Looking forward
Incoming lieutenant-governor eager to welcome Islanders
In 2013, Antoinette Perry sold her house in Tignish and moved into a two-bedroom apartment. On Friday, she took residence in stately Fanningbank as Prince Edward Island’s 42nd lieutenant governor.
Perry, who is single, plans to take the notable upsizing of accommodation at the Government House of P.E.I. in stride. “I’ll get used to it,’’ she said. “You know home is where the heart is. You make your life where you are. I can’t see it being a huge challenge for me.’’
Nor, it appears, does tackling the host of constitutional duties as well as attending a heavy agenda of ceremonial and community functions in the role of the Queen’s representative as provincial head of state intimidate Perry in the least.
“I feel comfortable in front of a group, that’s for sure,’’ says Perry, a retired school teacher and very active community member.
“I would consider myself a people person.’’
Perry, the first Acadian woman to hold the post, is excited with the prospect of continuing to celebrate her Acadian culture during her five-year term as lieutenant governor.
However, she is quick to note that she considers herself first a Canadian, second an Islander and third Acadian.
“It’s the Canadian flag that people see on my suitcase when I fly to Europe,’’ says the fluently bilingual Perry.
“I’m so proud to be Canadian.’’
Perry, who taught French and music at Tignish Elementary School for 32 years until her retirement in 2009, will ensure music flows through Fanningbank.
The long-time organist and church choir director at St. Simon and St. Jude Parish is looking forward to tickling the ivories of the grand piano at Government House.
“I really look forward to entertaining or welcoming a lot of performers there.’’
While she enjoys entertaining people, Perry says what she most anxiously anticipates is the LG’s frequent task of presenting awards to acknowledge the notable achievements of Islanders.
“I’m looking forward to the whole experience…and to welcome people in,’’ she says.
“I love, love, love welcoming people into my home. For me, it’s the right fit.’’
Perry was stricken in July 2009 with Bell’s palsy - a condition in which the muscles on one side of the face become weak or paralyzed. Former Prime Minister Jean Chretien suffered from an attack of Bell’s palsy in his youth, permanently leaving the left side of his face partially paralyzed.
She notes her right eye and her mouth droop when she grows tired.
Perry noted that, like Chretien during his lengthy career in public life, she feels capable of managing a busy schedule quite well.
“My level of energy is usually pretty good,’’ says Perry, who begins each day with 20 minutes of yoga and a three-kilometre walk.
Perry hopes to maintain her strong connection with Tignish, where she grew up one of nine children living above her parents’ general store called E.C. Perry’s Grocery – a store run today by her brother Tommy Perry as Eugene’s General Store. She was sworn in Friday at the Tignish Parish Centre, marking the first time the ceremonial event took place outside of the provincial capital city.