Sir Vincent Ian Beache, one of this country’s longest serving politicians, died early Monday morning at his home at Spring Estate.

He passed after a period of illness, one week short of his 88th birthday.

A former Member of Parliament for the North Central Windward and South Windward seats, Beache also served as Opposition Leader.  He was a Minister of Government under both the St Vincent Labour Party administration of Milton Cato and the Unity Labour Party administration of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

He entered politics in 1972, and gave a lifetime of service. Although retiring from active politics just prior to the 2005 General Elections, Sir Vincent remained active in public life, serving as a close advisor to Prime Minister Gonsalves and on the boards of several Government owned companies and organizations.

He is survived by his wife Lady Vida Beache, his children, grandchildren, siblings, many other relatives and friends.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Interactive Media Limited, publishers of Searchlight, extend sincere condolences to his loved ones on his passing.