Saint Lucia is mourning the loss of businessman, public servant and civic leader Evaristus Jn Marie, whose decades of service across the public and private sectors have been remembered as a legacy of balanced leadership, integrity and commitment to national development.
Jn Marie passed away on Friday, July 31, at the age of 67.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, friends and public officials, reflecting on his contributions to business, governance and public service. A former independent senator and Deputy President of the Senate, Jn Marie also served as a director of the Saint Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), Chairman of the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and the National Insurance Property Development and Management Company Limited (NIPRO), and most recently as a member of the Constitutional Review Commission.
Among those paying tribute was Speaker of the House of Assembly Claudius Francis, Jn Marie’s cousin and former schoolmate at St. Mary’s College.
Reflecting on Jn Marie’s contribution to the Constitutional Review Commission, Francis described him as a thoughtful and measured voice during discussions on complex constitutional matters.
“Because there were some aspects of the Constitution that had some moralistic aspects, and Everest was a very balanced person,” Francis said.
He recalled that while some members strongly advocated particular positions, Jn Marie consistently approached issues with reason and objectivity.
“You know, where some of us were pushing for certain things, Everest would take a more rational view, and eventually it would come around to seeing his way of things.”
“So he was very, very instrumental.”
Francis also highlighted Jn Marie’s leadership at the National Insurance Corporation, particularly his role in one of the organization’s most significant recent decisions.
“It was under his stewardship that pensioners’ pensions were increased,” he said.
According to Francis, while Government may propose increases in pension benefits, the support of the NIC Board is essential before such measures can be implemented.
“So it’s one thing for the Minister of Finance to want to increase the pensions. If the chairperson and the board of NIC says, ‘Well, it’s not a feasible thing, at the moment,’ it won’t happen.”
“And Everest was part of the decision making insofar as pensioners’ increase in the pensions is concerned.”
Earlier this week, the National Insurance Corporation also paid tribute to its late chairman, describing him as a proud Saint Lucian, accomplished businessman and dedicated public servant who recognized the institution’s importance in the lives of citizens.
The corporation noted that Jn Marie had served on various boards and committees within the NIC Group of Companies since February 2021 and praised his calm demeanor, fairness and commitment to sound governance.
His passing marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned public administration, business leadership, constitutional reform and social development, leaving behind a legacy that many say will continue to influence Saint Lucia for years to come.