PM speaks fondly of Marie Davis-Pierre

The late Marie Davis-Pierre as house speaker. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lennox Honychurch
The late Marie Davis-Pierre as house speaker. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lennox Honychurch

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has revealed that he will miss her guidance of the late speaker of the house, Marie Davis-Pierre.

According to the prime minister, described Davis Pierre as an astute woman who despite her small stature was a firm leader.

“I had the occasion since becoming Prime Minister to speak with her from time to time to provide guidance and offer encouragement because she too knew of the challenges of running a country like Dominica,” he said. “So I certainly will miss those calls from Mrs. Pierre. I continue to pray for her soul and her family and may her soul rest in peace.”

Davis-Pierre was the first woman to be elected as speaker of the house.

She passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the age of 96.

Davis-Pierre was born March 12th 1918 to Pauline Charles Davis and William Lionel Davis – both of Point Mitchel.

She was laid to rest on Wednesday, June 4.

 

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10 Comments

  1. I am Dominica
    June 10, 2014

    Did the UWP extend any condolence on behalf of Marie Davis Pierre a former speaker of the house.

  2. Simply the Truth
    June 7, 2014

    This is an excellent, truthful and moving eulogy and tribute in remembrance of your dear aunt, coming from one who knew her better and personally than others outside of the family. She deserved every tribute and honor accorded her.
    The passing of loved ones is never easy to bear knowing in life we will never see them again, never see them smile, never hear them talk and laugh.
    The consolation is, of one who loved the Lord and served him in this life, through family, friends, coworkers and associates, we are confident that they have been rewarded by Him.
    Once again, to you and your family, please accept my sympathy. As others who have predeceased us, your dear aunt will be remembered in my prayers.
    I ensured that, last Sunday she was remembered at all the Sunday Holy Masses during the prayers of the faithful departed at the parish church I attend.
    In November, life, health and strength permitting, I will write her name in the Book of Life. I made a list of those whom I know who departed from December 2013 to the present, for now.
    This is customary annually when the Catholic Church specifically remembers the departed Holy Souls. Of course they are remembered daily at every Holy Mass celebrated throughout the world.
    You have faith, trust and hope in God and the strength which comes from him that all is well with your loved one who is now resting in the Lord.
    Those who served the Church and died in the Lord are alive. On the last day they will rise to show God’s glory and his promise for those who believed in Him and who served him in this life.
    As long as we live, we will continue to pray: “Eternal rest grant, unto her (unto them) O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her (them), may her soul (their souls) rest in God’s glory and peace. Amen!
    Our Lord said, “Those who believe in Me ,who eat my flesh and drink my blood (figurately), I will raise them up on the last day.” Your loved one, Marie is at peace.
    You have faith, trust and hope in God and the strength which comes from him that all is well with your loved one who is now resting in the Lord. God bless you and your family.

  3. ME
    June 6, 2014

    rest in peace madame…..was a good lady….good example

  4. Anonymous
    June 6, 2014

    Why don’t I believe this?????????

  5. Ras
    June 6, 2014

    our speaker now should take example from her

  6. Ambrose B, NY
    June 5, 2014

    Hon PM are you really serious, what guidance would you miss? I am sure the guidance she gave you to pass on to the current Speaker you sure did not pass it on because this current speaker is considered to be the most vulgar…………..speaker ever to seat in the seat of the parliament speaker, she is not of the likes of those who have gone before her, maybe if you pass on the guidance of Marie Davis Pierre we might see a slight change

  7. Simply the Truth
    June 5, 2014

    Thank you DNO for posting this beautiful picture of her which also portrays her as a serene person. It gave especially those who did not know her and never saw her an idea of who she really was and what she looked like. This is in addition to her perfect work profile. Today, an employee of her stature and with her credentials could command an income of approximately $100,000 a year, if not more.
    She was also an elegant lady. Note should be taken of her attire as the blouse she wore in this picture. She was modestly and impeccably dressed, befitting the position which she held.
    Some women, especially the younger ones do not dress in this manner. Their skirts are too short and too tight. The style of blouse they wear leaves much to be desired. They could learn a lesson in dressing becomingly for the work force especially in the office as also the government offices. The women, office workers especially those who were employed in the government offices in those days wore business-like skirts and blouses They had their personal, unique work uniform.
    I was impressed of her perfect work ethics. In this computer age, I cannot remember hearing or reading about someone with such qualifications and performance. Doubtless to state she loved and enjoyed her work and performed her duties to perfection.
    PM, the thought crossed my mind, could you consider giving this consideration of naming a street, avenue or whatever would be appropriate in her name? A lady as her should never be forgotten. It would be a kind gesture in her memory.

