The late Hunter J. Francois was the cornerstone upon which our education system was built, Prime Minister Anthony said.

Prime Minister Kenny D. Anthony yesterday, delivered a speech on the passing of Hunter J. Francois.

Hunter Francois served as Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Health and Social Services before he was appointed the island’s Deputy Premier.

Prime Minister Anthony said the people of Saint Lucia are deeply indebted to Hunter Francois for shaping the country’s education sector.

“Forty years after he demitted office, 35 years following the island’s independence, he remains revered as the country’s education pioneer—the cornerstone upon whose ideas and vision that our education system was built.”

Dr. Anthony also described Mr. Francois as fiercely independent in thought and deed.

“With a mind approaching genius, Hunter could possibly have been anything he wished to be: poet, novelist, musician, teacher or mentor. Considering his life’s work, his impact on our country and the reverence with which he was held, he was actually all of the above and much more. He was philosopher, lawyer, politician, and servant of the people.”

Earlier this year, the Government commissioned the Hunter J. Francois Drive at Monchy.

Hunter Francois also conceptualized the now Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.  The school’s library is named after him.

Hunter Francois passed away on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the age of 91.