It is said the shortest life lasts long enough to leave an impact. On the basis of length, reach and quality, the life and times of Sir John Compton brought torrential rapturous blessings to people of St. Lucia and beyond. Commemorating him requires even demands, perspectives of gratitude and celebration more so than mournful dispositioning. Without disregarding essential sentiments of mortality and loss, St. Lucians are better advised to mark the passing of their father figure (affectionately referred to as Sir John) with deliberate emotions of appreciation and acclaim than piety of sackcloth and ashes. His life was far too gifted, his affect too beneficial, for his death to be subjected to prescriptions and practices of customary mourning.
Last of the Mohicans
In the scheme of life we never divine length of our spreadsheet; but certainly do determine the quality of line item contents that decorate our legacy. In this regard, Sir John’s ledger speaks for itself. What more can be said! He rightly belongs in the hall of fame of Caribbean greats, and must be included on our Mt. Rushmore of luminary leaders who championed independence initiatives across the Anglophone Caribbean: Norman Manley- Jamaica, Grantly Adams- Barbados, Eric Williams- Trinidad & Tobago, and Vere Bird Snr- Antigua & Barbuda. Sir John was the last of these anointed great men who dotted and defined the regional political landscape. Right in step with this stellar group, he was vision, passion and power embodied in an enigmatic galvanizing presence. His was a life of leadership. Unfortunately, across the Caribbean, contemporary political leaders continue to reach (through contrived means) for the power and presence of yesterday’s gifted greats; albeit without the commensurate vision, passion and sacrifice of those exemplars. The region is poorer for absence of our by-gone heroes, and now Sir John. Perhaps present leaders in St. Lucia, if only as mark of respect for Sir John, will rise and demonstrate nobility of leadership that ably reflects his vision, passion and sacrifice for the Island.
Fitting Send Off
Plato employs an allegory of metals to suggest the impact and quality of lives can be valued in denominations of gold, silver or tin. By this reckoning, unreservedly, Sir John’s life of leadership was pure gold through and through. He was golden in his commitment and sacrifice, golden in his passion, vision and insight; and even more golden for maintaining his ordinary civility though often entitled to much fanfare. St. Lucia, you may be tempted to hang your harps on the willow for Sir John? Please don’t! Neither leave your pans on their racks or drums in your closets. Instead, bring out all instruments and play one for Sir John! Celebrate a life well lived, a journey completed, a blessing received- And continue doing so as you live for your island and the memory of Sir John Compton.Dr. Raymond S. Edwards
President/CEO, MOHDC
http://www.mohdc.com
Raymond Edwards, Ph.D. Organizational Psychologist & Minister of Religion: is an international development consultant and executive Leadership behavior specialist.
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