Edmund Wickham Lawrence
Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence | |
|---|---|
 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 | 14 February 1932 Saint Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Died | 7 September 2025 (aged 93) Saint Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Spouse(s) | Hulda, Lady Lawrence |
| Alma mater | University of London |
Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence GCMG OBE CSM JP (14 February 1932 – 7 September 2025[1]) was the third Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, serving from 2013 to 2015. He was sworn in at midnight on 1 January 2013.[2][3] Lawrence was a Methodist. He taught in elementary schools in St Kitts between 1951 and 1954. Lawrence graduated from the University of London in 1966 with a degree in Economics.[4]
Life and career
Following his graduation from the University of London, Lawrence lectured at Walbrook College in London from 1967 to 1969. He returned to St Kitts and began an illustrious career.
In 1970, Lawrence established the St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, which has grown in assets from US$75 Thousand to over US$1 Billion making it the largest local bank in the Eastern Caribbean. Lawrence also established the National Bank Trust Company (NBTC) in 1972, the National Caribbean Insurance Company (NCIC) in 1973, and the St Kitts and Nevis Mortgage and Investment Company (MICO) in 2001, together forming the National Bank Group of Companies.
He was a founding member of the Standing Committee of Chief Executives of Indigenous Commercial Banks (now termed the Caribbean Association of Banks) in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Lawrence held several high level executive positions and directorships in companies and corporations in the private and public sectors in St Kitts and Nevis and throughout the Eastern Caribbean between 1971 and 2012.
In the 1999 New Year Honours, Lawrence was appointed as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to banking and commerce.[5]
In 2009, he was awarded the National Honour as Companion of the Star of Merit (CSM).
In the 2010 New Year Honours, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Lawrence Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for his services to banking and finance.[6]
In June 2013, Queen Elizabeth II appointed him Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG).[7][8][9] He was invested with the insignia by Prince Harry in November 2016.[10]
Lawrence was actively involved in several non-profit organizations, including the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society and Rotary International.
He was married to Hulda, Lady Lawrence, and they had six children.
In May 2015, Lawrence retired from his post of Governor-General of St Kitts and Nevis.
Lawrence died at his home in St Kitts, on 7 September 2025, at the age of 93.[11]
Honours
Commonwealth
2013: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)[8]
- 2010 - 2013: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG)
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1999: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
2009: Companion of the Star of Merit (CSM)
References
- ^ "OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER GOVERNOR-GENERAL SIR EDMUND WICKHAM LAWRENCE GCMG OBE CSM JP". St. Kitts Nevis Information Service. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
- ^ Williams, Erasmus. "Another Accolade for Sir Edmund from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II". SKN Vibes. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Dixon, Loshaun. "New Governor-General promises to be loyal to Oath of Office". SKNVibes. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ Lawrence, Sir Edmund (2013). Who's Who (165th ed.). London: A&C Black. p. 1329. ISBN 978-1-408-15491-5.
- ^ Saint Christopher and Nevis list: "No. 55362". The London Gazette (9th supplement). 31 December 1998. pp. 43–44.
- ^ Saint Christopher and Nevis "No. 59291". The London Gazette (9th supplement). 30 December 2009. pp. 45–46.
- ^ "No. 60528". The London Gazette. 7 June 2013. p. 11277.
- ^ a b Lawrenzi Jr., Geno (25 December 2012). "Sir Cuthbert Steps Down, Sir Edmund Steps Up". The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ^ "Sir Edmund Lawrence Sworn in as Governor General". St. Kitts and Nevis Observer. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
- ^ "Former Governor-General receives knighthood from Prince Harry". CARICOM. 24 November 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
- ^ McLeod, Sheri-kae (7 September 2025). "St. Kitts and Nevis mourns passing of former Governor-General Sir Edmund Lawrence". CNW Network. Retrieved 9 September 2025.