Thomas Etienne

In Loving Memory of Thomas Etienne
December 15, 1930 – June 12, 2025

Obituary

It is with deep respect and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Etienne, former Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries, Trade, and Natural Resources of Dominica under the E.O LeBlanc administration, educator, and farmer. Born in LaRoche, Delices on December 15, 1930, Thomas passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering service, visionary leadership, and profound compassion.

Thomas was the beloved husband of Helen Etienne, former Principal of Delices Primary School, and a devoted father. He had ten children: Carol, Joan, June, Sylma, Doreen, Dorian, Brentnol, Michael, Bevin, and Gladstone.

A man of great intellect and purpose, Thomas began his education at the Delices Government School in Belvedere, later attending the Dominica Grammar School and Woolwich Polytechnic in London. His academic journey also took him to the United States, Trinidad, and Canada, where he pursued advanced studies in trade union education, marketing, and environmental studies.
Thomas began his professional life as a teacher at the Laplaine and Delices Government Schools before migrating to England. There, he served as an Electrical Inspector with Standard Telephone and Cables of London. He also became a respected trade unionist, advocating for labor education.

Returning to Dominica, Thomas became a pioneering agriculturist, cultivating diverse crops and livestock while championing sustainable and regenerative farming practices. He was a founding member of the Delices Farmers’ Cooperative Society, which acquired the Belvedere Estate from the Catholic Church—paving the way for land ownership among local farmers.

As Minister of Agriculture, he was instrumental in acquiring and redistributing lands from the Melville Hall, Castle Bruce, Newfoundland, and Point Mulatre Estates to landless farmers, transforming rural livelihoods across the island.

His leadership extended regionally as a founding member of Caribbean Agri Peasant and Agricultural Workers Association (CAPAWA) in Barbados and the Interisland Association of Farmers – OECS in St. Lucia. He also served as General Manager of the Dominica Essential Oils Cooperative, founded the Southeastern District Plantain Association (SEDPA), and managed the Caribbean Farmers Development Cooperation in the 1990s.

Thomas held numerous leadership roles, including board member of DEXIA, member of the National Pork Producer Corporation, and Justice of Peace. He was the first Chairman and a founding member of the United Workers Party (UWP), later serving as a senator and trusted advisor to the party.

A tireless advocate for his community, Thomas supported the Delices fisherfolk with boats and equipment and offered wise counsel to countless individuals and families. His life was a testament to empowerment, faith, humility, and service.

Former Prime of Dominica Minister Edison James offered this tribute:
“Thomas Etienne was one of the 'top drawer' human beings I've known... His humanity, empathy, and commitment to serve were unmatched. His counseling was profound, his smile reassuring, and his advice invaluable. I am glad that I knew Tom. I would have been the poorer had it been otherwise, and I will surely miss him. His family, his community, and his country will be the poorer for his absence. Walk well, my friend, and rest in eternal peace.”

Former President of Dominica Eliud T. Williams, DAH, FCMI offered this tribute:

“The late Thomas P. Etienne was Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources. He was a board member, officer and manager of the Dominica Essential Oils and Spices Cooperative Limited. As Minister of Agriculture, he initiated weekly shipments of agricultural produce to St. Thomas and St. Croix through the then Dominica Agricultural Marketing Board. As Minister, he developed and articulated a clear vision for the agriculture sector and the potential contribution of the sector to the Dominican economy. He was also a farmer and devoted father. To ensure that his children had a strong educational foundation, he built a dwelling house in Elmshall even while maintaining a weekly presence in his beloved home village of Delices. Thomas Etienne was articulate, smart, a strategic thinker and unafraid to face challenges that came his way, particularly those that could negatively impact the Bay Oil Industry or people’s livelihood. Thomas Etienne was a mentor and generous in offering advice on business or personal matters to colleagues and friends. I will remember him as a policy maker, cooperative societies manager and friend who always carried a broad smile, reflecting an inner calm and happiness. The policy papers for the establishment of the External Trade Bureau (the precursor of DEXIA) were developed under his leadership. Rest well my friend now that your earthly mission has been accomplished.”

Thomas Etienne’s legacy lives on in the land he nurtured, the people he uplifted, and the nation he helped shape. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Gallery

Memory wall

Donate