THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed sadness at the news of the death of Singapore’s founding father and first Prime Minister Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.The ninety-one-year-old former Prime Minister, who led his country for 31 years before stepping down, died on Monday.
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a message of condolence to the People and Government of Singapore, noted the global reputation that Mr. Lee earned as a visionary and a strategic thinker.  The former Prime Minister, through a unique mix of principles, transformed an under-developed Singapore into one of the wealthiest, best managed, most modern, socially cohesive and least corrupt states in the world, the message stated.

In the process, he earned a global reputation as a visionary and a strategic thinker.

CARICOM said the achievements of Singapore serve as a model for economic development particularly for Small Island Developing States.

The achievements of Singapore serve as a model for economic development particularly for Small Island Developing States. Its experience will continue to be an inspiration to leaders everywhere and stands as a legacy of Mr. Lee’s leadership.

“On behalf of the Caribbean Community and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the People and Government of Singapore and to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew at this time of mourning,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.