TRIBUTES FLOW FOLLOWING DEATH OF PROMINENT LAWYER ‘WILKIE’ LARCHER

LOOP

The Bar Association of Saint Lucia is mourning the passing of one of the most respected attorneys across the region, Oswald Wilkinson Larcher.

The prominent attorney was one of two individuals who passed away on November 10th, 2020, as a result of COVID-19.

Bar Association President Renee St Rose has described the loss as devastating to the fraternity.

“Wilkie was a caring and affable man who was loved by us all at the Bar and we cannot begin to imagine our fraternity without his warmth and love and laughter,” St Rose said.

“He had this uncanny ability to calm and bring a smile to the face of everyone around him, even in the most contentious moments in the court or mediation room, which is why he was indeed a favourite of mediators.”

‘Wilkie’, as he was affectionately known, is said to have had absolute regard and love for the legal profession, to have always chosen to see the good side of everyone, and was always determined to resolve every matter and issue he was involved in.

“We are devastated by this loss and will miss him ever so dearly. Rest in peace, our dear friend and colleague. We will love you and will think of you forever,” St Rose said.

The Bar Association extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Celeste and sons Aberra and Akim and extended family.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Assembly St. Lucia, Andy Daniel and Deputy Leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party Dr Ernest Hilaire have reacted to the loss.

“He was an advisor to me when I first joined the Bar Association as well as when I became a magistrate,” Daniel recalled. “Whenever he appeared before me he would not have left the courtroom without imparting some knowledge to me. He will be dearly missed by all.”

Larcher was also a sports administrator having been involved in football both on a constituency and national level.

“He has had a long distinguished record as a sports administrator,” Dr Ernest Hiliare told Loop News.

The prominent sportsman and attorney at one point contested the Castries North seat on an SLP ticket.

“He was a longstanding member of the SLP and was an advisor in our party, certainly we are going to miss his counsel, miss his advice. He had reason many times to call me over the last four years to offer advice and suggestions and to discuss the political situation in this country.

He was an exceedingly humble man, a person who was quiet, very cool in his approach but very thoughtful and knowledgeable,” Hilaire said.