22nd August 2021
PM Pierre pays tribute to Ferrel Charles alias Bam Son of the legendary, Sir Joseph Q. Charles, founder of the J.Q. Charles
By PM Pierre
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It was a sense of personal loss that I received the news of the passing of Ferrel Charles. Bam, as he was affectionately known by all and sundry, was a people’s person. Son of the legendary, Sir Joseph Q. Charles, founder of the J.Q. Charles empire, Bam was, from an early age, destined for greatness.
Well-known for his business acumen Bam was also a brilliant sportsman and had it not been for studies in Canada, he would have been the first Saint Lucian to have played test cricket for the West Indies. A fast bowler, he had impressed the selectors during a tour match and had been called up for trials. He instead opted to pursue his studies. Cricket’s loss would be commerce’s gain.
I knew Bam almost all my life. Upon my return to Saint Lucia after completing my studies, I was an employee of J.Q. Charles Ltd. Bam, being a Director, was my boss. He and his brother, Baby, would spend hours on end in conversation with the late George Odlum, oftentimes at the Crusader’s St. Louis Street offices.
That was one of the things which endeared Bam to the ordinary Saint Lucian for here was someone sufficiently well off to have socialised anywhere he wanted but instead he chose the downtrodden. I know Bam desired to see Saint Lucia develop. His long stint at the National Development Cooperation, now Invest Saint Lucia was a testimony to his social conscience.
He lived a full life and he will be dearly missed.
To his children Linda, Eva and Gordon please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of your father. To his extended family the many employees of the J. Q. Charles group, be strong knowing he left an unappareled legacy both as a businessman and a humanitarian.
Rest in peace Ferrel Bam Charles. You may be gone but your legacy lives on. On behalf of myself, the people, and the Government of Saint Lucia, please accept our sincere condolences.
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