Within two generations of Dominicans, there are possibly several hundred who know Pearle Christian simply as “Aunty Pearle.” In Dominica, as in many Caribbean cultures, addressing a non-related woman as “aunty” is a sign of honor and respect and signifies a close and special relationship. In our community, “aunties” help “raise” the children; they look out for them, they educate in formal and informal ways, and they give unfiltered feedback meant to help guide and foster growth (they will tell you exactly what’s on their minds, and the conversation goes better if you just say: “yes ma’am!”). Pearle Christian defined the Caribbean aunty for many of us who were fortunate enough to benefit from her tutelage.
I first met Aunty Pearle in my early teens as a student at what was then St. Joseph Secondary School, today the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School. A few months before the school’s graduation, our school’s choir, which was created by the newish principal, Athlene Douglas-Murdock, was starting to practice for the ceremony, and Ms. Christian, an officer in the Cultural Division, was introduced to us.
She would teach the song that we would present at our 5th-former’s graduation. My first impression was of this beautiful woman, graceful and full of disciplined energy. She had an infectious smile and a melodious voice – her talking voice was just as beautiful as her singing voice. She got right down to business; she had very high standards, but her feedback was never meant to discourage. In fact, it was constructive, delivered in a way that motivated, and made you want to do and be better. Almost 30 years later, some of the words of the song that Ms. Christian had penned herself and taught our young choir still play in my head:
Now finally your high school days are at an end
You’ll leave the shelter of this family today
We bid you farewell and hope that you’ll find happiness along the way
Be sure to make good use of all that you’ve been taught
Bear in mind the words of wisdom you have got
When despair comes knocking at your door Just answer it with faith and courage very near
You’ll open up to find there’s no one there…
Your alma mater St Joseph Secondary School Demands high standards of you
So when you write upon life’s wall Markings read by one and all To your alma mater be true.
And this, in essence, is the power of Pearle Christian. She takes you under her wings and leaves an imprint, a mark that stays and keeps bearing fruit. Her impact is transformational.
A few years later, I would join the famed Sixth Form Sisserou Singers (SFSS) on the encouragement of my friend Irene Corriette. Irene first met Aunty Pearle when she served as the director of the Convent Prep choir. Irene shared that many of the original members, students from the Clifton Dupigny Community College including the two primary founders, Lucy Hamlet and Portia Meade, had created the choir to fulfill their desire to engage in organized singing but needed guidance. They turned to Pearle Christian, the Dominican maestro. Many of the students had previously worked with Ms. Christian through the Convent High School choir.
When Irene first told me about the Sisserou Singers, she had already increased her responsibilities in the group and would eventually become one of the presidents. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined, but I would soon confirm what I had already discerned from my interactions with Pearle Christian while in High School: she is a force of nature, the quintessential artist – a writer, a choreographer, a musician, and an amazing storyteller.
While I left Dominica for college in the US a couple of years after joining the Sisserou Singers, my experience in the group under Pearle Christian’s leadership strengthened skills I was already developing as a young adult – organization, creativity, grit, commitment, excellence, and confidence. Pearle Christian led the group with a firm hand that delivered amazing results. She had an incredible sense of humor, and this was reflected in the songs that she wrote and in the execution of the community plays that we would put on. Rehearsals were grueling, but fun and each session a tremendous learning experience.
may God continue to bless her.
Ma Christian is truly legendary. Words can not express the depth of gratitude we as her student feel for all she has done. Needs a damehood !!!
I read the article with tears in my eyes … why? Because I recognize, acknowledge and agree with absolutely everything that was penned, but more so because I am lucky enough to be able to able to call Pearle ‘my sister by another Mother’. Pearle is the quietest genius I know..!! Unassuming but with a strong presence…
Pearle plays the flute but does not blow her trumpet…
Pearle is like that movie ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (just the name not the story…) Pearle manages to be everything to everyone without losing any time in between… AND still manages to look like the teenager she once was!!!! A couple years ago! How? Because when you’re beautiful inside, it radiates out.!!! My mom always said so and it’s true…. Pearle, enjoy all the accolades… you are deserving of it and soooo much more…!!! We ❤️ you..!!!
A heartfelt “thank you” Ms. Joseph. This was a wonderful tribute to a great Dominican who has shown civic duty of the highest order in mentoring our young in music. It is our hope to see more music and art education in our schools. Aunty Pearle has inspired us all, as did her beloved parents HL & Muriel Christian and Uncle LM Christian of the Christian Musical Class. Well done! Well deserved!
Everything stated of Pearle is very true. She is also an accommodative and peaceful individual and she treats everyone with a
high level of respect. Raise your hat one level higher my sister.
Aunty Pearle is simply an absolutely beautiful human. She is a great example of what it means to live life with purpose. She has borne and continues to bear good fruits, fruits that will last. May she be blessed all the rest of her days! Thank you, Aunty P!!!❤️🌹
Thanks to the author of, and contributors to this article. Well done!
I was privileged to work with Pearle Christian for some years. Those were beautiful encounters and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing how she managed her tasks. The reverence she commanded from her students has been truly breath taking. I commend her accession to the recognition of Caribbean hero’
Ken Robinson
Pearle undoubtedly ranks among the foremost of creative minds in the Caribbean.
Almost forty years ago, from her corner desk at the Old Mill, she was the one that encouraged me to pursue my work on the theme of Dominica.
Aunty Pearle is truly a Caribbean hero and a beautiful example of musical excellence and passion for music education!
(Also, DNO Admin, Le Blanc is spelt incorrectly in the caption for the last photo. It would be nice to have it corrected, if possible.)
Well deserved thanks for writing and recognizing Pearle.
I read the article with tears in my eyes… why? Because I recognize, acknowledge and agree with absolutely everything that was penned, but more so because I am lucky enough to be able to able to call Pearle ‘my sister by another Mother’. Pearle is the quietest genius I know…!! Unassuming but with a strong presence… Pearle plays the flute but does not blow her trumpet… Pearle is like that movie ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (just the name not the story…) Pearle manages to be everything to everyone without losing any time in between… AND still manages to look like the teenager she once was!!!! A couple years ago! How? Because when you’re beautiful inside, it radiates out.!!! My mom always said so and it’s true…. Pearle, enjoy all the accolades… you are deserving of it and soooo much more…!!! We ❤️ you…!!!
A wonderful tribute to a Caribbean hero, who continues to teach, serve and motivate our upcoming children. Sharing her musical gifts, with joy and grace, Pearle is indeed a Nature Island treasure. Dominica salutes you.
What a beautiful tribute to Aunty Perle. We should appreciate what we gave and give flowers to those whom we cherish whole they are alive.