Government expresses sympathy passing of Saint Lucian icon Pat Charles

Friday, February 26, 2010 – It is with deep sadness that the Government of Saint Lucia notes the passing of Mrs. Patricia Ellen Charles yesterday evening, February 24^th, 2010. Throughout the fifty one (51) years during which she lived in Saint Lucia, her adopted home, Pat as she was popularly referred to contributed to and made her mark on the arts, education, cultural and environmental landscape of our nation. Pat through her long dedicated and selfless service came to be recognized as an institution in her own right.

Pat Charles was characterized and stood out over the years and for indepth and clear thoughts and ideas, which made her a valuable resource for many movements, agencies and organizations from the CBO, NGO and Governmental sectors at both the national and regional levels. Her portfolio of service include work with the St. Joseph’s Convent as a tutor of English and History; a thirteen year stint as Resident Tutor with the Extra Mural Department of the University of the West Indies; serving as General Secretary of the Creative Arts Society for seven years; as Chairperson and members of the M&C Fine Arts Fine Arts Awards Council for a period of twenty five (25) years; founder of the Caribbean Research Centre, which later expanded to become the National Research and Development Foundation; contribution to heritage tourism and environmental development as Executive Director and Governing Council member of the Saint Lucia National Trust and the Caribbean Natural Resource Institute respectively; her significant work in the field of cultural development through her association with the Folk Research Centre; founding member of the Jubilee Trust Fund and first Chairperson of the Cultural Development Foundation. Her later contributions included key support and organizational work which helped to nurture development of the Rodney Height Aquatic Centre.

Pat Charles’ contribution and dedicated service has no doubt impacted on the lives of many Saint Lucians and Caribbean nationals particularly those who have an interest in the spirit of humanity and the qualitative and sustainable existence of Saint Lucian and Caribbean people and development institutions.

Government extends its profound sympathies and gratitude to the family and friends of the late Patricia Charles at this moment of grief and for sharing with and allowing us all to benefit from the tremendous resource and institution that she undoubtedly was.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [Site Help]

Read our privacy guidelines.