In this, the final part of the two-part commentary, I continue to highlight the contributions of the early pioneers who helped to establish the foundation for the growth and development of local commerce.
A.F. Valmont and Co Limited
Named after (Hon.) Arnott Francis Valmont, SLC, OBE, this firm’s activities spanned agriculture, fishing, construction, insurance services, land and housing development, motor dealership, and manufacture of industrial gases. Sir Arnott hailed from Vieux-Fort, where his family was a major landowner. However, the success of his business had less to do with his family’s wealth and more to do with his business acumen, unrelenting discipline and work ethic. He, too, received his early exposure to business as a clerk at J.Q. Charles. He was among scores of Saint Lucians who migrated to Curacao to work in its oil refinery during and after the Second World War. His firm, along with Johnson’s and Company, were the mainstays of the fishing sector, offering outboard engines to fisher folk. It also provided foundational support for the development of arts and crafts. In recent years, the company has reduced its business footprint, but its seminal role in the development of the commercial sector will always be fondly remembered with profound appreciation.
“Elwin’s”
For at least 5 decades between the 1960s and the early 2000s, Elwin Marcellin and Company Limited, popularly as “Elwin’s”, was the “firm of choice” for the “malawe.” This standing would make it an early and mighty challenger to the supermarket dominance of M&C and J.Q. The brain and brawn behind the company were the late great Elwin Marcellin, aka “Bogart”, and his sidekick, Mr. Charles Payne. In addition to mirroring Humphrey Bogart’s features, Elwin adopted his dress and mannerisms, including the angle at which he wore his hat. Elwin’s enjoyed a vibrant presence from outlets on either side of upper Micoud Street, between Chisel Street to Chaussee Road, southward to Grass Street. Elwin’s wholesale operation on Micoud Street served a faithful clientele that included many small, rural grocery shops, including that of my Aunt Ethline. Elwin also ran a rum shop/cafeteria on Micoud Street, a guest house on Chaussee Road and supermarkets on Chisel and Grass Streets. Later, he opened a pharmacy, which was managed by his daughter.
Everybody’s Store
Adjacent to Elwin’s Supermarket on Micoud Street was “Everybody’s Store” – a variety store which was run by Mr. Foster, father of famed, criminal lawyer, Kenneth Foster. One block away was a thriving kabawe’ run by Mailings Compton. A few short blocks away, one found Claudius S. Chase, which was also very popular with the malawe. Across from Chase was “Kings,” another variety store.
Y De Lima
Y De Lima was among the first “regional” entrants within the William Peter Boulevard that traded in watches, jewelry, and musical equipment. Before its entry, businessmen-jewelers like H.B Collymore and Joseph Desir provided a valuable service in respect of the sale and repair of timepieces and jewelry.
Kentry Edmunds
On the outer fringes of the Business District, one found Kentry Edmunds, whose offerings included home furnishings. I always marveled at the way he was able to fit in as many items as he did into a relatively small space. It was a challenge walking about the store without bumping into something.
The Penny Bank
Across from the Edmunds building was then Co-op Bank, now First National Bank, which began as an ultra-modest Penny Bank. For me, the phenomenal growth and development of this bank while retaining its indigenous character is one of the success stories in Caribbean banking.
Carasco and Sons
Further west, one found “Carasco & Sons” run by businessman-cum-historian, Francis Joseph Carasco aka “Puck”. That’s where we purchased building supplies like nails, hinges, and door locks of all sizes and dimensions. Thankfully, this business has remained in local ownership from its days as L.B. Carasco in the early 1900s.
Coco Pentiwe’
Arguably, Saint Lucia’s most creative, homespun entrepreneur was Coco Pentiwe, who operated from his sprawling makeshift headquarters on the northern banks of the Castries River. He started out rearing chickens and naturally moved to selling eggs (hard and soft). Initially, he walked around the city selling his hard-boiled eggs and then moved to a bicycle and later to a car. He also plied his feathered wares on Jeremie Street.
Cadasse Group of Companies
Another indigenous pioneer was Noel Cadasse, who migrated from serving as the local agent for several regional insurance companies to establishing his own company, aptly called the “First National Insurance Company.” It was indeed the first locally owned and managed insurance outfit on the island. Cadasse also ran a bakery which competed with the likes of Amur, Rens, Williams, Zephryn, and Eudoxie bakeries. Later, he ventured into the hotel business and ran a boutique hotel at La Pensee called Caribbees.
Notable Others
Other notable pioneers of commerce include the Julian R. Hunte Group, whose operations included the first shipping and packing outfit and an insurance company. St. Lucia Stevedores, run by Gray Milne-Marshall, supplied stevedores to shipping companies. It played a critical role in managing the industry’s shift from bales to pallets in the 1970s. Cox and Company have had a longstanding presence in the shipping and travel business. Also deserving of mention were the “Syrians”, aka “amigos”, who revolutionised the textile business. Their humble beginnings as traveling salesmen, selling from luggage and later from their cars, endeared them to Saint Lucians. The Gidharry family was a pioneer in the guest house business. They later joined Greg Glace who owned and managed the Islander Hotel. The Bay Gardens Hotel, owned by the Destang family, deserves a full commentary. In its early years, Du Boulay and Company was a fixture in the farming sector in the southwest of the country. For much of the 1960s, it was the main supplier of ice and “Icy” aerated beverages. Its portfolio now includes a supermarket chain.
I salute these and other Titans of Saint Lucia’s Commerce.