Recognizing the Efforts of Men in the Firm: Diana Thomas on How Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas Celebrated International Men’s Day 2024
Originally published in SF Examiner.
Leading St. Lucia law firm Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas (FDT) took a thoughtful step to honor the contributions and commitment of their male employees this International Men’s Day. The firm made a point of recognizing the efforts of men in the firm with a special presentation and by handing men in the firm flowers with a hand-written card reading “Happy International Men’s Day” — a small but powerful gesture symbolizing appreciation and unity.
A Celebration of Contribution and Commitment
Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas has long been recognized for its commitment to excellence. It is led by senior partners Brenda Floissac-Fleming, Geoffrey DuBoulay, and Diana Thomas, whose leadership continues to shape the legal landscape of St. Lucia. The firm’s recognition of International Men’s Day aligns with one of its core values: Stronger Together. The firm emphasizes inclusivity and acknowledgment of the diverse roles men play in their workplaces, families, and communities.
Diana Thomas, an esteemed lawyer and senior partner at FDT, shared: “At Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas, we believe that recognition is a cornerstone of a supportive workplace. The men in our firm contribute significantly to our firm’s success, and on International Men’s Day, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate them in a meaningful way.”
This initiative comes against a broader backdrop of global conversations around gender inclusivity. While much of the discourse on equality focuses on women’s issues, International Men’s Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge men’s contributions and the challenges they face in society.
A Symbol of Appreciation
Each male team member at FDT received a flower and a personalized card -- a small but heartfelt gesture that communicated respect, care, and acknowledgment of their roles within the organization.
Diana Thomas emphasized the importance of breaking stereotypes surrounding men’s roles in the workplace: “It’s not about token gestures but about fostering a culture where everyone feels valued. Giving flowers may seem unconventional, but it’s a simple way of expressing gratitude and showing that every team member matters.”
International Men’s Day in St. Lucia
This approach is especially relevant in St. Lucia, where initiatives to address gender norms and highlight positive male role models are gaining momentum. The 2015 International Labour Organisation’s Report on Gender At Work in the Caribbean revealed that women hold a significant number of management positions in the labor force. Men are increasingly becoming the minority in executive and leadership positions in Saint Lucia, and there is a need to highlight positive role models.
Diana Thomas observed, “At our firm, men make up only 23% of the senior staff (lawyers and managers) and 26% of the junior staff. I think these figures are reflective of the position in many workplaces in St. Lucia. I am quite concerned that our boys and young men are being left behind. Most persons under 35 who lose their lives to violence in St. Lucia are young men. But I am encouraged by the contribution our men at FDT make within the firm, within their families, and within their communities. They are models of what men and fathers should be. They serve as examples to the youth, demonstrating that there are opportunities for men to make very tangible contributions.”
Observed annually on November 19, International Men’s Day celebrates men’s contributions while addressing critical issues such as mental health, gender equality, and violence prevention. In St. Lucia, the theme for 2024, “Supporting Men to Live Free from Violence,” highlights the need for societal engagement to address challenges faced by men, from mental health to interpersonal violence.
A Balanced Future
As conversations around gender equity evolve, initiatives like this one at FDT demonstrate the need to recognize both women’s and men’s roles in achieving a more balanced and inclusive society.
Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas’s celebration of International Men’s Day is a powerful example of how small actions can have a significant impact. By recognizing their male employees, the firm highlights the importance of appreciation and inclusivity in the workplace, inspiring others in St. Lucia and beyond to take steps toward a more equitable future.
As St. Lucia continues to lead the Caribbean in championing gender equity, gestures like this remind us that everyone—regardless of gender—has a role to play in building a supportive and thriving community.
About Diana Thomas
Diana Thomas, a leading attorney in St Lucia, is a senior partner and co-head of the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Department at Floissac, DuBoulay, & Thomas. With over 20 years of legal experience across multiple practice areas, Diana has established herself as an esteemed leader, consistently ranking in Chambers and Partners for her unparalleled expertise.
About Floissac, DuBoulay & Thomas
Floissac, DuBoulay, & Thomas is a leading law firm in St. Lucia, celebrated for nearly 60 years of outstanding legal service. The firm blends expertise with a client-centric approach, offering both local legal representation and transnational support. The firm and its senior partners—Brenda Floissac Fleming, Geoffrey Du Boulay, and Diana Thomas—are consistently recognized by Chambers and Partners for their exceptional service.
