George Odlum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George William Odlum (1934 - 2003) was a politician and newspaper proprietor from Saint Lucia. He had degrees from the Universities of Oxford and Bristol. While attending the latter he served as president of the university's student union (University of Bristol Union). He was a member of the Saint Lucia Labour Party and served as foreign minister of Saint Lucia from 1979 until 1981 and from 1997 until 2001. He was also Saint Lucia's Ambassador to the United Nations from 1994-97 (?)

Odlum, who owned and edited a socialist newspaper called The Crusader for many years until his death, was one of the most vocal socialist politicians in Saint Lucia and in the Caribbean. He was a friend of Maurice Bishop, Fidel Castro and Moammar Gadhafi. He often criticized leaders of his own party such as Allan Louisy and Kenny Anthony for not supporting the masses enough. He was fired from his position as foreign minister both times for such comments. Odlum fought for higher wages for agricultural workers, particularly during the 1970s. Among his achievements was the establishment of relations between Saint Lucia and China. He was also one of "four musketeers" of the region. The name given to a left-wing group which, apart from Odlum, included Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Rosie Douglas and Tim Hector.

Known as "Brother George" to his supporters, Odlum died in September 2003 of pancreatic cancer. He was survived by three daughters, three sons, an adopted daughter and several brothers and sisters.

The debating chamber of the University of Bristol Union student council has been renamed the George Odlum Room in the memory of "Brother George".