THE FEMALE ELEMENT IN SAINT LUCIA ELECTIONS 2011

THE FEMALE ELEMENT IN SAINT LUCIA ELECTIONS 2011

As someone who had been approached years ago to become a candidate but was unable to accede, I have the greatest respect for all the ladies who have offered themselves as candidates for the upcoming elections. Certainly, a record number for Elections 2011. Way to go ladies - we have a voice let us use it.
The reasons why I was unable to offer myself at the time was that my children were young and I felt that it would have been unfair to them to have to compete for my time with my constituents. Also at the time I felt that I needed to be financially independent to take on such a responsibility. As women who are inclined to be perfectionist, we can always find a hundred and one reasons/excuses why we should not respond to such a call.
So again, hats off to all the ladies who have responded to the call to serve country above self. Emma Hippolyte; Alvina Reynolds; Lilia Haracksingh; Austina Fanus; Jeanine Compton; Dr. Gail Rigobert; Nancy Charles; Veronica Guard-Weeks; Felicia Browne and Melanie Fraites.
I will continue to make my contribution to country in my chosen field, business consultancy, workshop and retreat facilitation, motivational/inspirational speaking where I will share my knowledge and skill with persons/organisations seeking my service. My new excuse for still not responding to the call is that it is now too late for me to do so. I figure time to defer to a younger generation of able leaders.
A favourite quote by Peter Marshall is apt here, “If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything”. So I have decided to add my words of endorsement to one of the candidates who I have considered a friend and colleague for a very long time. I cannot speak with regards to the other candidates as I do not have personal knowledge of them on the level that I know Emma. I am certain there are readers amongst you that can attest to the abilities and character of the impressive line up of other female candidates for Elections 2011.
I first meet Emma when we were amongst the founding members of one of Saint Lucia’s most successful professional organisations, The National Secretaries Association of Saint Lucia. At that time she was employed with the accounting firm of Peat Marwick, Michel & Co as a Secretary when through share dint of hard work and a strong desire to succeed she undertook professional studies to attain her CGA. Later as colleagues we supported and relied on each other as the only two female members on the Board of Directors of the National Commercial Bank which later became Bank of Saint Lucia, where she still serves. From my experience, If Emma has a strong conviction on anything; you can rely on her to drive home her point and to stand by what she believes in. In her capacity as a long standing member of the board of the bank she has provided meaningful and effective representation on behalf of the minority share holders that she represents. As a professional woman it took a great deal of courage on her part to have offered herself for elective politics with the full knowledge that her past private life would be open to public scrutiny. Forgiveness of self and being forgiven by others is a powerful vehicle for letting go, and moving on.
Over the years I have had reason to admire her resolve, passion for good governance and principled leadership in her roles as Director of Audit of Saint Lucia and later as Executive Director of the National Insurance Corporation. A no nonsense, decisive, analytical, yet compassionate leader. In more recent time, my opportunity to observe Emma came last year November following the passage of Hurricane Thomas when we were fellow pilgrims on a “Sacred Journey” to the Holy Land. The level of patience, care and attention she demonstrated whilst attending to a fellow pilgrim that was not very able was remarkable. Her attitude and demeanour on that pilgrimage further enhanced my opinion of her as a committed individual and dedicated friend. I should not have been surprised though, as I am also aware that she had adopted a differently able child who has shared her life for over twenty five years. Her high level of discipline in the practice of her spiritual life is unquestionable. It is for the above reasons that I add my endorsement to her candidacy as a fit and proper person to adequately represent us all. I find her able and more than capable.
I leave you with this quote by one of my favourite authors; Steve Covey from his book: The 8th Habit – From Effectiveness to Greatness.
“Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.” End of quote.
As women we can make a difference in the process of governance of our fair Helen, we have something to bring to the table, a different mindset and different tool sets – let us not waste this opportunity.
Thecla C. Deterville