A brief review by Dr. Anderson Reynolds
Originally published by the Folk Research Center and reissued by Media 14:36, The History of the Labour Movement in St. Lucia, 1945-1974 presents Sir George FL Charles’ memoir of the history of the labor movement in St. Lucia from its inception to the transformation of labor unions to political parties, and the history of two decades of post universal suffrage St. Lucian politics.
Throughout this period, George Charles loomed large in St. Lucia’s fight for the political and economic enfranchisement of the masses. He led and guided St. Lucia from its initial formation of labor unions to the struggle for and attainment of universal suffrage and self-rule, to become the island’s first head of government (chief minister). Indeed, George Charles shares the stage with Sir John Compton and George Odlum as St. Lucia’s greatest political figures, or those who have made the greatest impression on the St. Lucian psyche.
George Charles was the hero who overcame great odds, slew giants and dragons, to capture and bring to his people the elixir of labor rights and political freedom. As such his account of this odyssey, this epic journey, is nothing less than a telling of the birth of a nation.
The History of the Labour Movement in St. Lucia is a treasure. I cannot count the number of times I have read and milk this memoir for my various writing projects. However, this personal account of our history is much more than a compilation of facts and events. It gives a glimpse of George Charles’ personality and passion for the development of his people and country. It captures the spirit, mood and excitement that prevailed among George Charles and his compatriots as they fought for the political and economic empowerment of their people.
I will venture further to say that George Charles’ memoir isn’t just a treasure but a rear gem because St. Lucian politicians have displayed such great reluctance to document their political life and accomplishments in book form that The History of the Labour Movement is one of only three memoirs by a St. Lucian political figure. The other two are Shattered Dreams: a political odyssey in post-independent St. Lucia by Peter Josie, and Enough is Enough: Compton’s Stronghold Broken at Last by Cassius Elias.
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