Her Excellency, Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy, has expressed gratitude to Saint Lucians for a successful 20-year tenure as the country’s governor general.

Recently, preceding her departure, Dame Pearlette delivered an address that appealed for a revival of patriotism.

“It has been indeed both a privilege and a pleasant duty to have served you and my country in this capacity,” she said. “As I leave office I thank everyone most sincerely for the many ways in which you have enriched both my personal and professional life, for your generous and endearing support, for your gracious encouragement, and for the tremendous good will you have shown me. Your joys have been my joys, your pain, my pain. I hope I have served you well. I ask only therefore that you too care for our fair Helen—for its sustainability, its peace, its prosperity, for the resurgence of its spirit of community, and for a re-awakening of our own love for her.”

The now former governor general also addressed the youth, within whose grasp lies the future of the country.

“To the young people of our country for whom I have an especial affection, I place Saint Lucia and its future in your capable hands. I know that many of you were not even born when I assumed office and so I am the only Governor General you know. In fact, some of our young ladies are convinced that only women can hold that office, and I can think of no better accolade. It has indeed been the most singular honour of my life, and I will forever hold the most cherished memories of this incredible journey.”

HE Dame Pearlette officially demitted office on Dec. 31, 2017, and was succeeded by Emmanuel Neville Cenac on Jan. 1, 2018. Mr. Cenac will take the oath of office on Friday, Jan. 12.

View the full text of her speech via the attached PDF, or point your web browser to http://www.govt.lc/news/he-dame-pearlette-demits-office