Letters & Opinion

The Sir Julian R. Hunte Highway: A Manifestation of Putting People First

Sylvestre Phillip M.B.E
By Sylvestre Phillip M.B.E

The St. Lucia Government has named     the portion of the Gros Islet road, from the Choc roundabout to Cap Estate, after an outstanding St. Lucian, Sir Julian R. Hunte. That portion of the road is now called: The Sir Julian R. Hunte Highway.

human personality; And that Service to humanity is the best work of life”. These lines in the Jaycees Creed had immense effect on Senator Julian, now called Sir Julian R. Hunte with so many accolades for outstanding service to humanity.

In this article, I would attempt to provide some information on the outstanding service to humanity by Sir Julian.

Indeed, I have heard very much about the work of Sir Julian over the last few days. However, I have heard nothing about his involvement and participation in the Junior Chamber International (Jaycees) organization, where he received his early beginnings or training in leadership.

The St. Lucia Jaycees, now defunct, had been started by Mr. Peter. Bergasse, now deceased, in 1960. He rose to the highest honour in the organization to be called Senator Peter Bergasse.

The Jaycees was a leadership training Organization and scores of St. Lucian received the training provided by the organization, including Senator Julian Hunte, Senator Romanus Lansiquot and Senator Peter Gustave, to name a few outstanding Jaycees.

I must point out that members who were inducted into the Jaycees senate were members who gave outstanding service in leadership to the community.

At this point I wish to refer to the last two lines of the Jaycees Creed which reads: “That earth’s great treasure lies in

Sir Julian R. Hunte first entered politics in St. Lucia in 1967 serving as councillor, and then as Mayor of Castries from 1970 to 1971.

He joined the St. Lucia Labour Party in 1978, and became leader of the party in 1984. He was elected to House of Assembly of St. Lucia in 1987 and served as leader of the Opposition until 1996.

In 2001 Sir Julian was appointed to the Senate of St. Lucia and was invited by the then Prime Minister of St. Lucia to join the Cabinet that same year and served as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Sir Julian served as St. Lucia’s Ambassador to the United Nations and was elected to the presidency of that august body during the 58th regular session in 2003 to 2004.

Sir Julian was a founding member of the St. Lucia National Trust and also served as its chairman. The St. Lucia National Trust is the body or organization responsible for protecting the patrimony of St. Lucia. By patrimony I mean the histortic landmarks of St. Lucia referred to as our heritage.

Sir Julian was chairman of the St. Lucia National Development Corporation. The corporation is St. Lucia’s principal development agency.

Sir Julian also served as the as Director of the St. Lucia Development Bank and the then National Commercial Bank of St. Lucia now the Bank of St. Lucia. He contributed to the solid foundation which the bank now enjoys.

Sir Julian was an avid sportsman. I actually saw him play cricket at the Mindoo Philip Park representing St. Lucia, and football for his team Wolves on the Marchand grounds.. He participated as an administrator at the national, regional and international levels.

As a local sports administrator, Sir Julian found creative ways of raising the necessary finances for the development of sports, particularly cricket, in his beloved country.

He was President of the St. Lucia National Cricket association and also the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control and represented that body on the International Cricket Council, the institution responsible for the international governance of the game of cricket.

Sir Julian must have been an excellent time manager, having been able to be involved in all of those institutions and activities and performing at his best.

Indeed, Sir Julian was recognized for his outstanding service to humanity. In 1979 he received the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He also received the St. Lucia Cross (SLC). Her Majesty the Queen also bestowed upon him the Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG)

Sir Julian also received papal awards. In September 2004, Pope John Paul 11 conferred on him the Papal Honour of Knight of the Grand Cross Pian.

Sir Julian is a true Christian. St. Luke’s Gospel tells us “As true followers of Jesus, we also must serve others. Service is helping others who need assistance. Christlike service grows out of genuine love for the Saviour and of love and concern for those whom He gives us opportunity and direction to help” (Luke 22:27).

Sir Julian has lived the JCI Creed through his service to humanity.

The Government of St. Lucia, keeping true to its word of ‘Putting People First’ has accordingly and respectfully named the section of the road from the Choc Roundabout to Cap Estate, the Sir Julian Hunte Highway.

Sir Julian has left an indelible mark for the young people, and indeed, all St. Lucian to follow.

May God continue to bless him and members of his family.

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