The Writers’ Forum hosted a special edition of the Laureate’s Chair on Tuesday, in observance of the Nobel Laureate Festival.

The featured speaker for the Laureate’s Chair was Margot Thomas.

Thomas is better known as Saint Lucia’s first national archivist, but she is also a certified teacher and a published author. She encouraged the audience to understand the gravity of words and wield them with responsibility.

"Words can inspire, bring a smile to somebody’s face, or contrarily, can reduce an individual to tears or cause unhappiness or anger. One of the things we cannot take back is a spoken word."

Thomas said her writing is meant to inform and inspire.

"My approach to writing is based on the following: I write about what I know and I supplement it with research. I write about what is positive and what inspires me. I keep away from dark themes and pornography and profanity. I write about what interests me. My writing is simple, but I deal with complex themes and I love to intersperse my writing with various literary devices—I love the literary devices."

Some of Thomas’ published works include "From Slavery to Freedom – Some Aspects of the Impact of Slavery on Saint Lucia", "Pioneers and Forerunners – Saint Lucia’s First Ladies", "Paintings and Portraits – The National Portrait Gallery", and "Twin Peaks of Excellence."

Mrs. Thomas was awarded the Saint Lucia gold Medal of Merit in 2014, for work in the development of Saint Lucia's archives.