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Leton Felix Thomas was born in Vieux Fort on July 29th, 1926 to Bertrand and Josephine Thomas. He entered the Government Service in 1942 as a teacher at the Vieux Fort R.C. Boys’ School. He was transferred to the Castries R.C. Boys’ School after having taught for two years.
He had always been interested in music but when he got to Castries he learnt music in a formal setting with Mr. Chester Catlow the Musical Director of St. Lucia. He studied harmony and composition as well as piano and organ technique. However, he attests that the late Rev. Charles Jesse was actually his first music teacher and was the one who pushed him in that area. In the 1950s he was appointed Organist of the Castries Cathedral and his musical skills increased as he continued to train the Church Choirs. His musical ability and skill proved undeniable when he composed the music to the country’s National Anthem to words penned by his mentor Father Charles Jesse.
On a professional level Mr. Thomas was appointed a Teacher-Trainer in 1950. In 1955 he attended the University of London’s Institute of Education where he was awarded an Associate Diploma in Education. While in Britain he took the opportunity to pursue a course in music arrangement and composition at the London College of Music. In 1964 the Teacher’s College, Columbia University where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Education, specializing in Administration of Education.
Over the years he has been Education Officer, Inspector of Schools and Permanent Secretary - Ministry of Education, Principal - Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Apart from music and education Mr. Thomas found time to become a First Class Scout, President of the Legion of Mary and President of the College of Preceptors Guild.
In 1960 he got married to Marjorie Alexander, daughter of Mr. Pamphile Alexander a retired Head-Teacher and Mrs. Alexander. A teacher by profession, Mrs. Marjorie Thomas would also make her own distinct mark in the field of education by becoming the first female principal of the Saint Lucia Teachers’ College. In 1991, Mr. Thomas was elevated to a Knight of the Order of St. Sylvestre by His Holiness pope John Paul II.
In 1996 Mr. Thomas was bought out of retirement when he was made a Senator and Minister of Public Service Reform. Mr. Thomas went on to be Saint Lucia’s representative on the Executive Board of UNESCO.
In 2006 he was awarded the Saint Lucia Cross (Saint Lucia’s highest honour) for distinguished service to Education and Public Administration and in June 2008 was awarded a knighthood by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The University of the West Indies added to his honours by bestowing on him the Degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
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