Sir Derek Walcott passed away at his home in St Lucia this morning.
Friday March 17, 2017
St Lucian poet, playwright, and Nobel Laureate Sir Derek Alton Walcott has died.
Sir Derek passed away at his home in Cap Estate this morning at the age of 87, after a prolonged illness.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, in a brief address, offered condolences to his family, noting that his death was also a great loss for the entire country and the rest of the world.
“When everyone speaks of excellence, the two names that stand tall in St Lucia’s history are Sir Arthur Lewis, and Sir Derek Walcott. As such, today is a historical day, as it marks the passing of Sir Derek,” he said.
“His is a household name, as he made himself so available and participated in many national and local events in St Lucia. It has become customary for all of us to see Sir Derek, and to know that he was here all the time. There is one thing that Derek truly was—a Caribbean patron. He was always very consistent about being Caribbean, and being original.”
Chastanet added that in recognition of the statesman that Sir Derek was, the flags will be flown at half-mast until next Tuesday. He said he is also in discussions with the late national icon’s family and the artistic fraternity to discuss what tributes can be paid.
Sir Derek received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. On February 28, 2016, was invested with the Knight Commander of Saint Lucia (KCSL).
Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/news/st-lucian-born-nobel-laureate-sir-derek-walcott-dies#ixzz4bsIAB2Ec
