chartered a boat and traveled to Guadeloupe to buy disease-resistant plants to rejuvenate banana industry. At various times, she served as director for the Agricultural Credit Fund, the Banana Growers’ Association, the Coconut Growers’ Association, the Copra Manufacturers’ Association and the Sugar Manufacturers’ Association. In 1948, a disastrous fire wiped out the heart of the capital causing widespread destruction of businesses and property, leaving many homeless and without means of support. Augustin brought displaced carpenters to her estate to teach furniture making to the men in the local community, providing employment and creating an industry for many. In 1951, she was nominated to serve on the Legislative Council, becoming the first woman to serve in the legislature. Augustin made one of the largest contributions from individuals from St. Lucia to support the Princess Alice Appeal for the College of the West Indies in 1955. She was reappointed to serve on the Legislative Council in 1957 and that same year was honored as an officer of the Order of the British Empire, for her public services. In its time, Augustin's estate was one of the most iconic on the island and had a wide reputation. Local artists, like Sesenne, Dunstan St. Omer and Derek Walcott benefited from her patronage and were frequent guests. Augustin owned an establishment known as "The Hotel" on the road from Micoud to Castries and employed performers to entertain the guests. Her principal entertainer was Sesenne, for whom she also made introductions to other venues. Death and legacy Augustin died on 30 March 1996. Her story has been included in at least two collections of notable St. Lucian women: Blaze a Fire: Significant Contributions of Caribbean Women (1988) by Nesha Z. Haniff and Women in Caribbean Politics (2011) by Cynthia Barrow-Giles. References Citations Bibliography and External links Sons and Daughters of St. Lucia video presentation of her bio 1897 births 1996 deaths Members of the Parliament of Saint Lucia 20th-century Saint Lucian women politicians People from Micoud Quarter Officers of the Order of the British Empire Saint Lucian businesspeople 20th-century businesspeople