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Thursday, March 4, 2010 – The recent passing of Patricia Charles, St.
Lucian educator, development specialist and cultural activist, has prompted an
outpouring of sentiment from around the world. Former students, co-workers,
colleagues, professional associates, and representatives of the many
organizations she served across the global community have been spontaneous with
their online expressions of condolences, accolades, personal testimonies and
immense admiration for this remarkable woman who touched so many lives.
Running through these expressions are recurring themes of generosity and
selflessness, qualities which characterized her interaction across a broad
spectrum of persons in myriad circumstances. The many testimonies expressed in
emails, blogs, phone calls and text messages in the days since her passing
capture the enduring spirit of one who was concerned enough to cast her energy
into causes which would improve the human condition in profound and sustainable
ways.
These sentiments and the desire to sustain the impact of her life’s work have
prompted family, friends and associates to establish the Pat Charles Endowment
for the Arts. The fund will be launched at a special Tribute Forum at 10.00am on
Thursday March 4, 2010 at Sandals Regency. The Endowment will support training,
development and performance initiatives particularly in dance, theatre and
music. The endowment will be seeded by cash contributions from family members.
The Endowment is being championed by Adrian Augier, the 2010 Caribbean Laureate
for Arts and Letters as conferred by the ANSA Foundation. Augier is a close
family member of the departed icon and has pledged resources to the endowment
from the monetary prize accompanying his recent award. “It is a logical approach
to honouring and building upon her legacy. Mrs. Charles was relentless in
advancing the cause of the Arts in St. Lucia.
The many Institutions and organizations to which Mrs. Charles gave yeoman
service are expected to support the endowment fund as a tangible tribute to the
life and work of this outstanding St. Lucian. In recognition of the many years
of national public service given by Mrs. Charles, it has been confirmed that the
Government of St. Lucia will also contribute to the endowment.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Patricia Charles will take place at
the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Castries on Saturday March 06, 2010
at 3.30pm. Persons attending the service are asked, in lieu of wreaths and
flowers, to make donations to the Pat Charles Endowment for the Arts. A special
collection will be taken during the ceremony.
Contact: Adrian Augier at landmark Caribbean – 452 9950 or Barbara
Jacobs Small, Right Angle Imaging - 453 6002
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