The Agency for Rural Transformation Ltd.(ART) expresses its sadness on the passing of Lady Beginner, Doris Alexander. Lady Beginner pioneered women’s involvement as front line calypsonians in the calypso arena in Grenada during an era when calypso was regarded as a “man’s domain” and women’s role was constrained to doing background vocals. Her venture into front line calypso was much criticized but she not deterred. She replied to her critics in song with her calypso, “Let Them Talk”. Lady Beginner has made a significant contribution to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of their status in Grenada. With her quiet dignity, she blazed a trail that many women in the calypso arena now take for granted. The messages and content of many of her songs tell of her commitment and pre-occupation with the cause of women. In fact, her calypso, Young Women Awareness, was written especially in tribute to the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), one of the oldest organisations in Grenada dedicated to the empowerment of young women. We at ART have had the pleasure and privilege of working with Lady Beginner. We salute her contribution to nation building. Her work lives on through her music and the many women calypso artistes who have followed in her footsteps. We express our condolences to her family, friends and the calypso fraternity in Grenada. May she rest in peace! From: Agency for Rural Transformation (ART)