Dr. Velon Leo John, OBE, a former magistrate, senator, and parliamentary representative for Laborie, has died at the age of 83.
John, who served as a Member of Parliament for Laborie from 1997 to 2006 under the Saint Lucia Labour Party, passed away on Friday. He was widely regarded as a sharp legal mind and eloquent speaker, known for his deep commitment to public service and national development.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre paid tribute to John, offering condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia.
“Dr John rendered exemplary service to the nation in several capacities, including magistrate, senator and Leader of the Opposition. He was widely respected for his sharp intellect, masterful command of language and his commitment to country and community,” said Pierre.
“The Government of Saint Lucia extends sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy endure.”
In April, in what was billed as his final public appearance, John launched his book Ramblings of a Mind and Pulsations of a Heart. At the event, attended by Prime Minister Pierre, John advocated for the redesign of the national flag and the removal of colonial symbols. He described the book as “a compilation of his thoughts on the multiplicity of subjects that constitute in some measure the fabric of my existence.”
When asked about his views on death, John shared his philosophical perspective: “I embrace death since as I see it is the transitioning from the metaphysical state of becoming to being. It is the gateway to the unknown and that I find fascinating… A veritable exciting encounter. So what is there to fear, what is there to be perturbed about the phenomenon of death. It is inevitable.”
