The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence in Dominica is grieving the profound loss of three distinguished individuals whose contributions significantly shaped the nation’s educational and cultural landscape. Education Minister Octavia Alfred formally announced these tragic deaths during a parliamentary session this week, expressing heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government.
Among the deceased is Renata Siegenthaler, a Swiss national who adopted Dominica as her homeland. Widely known as ‘Miss Renata,’ she dedicated substantial resources and unwavering effort to social, cultural, and educational initiatives. Her philanthropic work included robust support for school feeding programs across multiple institutions. A passionate advocate for cultural preservation, she held particular affection for Calypso music and local sports development. In recognition of her exceptional service, Siegenthaler was honored with the Meritorious Service Award, with her legacy continuing to positively impact countless Dominican lives.
The ministry also mourns Max Andrew, an education luminary who committed his entire professional life to academic advancement. Andrew’s multifaceted career encompassed roles as classroom teacher, school principal, lecturer at the Dominica State College, and senior planning officer within the Education Ministry. His profound influence continues to resonate through the educational structures he helped build and the countless professionals he mentored.
In a particularly poignant turn, IT specialist Cornelius Lugay passed away shortly after publicly expressing condolences for Andrew’s passing. Lugay served as an Education Management Information System (EMIS) officer and IT technician, becoming an indispensable resource for younger colleagues. Minister Alfred emotionally noted that ‘the office may never be the same without Mr. Lugay,’ highlighting his role as both technical expert and mentor. The ministry has extended prayers and support to all affected families during this period of profound loss.