The brutal attack on Colin Peter and his wife, which resulted in the eventual death of Colin Peter, was a shock to the people of Saint Lucia but more so to the staff of the National Archives. Walking along the Vigie Beach about 1:30 in the afternoon of Monday, 19th November 2012, the couple from Prince Edward Island, Canada was headed to the National Archives, Vigie to review information, collect a document and to continue a family search at the Genealogical Centre. Colin Peter has been called a “Canadian tourist” by every media house, which he is, but many people now know that Colin Peter was no ordinary tourist. He has deep roots in Saint Lucia that go back over a hundred and fifty years. Colin Peter was the great grand nephew of William Peter. The Peter in Peter and Co. The William Peter after whom the Boulevard in the heart of Castries is named. William Peter was born on 6th July 1851 in Castries and died on 13th December 1933 at his home at Dunnottar, Castries; the very building which now is the home of the Dunnottar School. During his lifetime, he was a leading merchant and entrepreneur who established Peter and Company and was a principal Coaling merchant during the heyday of the Coaling industry. William Peter was the brother of Alistair and Frank who were both born in Saint Lucia. Frank was Colin’s great grandfather. Colin Peter was in Saint Lucia to continue research into his family and was in the process of preparing a comprehensive family tree.
It is ironic that a “white man” was all that the perpetrator saw. Someone whose skin colour is erroneously associated with two concepts. Firstly, he is from overseas – a tourist – and secondly, he is wealthy. Blinded by ignorance and greed this miscreant bludgeoned Colin Peter for his possessions: his wallet, his digital camera, a bag with his documents, despite his pleas and those of his wife. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, he left his home in Canada in search of his forbears, some of whom are buried in Saint Lucia’s soil. This gentle septuagenarian, a loving, caring, family oriented soul was simply walking along the shores that his forebears before him trod where, according to him, he felt at home. He shared with the staff at the National Archives at his very first visit that he was immediately taken by the island’s charm and fell in love with Saint Lucia, enthusing over Saint Lucians – “some of the nicest people he had ever met”. Despite her loss, his wife Gwenthe echoes his sentiment. She continues to see beyond the dastardly deed that cruelly wrenched her husband from her and his family by a “bad apple”.
On Monday 26th November, 2012 the funeral service of Colin Peter was held at the Holy Anglican Trinity Church, Trinity Church Road, Castries at 7:00 o’clock in the forenoon. It was a private service attended by the immediate family, the Saint Lucia host family where Colin lived and National Archives staff. Canon Evelyn’s homily offered hope as he quoted text after text from the Holy Bible even as he decried the social misdeeds of our day such as the one committed against Colin, which he deemed, “senseless”.
On Thursday 29th November, 2012, the family flew back to Canada with the cremated ashes of their loved one. Also in their possession was a booklet, In Memoriam, prepared for them by the National Archives staff. It contains photographs of the funeral service, scenes of old Castries and relevant scenes pertaining to William Peter and his contribution to Saint Lucian life. This is the least that we could do.
The National Archives with its National Portrait Gallery and Genealogical Centre has been attracting people to the island in search of their family roots. Let us show hospitality to the visitors to our shores. A stranger’s just a friend you do not know. Colin Peter was not only a friend. He was family.
Friday 24 May, 2013
Colin Peter: More Than Just a Tourist
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A Note of Thanks
We the family of the Late COLIN PETER (Nov 20 2012) would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the St Lucian people to the Medical Staff and Government officials, especially the Police, that assisted our family while in St Lucia. A Special thank you to John and Shirley Douglas, the Canon Evelyn and Anthony Flavius who went Above and Beyond. Also the family would like to thank everyone here on PEI for their wonderful support , for the Cards ,Food, Flowers and Just for being there. We are so Blessed to have you in our lives.
THANK YOU
From
Gwen, Andrew & Paula, Jill & Pete, Robbie, the Grandchildren and our Extended Families
We share your sorry and hope that our cops start protecting our citizens and visitors with the same zeal that they use when harassing harmless visitors and guest for weed…..cocaine kills the user and his neighbors…..Lucian’s take ownership …forget the drugs and please take control of the thugs
So sad.Now for once can the St Lucian police and justice system prevail and see the perpertrator brought to justice.
My Condolences to the William Family, I am so sorry for your loss of Colin Peter did not have to die in this manner. This is not the St. Lucia I grew up and was raised in, it has surely changed. I am a St. Lucian living in Canada and I am very embarrassed. My God give you the strength to deal with such a difficult situation and may God bless you and continue to speak good things about the island. Once again, I am sorry.
I’m a bit confused, Canadian newspapers said that William was from Canada and moved to Saint Lucia whereas the National Archives noted that he was born on Island. So which is which?
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Lucia+police+arrest+local+connection+with+slaying+elderly/7611880/story.html
Son of Helen..>> PLEASE let this Public commentary site be for Heartfelt Condolences to the family of the deceased. Save your investigative “journalism” for the INBOX.. >>> Justice better be swift
The Headlines didn’t say it was a condolence page, and BTW, it’s a free world.
Stupid unevolved nigger,
taking food from me and my family!! We need tourism to survive, when news of this crazyidiots senseless action gets out there we as an island nation will shrivel & die. respect the white hand that feeds us foolish childeren.
So, you’re an evolved nigger, or just a plain racist? SMH…
I share your anger but words demand responsibility …..the guy who did this is a monster we created or allowed to evolve…..the culture of death sir Wayne warned us about when they shot and killed Paul maturing in the back….we talk talk talk and to nothin to change our attitudes …….cussin ….show off…..nor narrow minded selfishness will not fix this mess……new laws with teeth…..will….more prison space will……increase jail ect for rape..gun crimes…crimes with stones…knife …cutlass……respect for our females with laws that make men know they do not own their spouses…….real jail time for incest and underage boozing…these thin will help …calling each…
I would like to think that some comments here will be ignored, because frankly, this is not the place for it, having said that, I would like to extend sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, it is with great sadness that I want to say I am sincerely sorry for your loss, I hope everyone of you heal in time, may his soul rest in peace. Let me also say to the family that I think you are awesome, the way you understand that we are sorry and we regret deeply. I am amazed at how you handle this loss, I am hoping that you visit us again, and I do not want to dwell on the one who put you through this, but I hope he is dealt with justly.
Dear Romer
I am following things from home (PEI Canada) and I am very glad for your comment- Yes we love the Islanders- and We had a chance to heal our hearts before we left. One day we shall be back -”No Worries” Regards Andrew- Son of Colin Peter
We’re very sorry to hear about this, I’m part of the same Peter family, but in the UK. Myself and my wife went to St Lucia for our honeymoon in 2009 and went to visit William Peter Boulevard. We only just found out we were related to Colin Peter a few months ago and never had a chance to meet him.
Just goes to show- We the Peter Clan are very Proud of St. Lucia. Regards Andrew -Son of Colin Peter. ……….!
Hi, has anyone in St Lucia met Maggie, from Guelph, Canada?
A real sad story,,,,I feel the pain of the Peter family. May God be with you all in such a profoundly tragic time.