BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JULY 3RD 2017 – Political Leader of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party  (SKNLP) and former Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas has paid tribute to the late Cardinal Poesy Southwell,  describing him as a “worthy ally, faithful and obedient son, forgiving and loving father.”

Poesy, son of former Chief Minister, former Premier and National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, died last Friday in the United States.

“Poesy was a stalwart who never gave up the struggle and was prepared to personally join the battle as a “soldier” if that was what was required of him to maintain St. Kitts and Nevis on the path of good governance, prosperity and progressive inclusive growth and development for one and all. And this was the position he adopted and pursued throughout his adult life, whether he was at home or abroad, and as early as the Statehood period of the Labour Administration of which his father was Deputy Premier, during the post-Independence period of the PAM Administration, during the near twenty years of the succeeding Labour Administration and the last near thirty months rule of the present Coalition government,” said Dr. Douglas in a statement on Monday.

He said that as Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition and Labour Movement,  he had the opportunity and privilege of hosting countless meetings with him and full teams of American and Asian investors in New York, Connecticut, Philadelphia, New Jersey and  at home, in the true spirit of a hard working and dedicated Developer and Ambassador looking for the right opportunities for the advancement of his country, whether it be in infrastructural, renewable energy, resort hotel or international financial services development.

“He was always ready to do battle in defence of the legacy of the Movement and at a moment’s notice he was there, either on the radio talk shows, or with the pen as his sword, or physically present as a champion for the cause at the Annual National Conference, at the street corners, at the restaurants and bars or in the privacy of the homes of his many many friends,” said Dr. Douglas.

“Today, Poesy is no more. We shall miss him. We shall always Remember him: Worthy Ally, Faithful and Obedient Son, Forgiving and Loving Father, Inspiring Sibling, Steadfast and true to the generational mandate and the legacy bequeathed to him by the ‘Giant’ of all our National Heroes, past and living, the Right Excellent Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell,” said  in tribute.

He said now that Poesy Cardinal Southwell is relieved from his earthly labours, “may his soul rest in peace eternal and rise again, at the sounding of the trumpets, to be taken in flight on the wings of angels to be permanently with the Lord.”

Dr. Douglas used the opportunity to convey to his immediate family “profound condolences, love and support during this sad moment of great loss and may they be fortified with our prayers.”