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 honoring 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.
