The Government of Dominica has declared that an official state funeral will be held in honour of Thomas P. Etienne, a former parliamentarian and Minister of Agriculture who served under the Edward Oliver LeBlanc administration between 1970 and 1975. Etienne’s legacy as a committed public servant and agriculture advocate will be formally recognised at the service, set for Friday, July 19, 2025, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.
As part of the tribute, flags will be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral and the preceding day, Thursday, July 18. The state’s observance reflects his contributions to Dominica’s political and agricultural development during a critical period of nation-building.
Etienne’s tenure in government coincided with a wave of institutional reforms and rural development initiatives championed by Premier LeBlanc’s Labour government. As Minister of Agriculture, Etienne was known for his grounded approach to rural engagement and his efforts to stabilize agricultural livelihoods during the early 1970s, particularly as the island navigated new trade realities and regional integration efforts.
The announcement of the funeral was made by the Office of the Prime Minister. Further details regarding the order of service, tributes, and the involvement of state and community figures are expected to be released in the coming days.
This state funeral marks a moment of reflection on the early generations of Dominican political leadership, those who laid the foundation for policies that continue to shape the country’s social and economic direction.
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