At age 82 Sir John George Melvin Compton starts a new chapter in a long political career as he embarks on a fresh term as Prime Minister of St Lucia.
He led his United Workers Party to a surprising 11-6 victory in the December 11 general election, toppling the St Lucia Labour Party, led by former prime minister Dr. Kenny Anthony who was seeking a third successive term in office.
Being at the helm of the 238-square mile eastern Caribbean country is nothing new to Sir John who guided the island into associated statehood and then independence from Britain on February 22, 1979.
He served as Chief Minister from 1964-1967, Premier from 1967-1979 and Prime Minister in 1979 and again from 1982-1996 when he resigned and handed over the reins of government to Vaughan Lewis, one of the losing SLP candidates in Monday’s election.
He later returned to active politics and reclaimed his position at the helm at the party “at the behest of the people” following the resounding defeat 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.
Today's Date is: Sat, 17 May 2008 23:06:19
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