Late Charles James remembered as ‘an iconic figure’

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has described the late, former Governor General’s Deputy, Charles Cornelius James as “ an iconic figure in our community.”

Charles who also served in Parliament as a nominated Member from 1974-1978 and Senator from 1979-1984, died on February 2, at the age of 88.

He was accorded an official funeral and was buried at the San Souci cemetery after a funeral service at the New Life Ministries at North Union on Saturday March, 16, 2024.

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves was one of the many persons paying tribute to James at his funeral last Saturday.

The Prime Minister recalled that while James came from humble beginnings, “he had a bearing of royal distinction about him”.

Apart from serving this country as a politician, James also worked as a police officer, teacher, and farmer.

In the words of the Prime Minister, James possessed a “burning sense of Caribbean and Vincentian nationalism.”

Although receiving appointment to the position of acting Governor General’s Deputy, James remained a humble man, and Dr Gonsalves said he was always full of a quiet certainty.

In the general elections of 1979, James and Dr Gonsalves were rivals for the North Central Windward seat.

At that time, James contested for the People’s Political Party (PPP), but in 1994, he became a foundation member of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP).

On May 9, 2011, James was sworn in as acting Governor General’s Deputy, to serve in the absence of then Governor General, the late Sir Frederick Ballantyne and his deputy, Dame Monica Dacon, who were both out of state at the time.

Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday was also attended the funeral service paid a brief tribute to the deceased politician.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) leader expressed appreciation for James’s contribution and sacrifice to the development of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, also paid tribute to James.

Before the funeral service and burial, an official viewing of the body took place at the temporary Parliament Building at Glen from 9.00 to 11.00 a.m.

Flags in the state were flown at half staff as a mark of respect for the late Parliamentarian.