Dame Pearlette covers new directory!

LIME has dedicated the front cover of the 2011 Services Directory to honoring St Lucia’s Governor General, Her Excellency, Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy. The directory was officially unveiled on Tuesday at the LIME Blue Coral retail outlet.

Over the years the company has used the cover of the Directory to pay tribute to St Lucians who have dedicated their lives to the socioeconomic, cultural, artistic and sporting advancement of St Lucia, and helped the country gain international acclaim through their achievements. Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, Dunstan St Omer and Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson are among the national icons who have been featured on the cover. The late Dame Sessene Descartes and Augustus ‘Pan’ Andrew, two of St Lucia’s leading cultural icons were featured in 2001 and 2007 respectively.

Originally from Laborie, Dame Pearlette Louisy received her early education at the Laborie Girls Infant and Primary Schools and the St Joseph’s Convent. After completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and French at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, she obtained a Masters of Arts Degree in Linguistics from the University of Laval, in Quebec, Canada. In 1991, she attended the University of Bristol in the UK where she read for a PhD in Education.

Dame Pearlette has spent most of her professional life as an educator and has contributed outstandingly to the development of education in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. Initially she taught at the St Joseph’s Convent. From 1976-86 she served as a tutor of French, and was subsequently appointed as Principal of the St. Lucia A Level College. When the A Level College and Morne Technical School merged into the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, she first served as Dean, and was subsequently appointed as the Vice Principal and Principal of the College. She also served as a member of the Caribbean Examinations Council as Programme Coordinator.

On September 17, 1997 she was appointed Governor General of St Lucia, the first female Governor General, in the island’s history. Two years later she was awarded the Honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D) by the University of Bristol. That same year, Queen Elizabeth II conferred on her the title of Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.

LIME General Manager, Lawrence McNaughton, who delivered the feature address at the unveiling, said: “Dame Pearlette Louisy’s phenomenal achievements are a testament to the ability of Caribbean people to excel and reach the top when we seek something better and reach out for a dream – a dream that says no matter who we are, where we come from; no matter what hand life has dealt us; with hard work and discipline, and dedication, we can make it if we try.”

He added: “As Governor General, her accessibility to her people, along with her warm, caring personality and wholehearted commitment to service have helped to re-define and give new direction to the post. Moreover, her support for charities, social and sporting groups and numerous other areas of national life has been steadfast, demonstrating her abiding love for her people and her country.”

The LIME Services Directory, once again, offers comprehensive residential and business listings, along with informative ads to help users choose the most suitable places for relaxation and entertainment, or to do business. It also provides helpful updates on LIME products and services.

Copies of the 2011 Services Directory are being distributed to local businesses by Global Directories over the next two weeks, and residential customers can get their copies at LIME outlets islandwide.