In Memory of Sir Leton F. Thomas

Sir Leton's Legacy

Sir Leton Thomas served as the first principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, from 1987 to 1995. His tenure was preceded by nearly 50 years of distinguished public service, during which he fulfilled roles as an educator and teacher trainer, school inspector, civil servant, and most notably as Chief Education Officer and Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The hallmarks of Sir Leton's principalship include the establishment of the College's Vieux Fort campus, the procurement of scholarships for aspiring teachers, and the delivery of programmes tailored specifically to adult and lifelong learners.

Sir Leton's influence is also acknowledged through his transformational leadership of Saint Lucia's educational sector. He presided over the steady expansion of secondary schools across the island, enriching our education system in the process.

He pioneered the adoption of innovative teaching practices, alongside his wife, Lady Marjorie Thomas. who served as the first female principal for the Saint Lucia Teacher's College from 1975 to 1982. She passed away at the age of 92 on March 22, 2018.

Sir Leton Thomas is considered a model citizen and devout patriot, whose love for Saint Lucia will inspire our people for generations to come.

Tributes to Sir Leton More About Sir Leton

Tributes to Sir Leton

Beverly Josie

Miss Beverly Josie, former registrar of SALCC, speaks positively of Leton's vision, dedication and warm personality, and he played a leading role in the early flourishing of The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

Dame Pearlette Louisy

A past principal of The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Her Excellency recounts Sir Leton's influence on SALCC during its early years of operation, detailing his fostering of a passionate work ethic, and contributions to The College's status as a leading educational institution.

Tributes From SALCC

"Sir Leton drew on his rich and varied experience to set the foundational policies, procedures, and regulations that continue to support our College in its organizational structure and expansion of teacher teaching and academic programmes.

We pray that the good Lord will grant his soul peaceful and eternal rest and that perpetual light will shine upon him."

— Cletus Springer, Chair of SALCC

"Sir Leton's indelible contribution to the college cannot be ignored. I remember in 1995 when Kendall Hippolyte decided to lead a contingent from SALCC to Carifesta.

He had no idea how we would raise the funds required, but Mr. Thomas confidently remarked that he would get the funds from somewhere; he insisted that we concentrate on perfecting our craft and leave the financial worries to him.

That year we hit it out of the park in Trinidad. We had no choice but to perform. His blatant support for the Arts made a major difference. I never forgot that feeling.

By all accounts Mr. Thomas was a noble and humble icon. Heartfelt condolences and prayers extended to his family; May his soul rest in perpetual peace."

Alexandra Serieux-
Prospere

Condolences to Sir Leton's blood relatives, as well as his SALCC family who remember him.

I share the sentiments of my colleagues in recognizing his contribution and sharing his legacy.

May his soul rest in peace.

Dolores Menald

May he rest in peace. Sir Leton was a great principal; I met him when I first started working at the College.

Even after retiring, he continued to support our students through his generous graduation prizes, awarded each year to the top CAPE student.

He will be remembered.

Debora Dolor

Condolences to the family and friends of Sir Leton Thomas. What a purposeful life he lived, contributing to both education and the arts!

Our National Anthem stands head and shoulders over many, and his impact on our education system will be felt for generations to come.

May he rest in peace.

Milissa Emmanuel

Funeral Service

The funeral service for Sir Leton Felix Thomas can be viewed below.

In Loving Memory of Sir Leton
Felix Thomas