The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) paid tribute to one of Saint Lucia’s most distinguished educators and public servants on Monday, June 8, renaming its administrative building in honor of former Principal and Governor General Emerita Dame Pearlette Louisy as she celebrated her 80th birthday.
The ceremony brought together educators, government officials, students and well-wishers to celebrate a woman whose contributions to education and national development have spanned decades.
Principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Dr Madgerie Jameson-Charles, described the occasion as both a celebration and an expression of gratitude for Dame Pearlette’s lifelong service.
“On the occasion of her 80th birthday, it is with great joy to say we honor you, we celebrate you, and mercifully, we thank you,” Jameson-Charles said.
Reflecting on Dame Pearlette’s legacy, she praised her leadership and dedication to the people of Saint Lucia.
“Dame Pearlette’s story is one of courage, humility, and lifelong commitment to people. She led this nation with dignity, she led this college with vision.”
Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Dr Cletus Springer, highlighted Dame Pearlette’s transformative impact on generations of students during her tenure as an educator and principal.
“As an educator and principal of our college, Dame, you inspired generations of students to pursue excellence, embrace learning, and contribute meaningfully to society,” Springer said. “Your dedication to education helped shape our college and has left a lasting impact on countless young people whose lives were transformed under your guidance.”
Education Minister Kenson Casimir also paid tribute to Dame Pearlette, describing her as a source of inspiration whose influence extends far beyond the classroom.
“What produces an educated nation are those who inspire our young people to believe they are capable of extraordinary things,” Casimir said. “Dame Pearlette Louisy is above all else that kind of human being.”
The minister said individuals who dedicate their lives to education and nation-building deserve lasting recognition.
“Those who give their lives to the education of our people and to the development of this nation, they deserve to be remembered by the institutions they helped to build.”
In her response, Dame Pearlette Louisy reflected on her life after public office with her trademark wit and humility.
“Ten years ago, I retired as Governor General. Some people don’t know what the word retirement means,” she joked. “I said, maybe they’re spelling it R-E-T-Y-R-E, that I had just retyred. Put new grooves in my wheel.”
Dame Pearlette said she has continued to enjoy an active and fulfilling life since leaving office.
“So, it’s been rather a pleasure.”
She also expressed amusement at the many tributes delivered in her honor during the ceremony.
“Mind you, sitting out there listening to all these nice things said about myself, I mean, I tried not to let my nose go up,” she quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
The renaming of the administrative building stands as a permanent tribute to Dame Pearlette’s contributions to higher education and public service, ensuring that future generations of students will be reminded of her enduring legacy at the institution she helped shape.
A former principal of the college and Saint Lucia’s first female Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy remains one of the country’s most respected educators and national figures. Monday’s ceremony not only celebrated her 80th birthday but also recognized a lifetime dedicated to learning, leadership and service to Saint Lucia.