On Sunday 19th April, 2015 family, friends and colleagues of Donatus Keith St. Aimee will get together at the Laborie Village Square to pay tribute to a very remarkable person. Keith, or ‘Mutch’ as he was affectionately known, died on Thursday 9th April, 2015 following a short illness. A cultural enthusiast, Keith’s passion for Saint Lucian culture will be recognised in the performances by several local artistes at this event.
Trained in Marine Biology and in International Relations, Keith served as a teacher, civil servant and diplomat with postings in Castries, Port of Spain and New York. Though he was a Caribbean man at heart, his affinity and commitment to Haiti was no secret. He was cognizant of the Caribbean’s debt to the world’s first black Republic and, as a native Creole speaker, played a big role in linking Haiti to the rest of the region. During his stint with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), he was instrumental in strengthening several Caribbean organisations and networks. These included the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee and the Global Water Partnership in the Caribbean
Undoubtedly, Keith was a successful diplomat and career civil servant. However, wherever he went and whatever he did, he never loosened his ties to the village of Laborie nor its people. His involvement in party politics did not in any way affect his close relationship with all people in the constituency. His exceptional sense of humour and infectious smile were the hallmarks of his personality. He will be fondly remembered for his knowledge of local history and as a fabulous entertainer in the tradition of African storytelling.
