Saint Lucians express sorrow on passing of 101 year old Haynes Cyril

Saint Lucia: Haynes Cyril, the remarkable service provider of Saint Lucia, left the world on the morning of December 20, 2022. He breadth his last at the age of 101 years. Many departments and associations of Saint Lucia expressed grief at the passing of the veteran.

While reacting to the death of the veteran Cyril, Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, noted, “My sincerest condolences to the family as well as friends of Haynes Cyril SLMH(S), CPM, QPM, OSJT, World War II Veteran and a member of the Saint Lucia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League.”

Saint Lucia Fire Service Association also expressed grief and sorrow on the passing of retired Chief Fire Office Haynes Cyril. The social media post by the Association recalled the life journey of the 101 veteran of Saint Lucia.

The post read, “The Saint Lucia Fire Service Association mourns the passing of retired Chief Fire Officer Haynes Martin Louis Cyril. He transferred to the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) from the ROYAL SAINT LUCIA POLICE FORCE in July of 1974, serving as the Deputy Chief Fire Officer. He was subsequently appointed to the post of Chief Fire Officer in 1977, succeeding John P. Mc. Pherson, a Guyanese national.”

It furthermore stated that Cyril became the first Saint Lucian to be appointed Chief Fire Officer (C.F.O.) until his retirement in 1981. He served studiously, being credited for being the first CFO to appoint women in the SLFS. Haynes Martin Louis Cyril was a decorated World War II veteran. He was the President of the Local Ex-Service League, a member of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League, President of Helpage Saint Lucia National Council of and for Older Persons and President of the Disaster Preparedness Committee for East Castries.

The Association also noted, “We salute you, sir, for the groundwork which you laid and which we benefit from today. From the rank and file of the Saint Lucia Fire Service, we say Bravo to your heroic efforts in service to the SLFS and, by extension, the people of Fair Helen.”

Along with this, Saint Lucia Cadet Corps expressed and stated, “Saint Lucia has lost one of its greats. This morning, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, Haynes Cyril, SLMH(S), OSJT, CPM, QPM, passed at the age of 101. He was a Saint Lucian World War II Veteran & a member of the Saint Lucia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League. He also served in the Police Force and the Saint Lucia Fire Service, of which he was its first Chief in 1975. He was there as a first responder at the Ravine Poisson Disaster of 1938, a first responder when a German U-Boat fired upon the ships Lady Nelson and Lady Nelson at Castries Harbour in 1942. He has given his country a long life of remarkable service. Condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”

Besides this, some of the unofficial Facebook pages also expressed pain and sorrow. One of the Facebook pages, named Dawn Rising Sun French, noted, “2022 just took a BIG ONE! Haynes Cyril (in the middle with the blue tie) was 101. 🙁🙁🙁 He was such a jolly soul. He served in WWII in N. Africa, and he and his regiment were the ones who escorted German P.O.W.s to Naples.”

While remembering the doing of the late Cyril, it further said, “He was first the 2nd Fire Chief but first Saint Lucian to hold the post. He was a bomb disposal expert. He was a gold medalist at many senior games. Rest well, sir; you have served well. Condolences to Gloria, Ollie and the rest of the family.”

Another page named Sons & Daughters Of Saint Lucia – RIP mentioned, “It’s with great sadness we announce the passing of Haynes Cyril at the age 101yrs. Haynes Cyril passed away at 101 after a life of remarkable service. Saint Lucia has lost one of its greats.”

It added, “This morning, Tuesday, December 20, 2022, Mr Haynes Cyril, SLMH(S), OSJT, CPM, QPM, passed at the age of 101. He was a Saint Lucian World War II Veteran and a member of the Saint Lucia Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League. He also served in the Police Force and the Saint Lucia Fire Service, of which he was its first Chief in 1975. He was there as a first responder at the Ravine Poisson Disaster of 1938, a first responder when a German U-Boat fired upon the ships Lady Nelson and Lady Nelson at Castries Harbour in 1942. He has given his country a long life of remarkable service. Condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace while his memory lives on 101.”

The third one, named The Log Book Project, noted, “At 4:15 am on the morning of Tuesday, December 20 2022, Haynes Cyril passed away. This 101-year, 48-day the old gentleman was many things – among them, son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, athlete, scout, medic, police officer, soldier, ordinance/bomb diffuser, fireman, Chief of Fire Service and WWII veteran.”

In addition to this, it said, “Over the last five years, I had the privilege of calling him, my friend. Warm, friendly, stubborn and modest, he was rightfully proud of his accomplishments but never boastful. Duty first, his entire life has been one of service to St. Lucia. Lest we forget. Rest well, sir; it has been such an honour to know you, the consummate “old soldier”. I miss you already.”