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Politics and Nation Building
There are many individuals that have made a significant contribution to St. Lucia’s political environment and its development as a nation. However, for more than three decades, George William Johnson Odlum distinguished himself as an astute statesman and well respected representative in the regional and international diplomatic arena. His lifelong career as a political activist and representative of the people began in 1971 where he served in various capacities within the government administration of the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) with particularly responsibility for, among others, Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
 He was instrumental in ensuring St. Lucia’s membership in the United Nations and his vision and determination for a better St. Lucia resulted in diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1997; a successful relationship which resulted in a large number of developmental projects such as the Free Trade Zone, the construction of the Stadium in Vieux Fort, and many projects which had a positive impact on the people of St. Lucia.
During a somewhat challenging political career, in the 1980s George Odlum formed and led the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) which through his newspaper (the Crusader), and open-air forums advocated for real empowerment, a new political culture, and a need to mobilize for change in St. Lucia. In his fight for empowerment of the people, he represented the Farmers and Farmers Workers Association in the capacity of President and advocated for better wages and living conditions for banana workers. Additionally, he fought for other trade unions including the Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Union and the Saint Lucia Teachers’ Union at a time when he sought to challenge the United Workers Party (UWP) administration at that time.
George Odlum passed away on September 28, 2003 at the age of 69.
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