Mr. Hunter J Francois
1924 to 2014
Mr. Hunter J Francois was born in Choiseul on February 19, 1924. He commenced his education at the Anglican Infant and Primary schools in Castries and later the St. Mary’s College. On completion of his secondary education, he taught for a brief period at the then Castries Intermediate School.
A lawyer by profession, he was called to the Bar in 1949. By 1954 he entered the political field as an independent candidate for Choiseul but was not successful. He later joined the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) which through the merger with the National Labour Movement (NLM) in 1964 resulted in the formation of the United Workers Party. He successfully contested the East Castries seat for the UWP and was sworn in as the Minister for Labour and Social Affairs. He again successfully contested that seat in 1969. By then he had assumed the role of Minister of Education, Health and Social Services.
Notably, it was during his tenure that the idea of a tertiary education hub at Morne Fortune, utilizing the area’s former military barracks, took root. The first institution to be established there was the Teachers’ Training College which was able to provide for the training of hundreds of teachers per year as compared to the miniscule number (about five or 6) who previously had to be trained either in Barbados or Trinidad. The rehabilitation of these military barracks also saw the inclusion of the Morne ‘A’ level College and later the Technical College. This visionary concept birthed the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College with its various Divisions, with the Hunter J Francois Library now standing as a testament to his foresight.
Beyond politics, Mr. Francois was characterized by his radical and independent mindset, coupled with a notable musical talent passed down to his children. He was a founding member and first President of the St. Lucia School of Music, where he facilitated avenues for artistic expression.
Praised for his incisiveness and fearlessness, Mr. Francois often drew both admiration and criticism for his sharp intellect and wit. He was not confined to politics and law. His pursuits encompassed philosophy, music, and service to his community. His legacy endures as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, embodying the essence of multidimensional talent and unwavering dedication to progress.
Mr. Francois’ association with the United Workers Party was short lived. He withdrew from the Party in 1972.
He was awarded the honour of Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1988.
Photo Credit: The Star Newspaper