September 8, 2007: St Lucia has begun a two week mourning period in remembrance of  Sir John Compton, who died at the age of 82 on Friday, September 7, 2007. 

The nation was informed officially by acting Prime Minister Stephenson King who also announced the 2 week official period of mourning for St Lucia’s 'Father of the Nation' who led the country from 1964-1979, 1982-1996 and from December 2006. Sir Compton was hospitalized in May 2007, less than 6 months after being re-elected  as Prime Minister of the country. He had suffered a series of strokes and had been out of office since then with only a temporary stint back to reshuffle his cabinet, surrendering his finance portfolio while holding on to the Prime ministerial title. The ailing leader was also said to be battling a number of other complications such as diabetes, and a heart condition. He leaves to mourn his wife Lady Compton and five children.

Background:

John Compton served as Chief Minister from 1964-1967, Premier from 1967-1979 and Prime Minister in 1979 and again from 1982-1996 when he resigned.

He later returned to active politics and reclaimed his position at the helm of the UWP in the general elections of 1997 and 2001.

"Age is not a factor here, I am not here running for the Olympics. Age is really in the state of mind, I am giving my experience and my intelligence that God gave to me. I am not going for a marathon, I am not going for the Olympics,” Sir John said shortly after his victory in 2006. He was sworn in to office as Prime Minister on December 15, 2006.