  8. Sterlingcontribution
    June 5, 2014

    RIP Marie Davis-Pierre. You are from a different era, where values and standards mattered. Thanks for your contribution to Dominica.

  9. Nephew
    June 5, 2014

    Eulogy for Marie Davis Pierre
    by her nephew on behalf of the family.

    Today we say goodbye to the third child of Pauline Charles and William Davis. Joined together in a beautiful June 1911 wedding – from their union they had two boys and three girls. The middle child, Marie Davis Pierre grew into the matriarch of our immediate and extended family. She was compassionate and a fierce guiding standard for us – which she liberally extended to all – while she would not waiver from her principles – she had an open, young mind – accepting of fresh ideas.

    Marie loved music & dance – she was a singer and a pianist, a writer and an actor, a public servant and an impartial leader. She performed, participated, and directed many plays – with her siblings and friends she also sang in choirs with her melodious voice. She wrote two books published in 1975 on parliamentary procedure as well as countless articles in various publications. I remember many times walking up the steps of her home to her octave operatic voice belting the tune of Ave Maria … she would then gently smile at my eleven year old confuse look … close the piano and state – let us start our lesson.

    Our dear aunt Marie was a disciplined public servant whom served mankind but at home she was a private loving family person. This Davis brood were all her children – she was our after school teacher, at times our lay preacher, our substitute parent, and with faith, persistence and benevolent shrewdness led us to much success. Our lives were all shaped by the arc of her life.

    After serving as Clerk of the House of Assembly as a civil servant she became the first female to have been appointed Speaker of the Dominica House of Assembly. She served with distinction as Speaker from August 1980 to December 1988. She was appointed to that position by her first cousin – the daughter of Pauline Charles’s brother JB Charles – – – Dame Mary Eugenia Charles in 1980 when she became Dominica’s first female prime minister at the helm of a Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) administration. Marie open the way for other women in our country and throughout member states of the commonwealth parliamentary association. She worked the House with integrity, fairness and with a humorous – but firm hand. The politicians on both sides of the isle may have disagreed – but she would not have mind – after all they were mischievous kids in one of her plays. She would have said no to the member – but with a smile and a wink he/she would sit thinking he/she got his/her way.

    Looking back on Mrs. Davis Pierre’s life one would realized she lived a phenomenal one. She had many talents; the most outstanding was her singing and dancing. Many can recall her musicals, concerts and solo performances. She had a beautiful voice which she used to enhance the services of the Roman Catholic Cathedral. She was very prominent in her musical production The Stars of the Fifties. Mrs. Davis Pierre steadfastly and with great talent wrote, directed and choreographed all the groups’ shows: many people looked forward to these shows as they were like a fresh breeze so different from the shows that were being performed at the time

    Her death is the next phase of her journey – so we are here to celebrate our aunt’s life and we will smile though our hearts are aching – her imperfections made her perfect in many ways – we will remember her dry humor & with practicality fused with her pessimistic look even while her optimism came through – – – we will live her legacy – as we were instilled to do – our Aunt Marie’s sprit of resilience, faith and good humor – kept her steadfast in the many challenges’ and successes she encountered in life.

    While we cannot know God’s plan for us – we know our Marie has joined the choir of the heavenly angels. May God Bless Marie Davis Pierre, and may she rest in eternal peace.

  10. Doc Love
    June 5, 2014

    Those praises are just political talk coming from Skerrit. Are you telling me, you had the guidance of such a wonderful lady, and you allowed the fiasco that has been in the Parliament for ten years . Please allow the lady’s soul to rest in peace.

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