Prime Minister Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell is deeply saddened by the passing of former Vincentian Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell.
Sir James, who had been ailing for some time, passed away Tuesday morning. He is most remembered as the second Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, serving from 1984 to 2000. However, he first served as the Minister for Agriculture and later as the Premier, after entering the political arena in 1966.
Dr Mitchell received news of the death from a daughter of Sir James, with whom he had been communicating in recent days, getting regular updates on his longtime friend.
Just minutes after receiving confirmation of the death, Dr Mitchell said, “I’m really saddened to receive this news today. James was a very good friend, in fact he mentored me as a young politician. I will be forever grateful for the words of wisdom he imparted in those early years. As I too became a seasoned politician, we shared many memorable conversations on local, regional and international issues. We shared a love for people and empowering them to live better lives. He had a keen interest in agriculture, his desire was to see the sector thrive, particularly the banana industry, and he pushed to provide land for the landless. That I think will be his legacy.”
The Prime Minister added, “I’d actually been planning to visit James but was waiting until he was released from hospital. This may be a poignant reminder that sometimes you can’t wait, you have to act in the moment. But that is life, I spoke to him just a few days ago and he was in good spirits so I will cherish those fond memories. I will certainly miss him and I pray that his soul rests in perfect peace.”
GIS
