OECS Secretariat recognizes the work of Dominica’s late National Epidemiologist Dr Paul Ricketts

​The OECS Secretariat has recognized the work of the late Dr Paul Ricketts, who served as Dominica’s National Epidemiologist for over 16 years. He passed away on September 16, 2017. He was recognized during a meeting of the OECS Council of Health Ministers in Martinique last week. An award was presented to Health Minister, Dr Kenneth Darroux, on the behalf of his family.
 
At a ceremony on Monday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Davis Letang, said Dr Ricketts was recognized for his “sterling contribution to health” and his work in Dominica and the wider region.
 
He further stated that “Dr Rickett’s work transcended not just the Dominica, the OECS, and the region, but his work was recognized internationally by PAHO, and a number of other health organizations,”.
 
He added, “I recall at his farewell service, that the honorable Minister of Health indicated that our ‘thank you’ to Dr Ricketts has to be how well we live his dream to ensure that we had a fully integrated health information system for Dominica”.
 
Dr. Ricketts’ wife, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts said, her husband was “very passionate about developing a sustainable information system for health, not only for Dominica, but for the Caribbean and the Americas”.
 
Dr Shillingford-Rickets added that the award also recognizes the staff of the Health Information Unit, who were of great assistance to Dr Ricketts.
 
She said, “We know his vision will transcend time, and inspire new generations to further what he started”.