Dr. Paul Ricketts passes away

Dr. Ricketts was appointed National Epidemiologist in 2001

A former National Epidemiologist in Dominica, Dr. Paul Ricketts, has died.

A family member confirmed to DNO that Dr. Ricketts, who has been ailing for some time, passed away earlier this afternoon.

The holder of an MBBS from the University of the West Indies and an MSc and DLSHTM from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Dr. Ricketts was employed as a medical officer in Dominica since 1986 and became the National Epidemiologist in Dominica in 2001.

In February 2016, the Government of Dominica engaged Dr. Ricketts as Special Advisor on Health and Ambassador-at-Large.

He was the husband of Consultant Opthalmologist, Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts.

 

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36 Comments

  1. Danziger
    September 25, 2017

    May the good lord strengthen the family. Rest in peace Doc, Dr Hazel be of good courage.

  2. anonymous2
    September 19, 2017

    I am so sorry to hear that Dr. Ricketts has passed on. He will be greatly missed, especially by all whose lives he touched and saved. What a loss. I extend condolences best wishes at this time to his family.

  3. Prisca Ettienne
    September 18, 2017

    May the soul of doctor Ricketts rest in Perfect Peace. I remember you being the doctor at the Portsmouth Hospital. I had a small growth which you were concerned about. You removed it and sent the tissue to be tested for cancer. Thank God it was normal and thanks to you for going the extra mile.
    That saying bodes true ‘Good Guys Always Finish Last” Don’t worry, you lost the race down here but a great reward awaits you up there.
    My deepest condolences go out to your entire family.

    MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE.

  4. GMVL
    September 18, 2017

    Rest peacefully…will never forget you!

  5. Very Well
    September 18, 2017

    No more suffering my Doc. Rest in sweet peace. I’ll miss you, and always keep your advice near. Continue to hold strong Ricketts family. I know you guys have been through a lot recently. But remember God will never give you more than you can handle.

  6. Hugh Lowe
    September 18, 2017

    Doctor Paul Ricketts was an exemplary man;one anyone could emulate in regards to his ambitions, work ethics and commitment to a better world through his medical career. He will be sadly missed

  7. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 17, 2017

    Dr. Paul Ricketts passes on.
    Some people do not like the word “away”.
    Therefore, when we say “passes-on”, we mean passed on to eternity; not away.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 17, 2017

      And that is his soul.

  8. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 17, 2017

    Condolence to his wife, Hazel and family.
    May your hearts be comforted by the fond memories you have of him and by the love that he left inside your hearts.
    May Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God, Our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen you during your time of grief.
    Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
    May his soul rest in peace. Amen!

  9. sweett
    September 17, 2017

    my deepest sympathy to the entire family. especially to peter an anthony an the rest mrs ricketts

  10. hertbert Sabaroche
    September 17, 2017

    Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts and family, the health fraternity, and friends, please accept my deepest sympathy. Dr. Paul Ricketts emerged as my trusted friend and personal doctor. I must proclaim that Dr. Ricketts served with distinction as a committed medical professional and excelled as a National Epidemiologist in Dominica from 2001 and as a passionate and highly recognized consultant throughout the Caribbean region and by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington. Dr. Ricketts, through his leadership capability, passionate and sacrificial contributions and presentations championed the continuous development and harmonization of a technological and evidence-based health information system in Dominica. That PAHO approved system influenced and enhanced the collection of data from all health facilities for analysis and to inform critical decisions beneficial to the health of our people. Dr. Ricketts, you have departed, but your good deeds will remain with us. RIP.

  11. Grayson Stedman.
    September 17, 2017

    My condolences to Dr Hazel Shillingford and family. Dr Ricketts was my doctor for many years until he had to gave up his practice. he was a very dedicated doctor and always have the best interest of his patients. He will certainly be missed by his peers, his many patients and the general public. He was not only a doctor, but a family person and careering for persons to the public.

  12. Bill
    September 17, 2017

    I got to know Dr. Paul Ricketts and Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts in 1986 when I taught at the then Marigot Foundation High School. They were stationed at the Marigot Hospital. This man was a good man. His passing will be a great loss to Dominica’s health and medical services. May he rest in peace.

