Sir Dunstan St. Omer is Saint Lucia's premier artist, muralist and the designer of the country’s national flag.
In 2007 the Folk Research Centre declared him a National Cultural Hero. In 2009 he received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of the West Indies, and in 2010 he received the award of Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG), conferred during the New Year Honors of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Born in Castries to Gerald and Louisa St. Omer, Dunstan St Omer attended the St Aloysius R.C. Boys School and St. Mary’s College. It was at St. Mary’s that he befriended Derek Walcott and Leo ‘Spa’ St Helene, who were to have a lasting influence on his life. The trio were introduced to National Cultural Hero Harold Simmons who had a profound impact their artistic capabilities.
He went on to further his studies in Art and develop his craft, on a thirteen month scholarship to Puerto Rico. Upon his return to Saint Lucia, Sir Dunstan St. Omer worked with the Voice newspaper from 1959-1962 replacing his mentor and paper editor, Harry Simmons. Renowned for his artistic production over many decades, Sir Dunstan St. Omer work in construction, painted professionally, and held a corporate position with the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce.
He worked with the Ministry of Education as an art specialist for over 30 years, until retirement in 2000. While at the Ministry he was credited with initiating a program to incorporate the art of painting into the educational curriculum at the infant and primary school levels. He has been credited for developing a whole new generation of local painters.
The alters of Saint Lucian Churches islandwide are graced with Sir Dunstan’s notable murals which over the years have drawn acclamation and criticism for his depictions of black divinity.
Sir Dunstan St. Omer was awarded a Papal Medal by the Catholic Church and the Saint Lucia Cross by the Saint Lucia Government on the occasion of the Saint Lucia’s 25th Anniversary of Independence in 2004.
Sir Dunstan was married to Cynthia St. Croix. They had nine children.
Sir Dunstan St. Omer passed away on May 6, 2015. He was 87 years old.
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