Michael Chastanet says nepotism played no part in Knighthood

Michael Chastanet with his CMG award in 2010. He had earlier been awarded the OBE in 2001.

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]r. Michael Chastanet has been awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List with the title of Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG). The award comes in recognition of his “outstanding achievements and contributions to business, commerce, tourism and national development”. This award is Mr. Chastanet’s third. In 2001 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and in 2010 Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG).

In a sit-down with the STAR this week, the 83-year-old revisited his early years in business, working to support his family, with no thoughts of the Queen and national awards. He said during our short interview that when he was first informed of the possibility of receiving a knighthood, his initial reaction was: “I’ve already been decorated, not just once but twice. At my age, and with almost everything being made into a nasty political issue, why encourage more of that by accepting the offer of a knighthood? It took some time before I agreed.”

The Order of Saint Lucia, the local awards system, was established in 1980. It consists of seven awards and includes the title of Knight Commander. So why was Michael Chastanet awarded the UK’s title of KCMG but not the version established in the time of Prime Minister Kenny Anthony? Michael Chastanet had no explanation.