On Tuesday May 5th, the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) learned that Sir Dunstan St. Omer had passed away at his home in Union at 11:25 p.m., surrounded by family. The Foundation is deeply saddened by his passing as we are gravely aware that our nation has lost a man who was a giant; mentor to many, his impact on Saint Lucia and the world attests to this symbolically.
Dunstan St. Omer, the pioneer, came out of an era where colonialism was dominating the masses. Saint Lucians however had become cognizant of the Pan Caribbean movement for Black Consciousness. In the island itself, the Saint Lucia Forum had begun conducting ‘groundings’. People were becoming more conscious of themselves. Dunstan felt that he had matured into acceptance of his black Saint Lucian-ness and was ready to help others along. It is with this kind of self – confidence and awareness that the artist approached the mural of the Holy Family for the church at Jacmel – the first of six murals that are around the island. His murals testify that God and the black person are one. 
In recent times, Saint Lucia has said goodbye to John Phulchere – Artist and Sculptor, Petronella Deterville – choral director and youth mentor, Catherine ‘Catty’ Osman – traditional potter, Joseph Harris ‘Gisson’ Richard – masquerader, Clifton ‘Doudou’ Joseph – folk drummer, Frank Norville – folk musician, mentor and photographer, and Dunstan St. Omer – visual artist and educator. It is without doubt true to say that Saint Lucia is losing many of a generation that have been instrumental in shaping our cultural expressions, rebuilding interest in our traditions and guiding the youth to celebrate life through arts.
It is in this light that on Sunday May 3rd, the CDF sounded off the first of its Cultural Icon Series, under the Distinguished Patronage of Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, a project designed to create legacy and pay tribute to cultural greats whose histories, stories, experiences and work inspire future generations to achieve greatness as proud Saint Lucians. The Cadet Concert honoured gifted Saint Lucian composer Hon. Charles Cadet.
We at the CDF are dedicated to celebrating Dunstan St. Omer, whose art resonates in the hearts and minds of Saint Lucians and Caribbean people the world over. To this end, plans are in the making to memorialize a man whose life spoke to his love for family and country, a man whose works are without a doubt revolutionary, a man whose grandeur was beyond compare. This celebration will incorporate the general arts community with particular focus on the visual arts at a date and time to be announced.