 The five educators honored for their long and exemplary service to the island's education system included Althea Ernest, Simonyo Jabatis, and Sabina Ale, who retired as principals, as well as Martha Foster Donalian and the Gabriel John St. Paul, who were once principals but retired as district education officers. Fellow educators, government officials, and other invited guests joined in the celebration in thanking and recognizing the five women for their contribution to the classroom and to education in general at various levels. President of the National Principals Association Valry St. Helen Henry told retirees that their service rendered through the years is valued and that their hard work and dedication to the education system will not end with retirement since they will continue to remain active members of the NPA. NPA St. Lucia wishes the retirees good health during this new chapter. Good luck in their new endeavors and great success in new projects as you retire. You will always be remembered for your accomplishment and contributions at your respective schools and districts. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to this profession and to our country. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Honorable Dr. Pauline Antoine Prosper expressed the ministry's gratitude for the service rendered by the retirees and the impact their contribution has had on the education sector. Dr. Prosper, who is a retired principal and district education officer, encouraged retirees to allow the amazing memories garnered through the years to surpass the pitfalls and difficulties experienced along the way. You have indeed positively impacted the lives of thousands of our youth, notwithstanding the myriad of challenges along the way. Tonight, we celebrate your achievements and express our profound appreciation for your long, dedicated service, your commitment, and your great strength and courage during those years in the education system. Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer, Jeannette George, while extending the appreciation of the school and instruction management section of the ministry lamented the exit of many teachers from the profession, not just in St. Lucia but across the globe. Globally, statistics show that 44% of teachers leave the profession within the first five years, but these people on average spend more than 30 years in the profession. Can you imagine the wealth of knowledge, good practices, advice, and stories these retirees could bestow on us? Collectively, the five retirees have contributed a total of 193 years of service from the classroom as teachers to the management of schools and instruction on the island. From the communications unit of the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training, I am Chris Satney, reporting.