Sir Antoine Ludovic Theodore OBE., KCSG.
1905-1991
Mr. Antoine Theodore was born on April 12, 1905, in Choiseul. After attending primary school in Choiseul, he began working at the age of 16 to support his family following his father’s early death.
A devout Roman Catholic, Sir Antoine became actively involved in various religious and community organizations starting in the early 1930s. He served as Treasurer of the St. John’s Catholic Friendly Society, the St. Rosalie Catholic Friendly Society, and the Vieux Fort Co-operative Credit Union. He also held positions as President and Treasurer of the Vieux Fort branch of the St. Lucia Workers Co-operative Union. Additionally, he was a member of the Town Improvement Commission and Water Authority, and in 1945, he was appointed Vice President of the St. Lucia Local Industries Association. In 1947, he successfully ran in the Vieux Fort Town Council elections and became its Vice President.
In 1951, the year of adult suffrage in Saint Lucia, he successfully contested the Vieux Fort/Laborie seat as a member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). In 1954, he established the Vieux Fort General and Dock Workers Union.
At age 54, in 1959, he qualified as a pharmacist and became well-known for his service to the communities of Vieux Fort, Laborie, and Choiseul. Known for his generosity, he assisted many who sought his help. His community involvement extended to serving on the Liquor License Board, as Chairman of the Holy Name Society, and as Chairman of the Vestry.
In 1964, he, along with other PPP members, met with leaders of the National Labour Movement (NLM) in Vieux Fort to form the United Workers Party (UWP). Although he did not contest any seats for the UWP, he played an active role in the party by addressing supporters at public meetings.
Sir Antoine Theodore was honored both locally and internationally for his outstanding contributions to Vieux Fort and Saint Lucia. He was named Father of the Year by the people of Vieux Fort, awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen, and received the Papal Knighthood, the Order of St. Gregory the Great, from His Holiness the Pope.
Sir Antoine Theodore is remembered as an honest, trustworthy individual with integrity. He was a pioneering member of the co-operative movement, a champion of the trade union movement, and a person with a strong social conscience. His commitment to his community continued even after he retired from active politics.
Photo Credit: The Family