It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of former Ambassador Dr. Joseph Edsel Edmunds, OBE, a distinguished son of Saint Lucia, who served our nation with dedication and honor as Ambassador to Washington from 1984 to 1997.
Ambassador Edmunds was not only a revered diplomat but also an eminent agricultural scientist whose contributions to science and research have left an indelible mark on our country and the broader Caribbean region. His numerous awards, including the Office of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for International Service, and the honor of having a nematode, Longidorus edmunsi, named after him, are testaments to his exceptional contributions to nematology and agriculture.
He was rightly cited as a Pioneer in the Conservation Movement in Saint Lucia and recognized as a Caribbean Icon in Science, Research, and Innovation. His legacy is one of profound impact and lasting inspiration.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Edmunds. His passing is a great loss to our nation, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
