Former prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sir James Mitchell, has died aged 90, his family confirmed on Tuesday (November 23). 

Sir James passed away surrounded by family at the Port Elizabeth Hospital in Bequia, the island where he was born in May 1931. 

Mitchell, who served as prime minister between 1984 and 2000, was also Vincentian premier from 1972 to 1974, according to the New Democratic Party (NDP) founded by him.

A report from News784.com indicated that Mitchell fell ill on October 31. He was rushed from Bequia to mainland St Vincent for urgent medical care.

“Sir James was treated for an infection upon hospitalisation at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and was battling multiple medical conditions, including gallstone, kidney failure and an enlarged prostate. He was later diagnosed with dengue fever,” News784.com said.

Sir James’ medical woes worsened as the weeks progressed, leading the former leader to be flown to Barbados for advanced medical treatment on November 3.

Pneumonia was later added to the list of medical complications he was already trying to overcome.

Two weeks had passed and, on November 18, Mitchell was discharged from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital then placed on 24-hour nursing care at home. 

For its part, the NDP hailed Sir James for being a founding father to the nation, steering St Vincent towards economic stability and improving the housing stock on the archipelago.

See the NDP’s statement in full: 

“We are saddened to hear the news that the founder of the New Democratic Party, Sir James Mitchell has passed away. He was one of the founding fathers of our nation and served as the second Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines from 1984 to 2000, as well as premier to St Vincent and the Grenadines from 1972 to 1974.

During his time serving our nation, he achieved huge amounts in steering St Vincent and the Grenadines in the right direction, by providing economic stability and improving housing across our islands. The IMF once said of his economic leadership ‘there’s much to please and little to fault.’

Sir James is undoubtedly to be credited for numerous developments in our country. He was the embodiment of a true statesman and a nation builder.

Sir James was much loved by everybody that knew him and we pray for his family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”