BASSETERRE St.Kitts, March 29th 2011 - The People’s Action Movement joins the rest of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in morning the passing of Sir Clement Athelston Arrindell GCMG GCVO QC.
Sir Clement was a historic figure who wore the trappings of the highest office with characteristic dignity and aplomb and his passing truly marks the end of an era. As the last governor of the colony of St. Kitts and Nevis and the first Governor – General of the newly independent nation of St. Kitts and Nevis Sir Clement had a commanding view of our history and played a significant role in it.
“Sir Clement Arrindel played a significant and very historic role in the development of St.Kitts-Nevis and the birth of our Independent Nation,” said People’s Action Movement Leader Lindsay Grant.
“I am deeply saddened by his passing as gone with him is a tremendous wealth of experiences and knowledge that may have not been fully engaged and tapped into for the ultimate good of our country ,” Grant continued .
Sir Clement, who was born in Basseterre on 19th April, 1931, to Mr. George and Mrs. Hilda Arrindell, was a product of the St. Kitts Grammar School and went on to study law at Lincoln’s Inn. He was called to the Bar in 1958 and worked as a civil servant and as a barrister in private practice until his appointment as a Magistrate in 1964.
Sir Clement Arrindell was an eminent member of the legal profession. He served as a Magistrate at home in St. Kitts as well as in the British Virgin Islands before later becoming a puisne judge of the then West Indies Associated States Supreme Court in 1978. This body became the OECS Supreme Court that we are today familiar with. His tenure on the court ended with his elevation to the governor’s office in 1981 after which he gave sterling service as Governor General from 1983 until his retirement in 1996. Sir Clement Athelston Arrindell was knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1983.
The Leadership and members of the People’s Action Movement extend sincere condolences to the family of Sir Clement and to the nation at large in this time of bereavement. We are also extremely grateful for the full, productive and distinguished life led by Sir Clement which was of such immense service and benefit to his island nation. May his soul rest in eternal peace!
