James Fitz-Allen Mitchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Fitz-Allen Mitchell
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Mitchell in 1986
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| 2nd Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | |
| In office 30 July 1984 – 27 October 2000 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Sir Sydney Gun-Munro Sir Joseph Lambert Eustace Sir David Emmanuel Jack Charles Antrobus |
| Preceded by | Milton Cato |
| Succeeded by | Arnhim Eustace |
| 2nd Premier of Saint Vincent | |
| In office 14 April 1972 – 8 December 1974 |
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| Governor | Rupert Godfrey John |
| Preceded by | Milton Cato |
| Succeeded by | Milton Cato |
| Leader of the New Democratic Party | |
| In office 3 December 1975 – 27 October 2000 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Arnhim Eustace |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1984–1998 |
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| Prime Minister | himself |
| Preceded by | Milton Cato |
| Succeeded by | Arnhim Eustace |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 May 1931 Bequia, Saint Vincent, British Windward Islands (now Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) |
| Died | 23 November 2021 (aged 90) Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Political party | New Democratic Party (from 1975) |
| Other political affiliations |
Saint Vincent Labour Party (until 1972) |
| Spouse |
Patricia Mae
(m. 1965) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater |
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Sir James Fitz-Allen Mitchell (born May 15, 1931 – died November 23, 2021) was an important politician from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He served as the second Prime Minister of the country from 1984 to 2000. Before that, he was the second Premier of Saint Vincent from 1972 to 1974. He also started a political group called the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1975 and led it until 2000.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Mitchell was born on May 15, 1931, in Bequia, a small island that is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He was the oldest of four children. Sadly, his father was lost at sea when James was young. His mother later moved to Saint Lucia, and James and his siblings were raised by their grandmother.
James went to St. Vincent Grammar School. After that, he studied at the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago for three years. In 1954, he went to the University of British Columbia in Canada. He earned a degree in agriculture, focusing on plant science.
After finishing his studies, Mitchell worked as an agricultural researcher for the government in Saint Vincent and Saint Lucia. He then moved to London, England, where he worked in a government ministry. In 1965, he married Patricia Mae, and they had three daughters.
Starting His Political Journey
James Mitchell first entered politics in 1966. He won a seat in the legislature as a member of the Saint Vincent Labour Party. From 1967 to 1972, he served as the Minister of Agriculture.
In 1972, Mitchell left the Labour Party and was re-elected as an Independent politician. With support from the People's Political Party (PPP), he became the Premier of Saint Vincent. He held this position from 1972 to 1974.
After the PPP stopped supporting him, Mitchell and some former PPP ministers formed a new group. They later created the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1975.
Leading Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The NDP, led by Mitchell, became the main opposition party in Parliament. In 1984, the NDP won the elections, and James Mitchell became the Prime Minister. He also served as the Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs.
He was re-elected four times, serving as Prime Minister until 2000. In 1998, his party won a close election, securing an eighth term.
Mitchell stepped down as Prime Minister and NDP President in 2000. However, he continued to serve as a Senior Minister until 2001. He was also the foreign minister from 1984 to 1992. He became a member of the Privy Council in 1985. He also chaired the OECS Authority in 1988, 1995, and 1996.
His Ideas for the Caribbean
Sir James Mitchell believed in strong cooperation among Caribbean countries. He thought that countries like Saint Vincent and the Grenadines should work more closely together. In 1987, he said that Caribbean nations should have "one flag, one anthem and freedom of movement of people, services and capital." This showed his vision for a more united Caribbean.
Helping Agriculture Grow
As someone with a background in agriculture, Mitchell cared deeply about farming. While he was Prime Minister, he helped start the Caribbean Agricultural Regional Development Institute (CARDI). This organization helps improve farming practices in the Caribbean.
He often spoke about the importance of agriculture for the region. He believed that farming must succeed to support the economy and people's lives. He encouraged farmers to grow different types of crops and supported land redistribution to help increase food production. He also wrote books and articles about farming and Caribbean society. His autobiography, Beyond the Islands, was published in 2006.
His Final Years and Legacy
Sir James Mitchell passed away on November 23, 2021, at the age of 90, in Bequia. He had been ill for some time. He was the last living politician who had served when Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained independence in 1979.
The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines declared three days of national mourning to honor him. Flags were flown at half-mast. Leaders from across the Caribbean, including the CARICOM, shared their tributes and memories of his work. Sir Kennedy Simmonds, a former Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, remembered their efforts to unite the Caribbean.
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