Janny Williams, St. Lucia 2004 Calypso Monarch, died tragically on October 24, she was 26. Photo Provided

Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 02, 2004): St. Kitts and Nevis has expressed profound sadness on the recent passing of St. Lucia’s calypso monarch Janny Williams 26.

Williams was a member of Caribbean Vizion, a group that promotes economic cooperation while developing a relationship between education, culture and regional consciousness among West Indians. She touched the heart of many locals during a visit to St. Kitts in 2003.

A release from the Ministry of Culture extended heartfelt condolences to the family and cultural fraternity of St. Lucia. "It is difficult to describe the shock of this tragedy that has torn our hearts apart. However, it is the sweet lingering memories engendered by her bright and sunny disposition that she radiated that will serve to soften our grief ... and help us to cope with that grim heartbreaking reality," the release said.

It expressed the desire "that her strength of character and vision for young people would provide Caribbean Vizion with the voice to continue to sing with passion the song of her heart as they spread their message of hope to empower our youths."

It was a solemn atmosphere as Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, Government Officials and St.Lucians visited the Cultural Centre to pay their last respects to the late Calypso Monarch Jany Williams.

 

As family, friends and curious onlookers gathered, the shock and sadness of the moment gave way to deep grief and many versions of the question: why a young promising life had been so abruptly cut short.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We want you to take comfort in knowing that Janny has been called to a higher purpose," the message concluded.

 

 

The release was cosigned by the former Minister of Culture Hon. Jacinth Henry-Martin and the staff of the Department of Culture and the Festivals Secretariat.

 

 

Janny Williams was laid to rest on Wednesday, November 3.

 

Complete version of the statement from the Ministry of Culture:

 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF OUR BELOVED JANNY WILLIAMS

We wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the family and the cultural fraternity of St Lucia, who are bereaved at the untimely passing of Janny Williams. 

 

Family mourns over their loss.

Kurt Allen Manager of Janny Williams overcome with grief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is difficult to describe the shock of this tragedy that has torn our hearts apart. 

 

However, it is the sweet lingering memories engendered by her bright and sunny disposition that she radiated that will serve to soften our grief and help us to cope with the grim, heartbreaking reality. 

 

The fond recollections, great moments shared and the friendship fostered between us, are memories of her that we would forever cherish and treasure. 

 

To her immediate family, we want you to remember that whatever betides you, God is always beside you to comfort and console you with his infinite love and compassionate mercy.

 

It is our hope that her strength of character and vision for young people will provide Caribbean Vision with the voice to continue to sing with passion the song of her heart as they spread their message of hope to empower our youths. 

 

We want you to take comfort in knowing that Janny has been called to a higher purpose.

 

 

Lovingly and prayerfully yours

 

Former Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport, Jacinth Henry Martin and Staff of the Department of Culture and the Festivals Secretariat, St Kitts