Harold St. John, Barbados politician

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- Sir Harold St. John, a former prime minister of Barbados who was deeply committed to Caribbean integration, has died at age 72.

Sir Harold died Sunday night surrounded by family and friends at a Bridgetown hospital after a long battle with cancer, a government statement said. Flags were lowered to half-staff yesterday and the government announced an official period of mourning.

"With his passing an important era in Barbadian politics has come to an end," opposition leader Clyde Mascoll said.

Sir Harold is credited with advancing Barbados's political and economic development.

"He was a man of total integrity and impeccable character," said Senator Allan Fields, who described Sir Harold as a "stalwart Barbadian who gave unstintingly of his service."

Sir Harold received a law degree from London University in 1953, and later practiced in Barbados, Trinidad, and throughout the eastern Caribbean.

In 1964, he was appointed to the Senate, serving two years before being elected to Parliament. He went on to hold several Cabinet positions, including deputy prime minister, minister of trade and industry, and minister of tourism.

In 1985, Sir Harold became prime minister after the death of his predecessor, Tom Adams, only to lose the government a year later in 1986 general elections.

In 1991, his party was reelected and Sir Harold served as deputy prime minister until 1999.

He was knighted in 1994.