    To Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts please continue to be strong in these trying times… God never gives more than we can bear. In this time of bereavement and sorrow remember GOD in all you do and he will carry you through. May God continue to bless and protect you and shower you with his continued love and care.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this time of mourning

  13. Just Thinking
    September 17, 2017

    Dominica has lost a very good Doctor. I worked with Dr Ricketts in Roseau and Portsmouth Health Districts and he was an exemplary and professional Physician. My condolences to Dr Shillingford and children

  14. Tell it like it is
    September 17, 2017

    oooooh, this is shocking indeed. My deepst sympathy to Dr Shillingford and the boys ond ofcz Jessica… they were all my students. Hold strong!

  15. Christine CASSELL-Parillon
    September 17, 2017

    My family join me in extending Condolences to Hazel and family on the passing of Dr Rickets. May the Lord grant you peace during this difficult time.

  16. Christine CASSELL-Parillon
    September 17, 2017

    My family join me in extending condolences to Hazel and family on the passing of Dr Rickets. May the Lord grant you peace during this difficult time

  17. Be Good
    September 17, 2017

    may he RIP JAH BLESS

  18. September 17, 2017

    Paul, you have sadly left us all too soon. You were a wonderful husband to my sister, a devoted father to your 4 children and a trustworthy friend. I always felt somewhat in awe of your devotion and fidelity to Hazel and the kids . You were a very righteous and straight-up man.
    You were so conscientious regarding your vocation as a doctor who would always go that extra mile to ensure that your patients received the best of you. A case in point involved my hospitalization at PMH in 2009. My hands and feet had mysteriously swelled up and had developed scales like a snake. The attending Cuban doctors could not determine the cause of these emanations. You took it upon yourself to research the medication that was being administered to me only to find that 2 of the medications I was being given should never be combined for an individual. Once this was addressed, my condition was normalized. God knows what would have become of me if you and Hazel had not intervened. much Thx

    Peace…

    • anonymous2
      September 19, 2017

      You are very lucky indeed that he intervened and stopped the misuse of medications. This seems to be a common problem at this hospital.

  19. DR Clayton Shillingford
    September 17, 2017

    My condolences to Hazel and her immediate family..

  20. D/CAN in BKLYN
    September 17, 2017

    Sincer condolences to family and friends, RIP

    • MILITANT DOMINICAN
      September 18, 2017

      learn @ spell smmfh

  21. Eric Neilson
    September 16, 2017

    Dr. Ricketts was my teacher, mentor and a dear friend. The lives he touched through his work as a doctor for the Commonwealth of Dominica and as a professor to thousands of students at Ross University cannot be underestimated.
    With deepest condolences and great appreciation,
    Eric Neilson, MD
    Ross University School of Medicine

  22. Sandra Cotton
    September 16, 2017

    Deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Paul Ricketts – May they continue to put their trust in GOD ALMIGHTY.

  23. duck1951
    September 16, 2017

    RIP !
    Good man .

  24. God is my leader
    September 16, 2017

    Rest in peace, Dr Ricketts

  25. Alix pierre
    September 16, 2017

    Rip, Dr Ricketts, you were a good Doctor,

  26. Point of Order
    September 16, 2017

    So sad to hear this. A dedicated gentleman who gave yoeman’s service to his adopted home. Condolences to Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts and family. Stand strong Dr. Hazel in the face of the challenges that you have faced this year. Our thoughts are with you.

  27. monnnela
    September 16, 2017

    he will be missed so much. i sympathised with the family.

  28. James Ryner
    September 16, 2017

    Dr. Ricketts was an inspiration to me and twas a blessing to provide it/av support to you during your tenure as proffesor at Ross University. I also remember how instrumental you were in getting many blood donors which indeed contributed in saving my Mom’s life whilst she was ill at PMH. May your soul redt in perfect peace and may your family find comfort in knowing that ye who dies in christ is just asleep.

  29. Mother
    September 16, 2017

    So, so sorry to hear this. I knew he was seriously ill but still it is a shock to learn that he is no longer with us. Wishing the family strength in their bereavement. May he rest in peace.

  30. Ulric Lestrade
    September 16, 2017

    My condolences to Hazel and family.

  31. Octavia Alfred
    September 16, 2017

    Sincere sympathy to the Ricketts Family. I will ever be grateful to you. When everyone else had given up on my husband, Dr. Ricketts continued to research what could be wrong. Sometimes we want to question God but He is in control. Some things are better left to God…. even when it hurts so so much.

  32. hmm
    September 16, 2017

    My condolences to the family. He was such a gentle person.

  33. Leegoaway
    September 16, 2017

    Rest in Peace Doc.You did your work here on earth,was very satisfied with your diagnosis.To the family deepest condolences.

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