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Edmund Wickham Lawrence facts for kids

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Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence
GCMG OBE CSM JP
GovEdmundLawrence.jpg
Lawrence in 2014
3rd Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis
In office
2 January 2013 – 19 May 2015
Monarch Elizabeth II
Prime Minister Denzil Douglas
Timothy Harris
Preceded by Cuthbert Sebastian
Succeeded by Tapley Seaton
Personal details
Born (1932-02-14) 14 February 1932 (age 93)
Saint Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
Spouse Lady Hulda Lawrence

Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence was an important leader in Saint Kitts and Nevis. He served as the third Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2013 to 2015. A Governor-General is like a representative of the King or Queen in a country that is part of the Commonwealth. Sir Edmund was also a successful banker and helped create one of the biggest banks in the Eastern Caribbean. He was born on February 14, 1932.

Early Life and Education

Sir Edmund was born in Saint Kitts on February 14, 1932. He started his career as a teacher. From 1951 to 1954, he taught in elementary schools in St. Kitts.

He then went to the University of London in England. In 1966, he graduated with a degree in Economics. After finishing his studies, Sir Edmund lectured at Walbrook College in London from 1967 to 1969.

Building a Banking Empire

In 1969, Sir Edmund returned to St. Kitts. He began a very successful career in banking. In 1970, he started the St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. This bank began with US$75,000 and grew to over US$1 billion in assets. Today, it is the largest local bank in the Eastern Caribbean.

Sir Edmund also created other important companies. In 1972, he established the National Bank Trust Company (NBTC). In 1973, he founded the National Caribbean Insurance Company (NCIC). Later, in 2001, he started the St. Kitts and Nevis Mortgage and Investment Company (MICO). These companies together form the National Bank Group.

He also helped create the Caribbean Association of Banks. This group connects leaders of banks across the Caribbean. Sir Edmund held many important roles in companies in St. Kitts and Nevis. He worked in both private and public businesses from 1971 to 2012.

National Honors and Awards

Sir Edmund received several special awards for his hard work and service.

  • In 1999, he was honored as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
  • In 2009, he received the National Honour as Companion of the Star of Merit (CSM).
  • In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (KCMG). This award was for his great work in banking and finance.
  • In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II gave him an even higher honor. She appointed him Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG).
  • In November 2016, Prince Harry officially presented him with the Knight Grand Cross honor.

Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis

On January 1, 2013, Sir Edmund became the third Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He served in this important role until May 19, 2015, when he retired.

Personal Life

Sir Edmund is married to Lady Hulda Lawrence. They have six children together. He is also involved in several non-profit groups. These include the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society and Rotary International.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Edmund Lawrence para niños

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