League, Haynes Cyril has also served in the Police Force and Fire Service of Saint Lucia.

It is worth noting that he became the first Chief of the Fire Service in the year 1975. In addition to this, Cyril has also regarded as the first responder at the Ravine Poisson Disaster of 1938. He was the first to respond when the ships of Lady Nelson were fired upon by a German U-Boat in 1942.

The nation is in a wave of grief as it has lost one of its remarkable service providers. The passing of the veteran has been regarded as a big shocker; as Prime Minister Pierre stated, Saint Lucia will continue to remember Haynes Cyril on Veteran’s Day of Saint Lucia.

Veteran’s Day in Saint Lucia is an important national holiday that celebrates the contributions of veterans of the armed forces and their families. It is celebrated in the month of November and is a public holiday.

The history of Veterans Day is associated back to World War I when the war ended on November 11, 1918. The day was originally called Armistice Day and was meant to commemorate the sacrifices of the people who served in the war.

In Saint Lucia, Veteran Day is a day of remembrance and honour for all veterans, both living and deceased. It is a day to thank those who have served their country and to remember those who sacrificed their lives for their country.

The day is marked by memorial services, parades, and other events throughout the country. The main event is the Veterans’ Parade, which takes place in the capital, Castries. This traditional parade includes veterans wearing their military uniforms and marching through the city in a show of respect and gratitude for their service.

In addition to the parade, Saint Lucia also has several other events that take place throughout the year to honour veterans. These include special ceremonies and commemorations at military cemeteries, as well as various commemorative events and ceremonies.

This year the world celebrated the 103rd Veteran’s Day, and the nation commemorated it on November 12, Sunday. Saint Lucia remembered its veterans and heroes, as well as there were several wreath-laying ceremonies. There was a usual Mass in Castries followed by parades in uniforms. Along with these, the Office of the Prime Minister hosted the Annual Reception for Veterans.