by Winston “Fada” Lubin
Provocative, exceptional, exciting, best describes Michael “Dicky” Lubin. The man for all seasons, an advocate for all portfolios.
Born on March 27, 1943, he was the first of nine children of the famous “Telco Clan.”
Dicky was an outstanding community character. He straddled the Vieux Fort landscape like a colossus, and can also be described as the “Last of the Mohicans.”
In his early adult life, he worked as a police officer, price control officer, and a Justice of the Peace.
His exploits as a community comedian will forever be etched in the annals of Vieux Fort’s folklore archives. He was masterful at his ever-witty, expressive composure, and never was there a dull moment when he unleashed.
I recalled a moment when seeking JP services from him, where he sharply admonished me when I paid him five dollars. He looked at me straight-faced and said, “You must avoid these insinuations of sarcasm.”
There was an occasion when his attention was drawn to a beautiful lady on Clarke Street, Vieux Fort. He remarked, “What an exciting exposure of feminism, imagine in swimwear, given the opportunity, I would bathe her with mahogany.”
Dicky was a feared political rival. He campaigned tirelessly for the St. Lucia Labour Party along with his brothers Fada & Raja. When questioned by Compton of the UWP’s poor showing in Vieux Fort South, Henry Giraudy remarked, “The telco Boys again.”
Compton asked, “How can we marginalize them?
Giraudy said, “John, talk about accommodating! You are dealing with the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, and you will not have a problem denoting their identity.”
In 1987, stumping for George Odlum of the PLP, he rudely grabbed the mic from my hands and gave it to Odlum, saying, “Not on that platform.” When asked why, he simply said, “Paradoxically, he is my brother.”
Dicky was also an outstanding Vieux Fort cricketer. A bowler at a remarkably quick pace. In fact, he was “genuinely quick.” He loved his cricket and spearheaded the Vieux Fort bowling attack for almost two decades, instilling fear in many who couldn’t handle the pace.
His JP services were extensively sought. In fact, he could be described as the “Police JP,” not a moment of rest, morning, noon, or night, he was called to duty. Never failed, always readily available. I know the police will miss him.
As Dicky twilights, let’s continue to evoke memories of his past good deeds, as the zyphers continue to sing sweet melodies of his heaven’s homecoming.
Rest Peacefully, Michael.