Investigations are still ongoing into the cause of death of the late Dr. Francesca Jacobs –Director of the Prime Health Care Unit within the Ministry of Health.
Jacobs passed away this morning.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Griffin Benjamin said he was unable at this time to provide a public statement on the subject as the reports are still being compiled.
He did however indicate that such might be possible within 24 hours.
Dr. Jacobs is suspected to have died from dengue related illnesses. She was not on active duty at the time of her death.
She was admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital last week.
Dr. Jacobs, who was appointed to the position of director in March of 2009, was responsible for the provision of health services to the entire population through a network of 52 health centres and two district hospitals located across the country.
She coordinated services of medical care, home visiting, family planning, maternity services, and child health including immunization, nutrition, health education, school health, mental health and dental care.
Staff members describe their late colleague as “a very quiet person. Everyone liked her around.”
@elizabeth xavier: Reading comments on a website is not the same as reading a book. I don’t read long submissions on the internet unless I am doing research into a topic. I go for the short and pithy. (I have read many books in my lifetime and am writing one now.)
@elizabeth xavier: AMEN sister! LIFE is CERTAIN, DEATH is SURE. Persons just live their lives how dey wish and FORGET there is a GOD and LORD.
The only time some of them REMEMBER His here is in disasters.
U should hear them when a little earth TREMOR happen earlier this week.
I admire most if not all of the comments, but i wonder how many times Dr. Jacobs was told that she was doing a good job and we love what u do.
Its sad but its time we learn to give each other our FLOWERS while we are alive.
my condolences to all the family. there’s a time for everything under the heaven A TIME TO LAUGH AND A TIME TO MOURN. tears are a language dont let anyone tell u any different. There is no medication for grief. to all the family members if you feel like screaming, groaning, wailing, crying, or remaining silent do it the way u feel.
how do i know dat. by losing my sister 6 yrs ago and listen to the nonsense persons say when thinking dat they were comforting me. God gives and GOd takes why are you all crying and getting on like dat. One day wee all must go.
i took comfort in those who just sat with me and say nothing, those who part my back and just stood with me, and dose who even did what God said in His words. “mourn with those who mourn”
coming to someone’s home who just lost a love one and say “hold strong, accept my sympathy, dont cry she gone already etc. is the most heart wrenching thing anyone can say if they have not experienced death of a love.
so to all those who meaninfully want to mourn for our beloved doctor, please if you cant say something encouraging keep YOUR MOUTHS ZIP. just hug a family member and shedding a tear or two is even more encouranginl
MAY OUR GOD LORD STRENGHTEN AND KEEP EVERYONE>
To smh: I write to pass on my understanding and knowledge of Life and our existence in this world to those who are lesser advanced, but are wise enough to desire to achieve further advancement for themselves. I write to comment on the article I have read for two reasons: To contribute to the theme of the article, and to agree or disagree with a few other commentators of that article.
I am interested in sharing with those who have words of wisdom and knowledge. And when I notice those expressions, I let those people know about it. That is the way we encourage each other to live like decent human beings in Love.
Obviously you are not one of those people. But go back and look at your own level of literacy in your comment to me. Two and a half lines with a cluster of words including single/doubled alphabets; no capitalization where necessary, no sense of grammar, poor spelling, and absolutely no punctuation. Here is an example: “but lady u dont have a job or anything to do at ur home” no one has time to read all ah dat sheesh”
Correction: “But lady, do you not have a job, or anything to do at your home?” “No one has the time to read all of that shit” Compare yours and mine of your own thoughts, and tell me which one is better written.
I used to be a teacher in Dominica, and I spent four years in College, here in Toronto. Writing was one of my specialties in college, because of the vocation I was after. So I give you a failing mark for the writing of your comment to me. But even a grade twelve student would also fail you.
If you have no time to read one page, it means that you have never read a book. You do not want to learn to read, and yet, you write like a fool. I guarantee that I would not understand a thing you were saying to me face to face, because I am sure that you speak just the way you write.
If you ever wonder why the other islands are criticizing our nature of intelligence, and our literacy in Dominica, again, I suggest that you take a look at the level of your writing and listen to yourself, to hear the way you speak, and you will have an idea why.
I have the greatest job a person will ever have in this world. I allow God, in Jesus Christ to work through me.
It is difficult and almost impossible for a human being to comprehend the wisdom of God. That is why you are unable to deal with my ability of writing, which God uses to work through me. But then, you are simply existing as a human being. Empty, without wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. What a waste of Life!
rip
Dr.Jacob was a very serious lady when it comes to her work.she was my doctor when i was pregnant with my last child about six years ago.she would give me courage n good advice to go through the 9 months.she was sweet.The LORD giveth n he taketh away.R.I.P
@elizabeth xavier: but lady u dont have a job or anything to do at ur home every single article u writing a page no one has time to read all ah dat sheesh just say something short and to the point OMG get a grip
May her sweet soul rest in peace. Sissi was a great person, loving, soft hearted, caring….. The Lord gives and he taketh away….
Anonymous, and the rest of us, please realize that death has already died. That is what happened when the grave of Jesus was found wide open, by the women who went to visit it, early on that morning, which is known as the morning of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Before He died and was buried, Jesus told unbelieving Martha, the sister of dead Lazarus, “I am the resurrection and the Life. Anyone who believes in me, may never die, but even if he/she dies, I will raise him/her on the resurrection day”.
I do not know anything about Dr. Francesca Jacobs, but I am glad to read that some of you who knew her, knows that she was in church. This could suggest that she died with an awakened soul, quickened by the Spirit of Love in Jesus Christ. That is the Life we all need to have.
Hence Dr. Jacobs has simply passed away in the mortal body, and her soul has gone to sleep, to wait for the day Jesus will raise her to live with a glorious body. For Dr, Jacobs. mortality has been swallowed by Life, and she will rise again to live that Life in the presence of Almighty God, forever and ever. “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?”
1st. Corinthians 15: 55
Those of you, who are members of her family, relatives, and close friends, it now your responsibility to continue to live Life in the Spirit on her behalf. Someone said: “The soul that lives in the heart of a loved one never dies”. That is what Jesus meant when He told the Jewish leaders, “God is not the God of the dead, He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all those who knows God and His Love in the Person of Jesus Christ are alive in His heart.
In other words, God remembers His people, whether they are in the grave, or whether they are still existing in their mortal bodies–the body that can die. The dead, that Jesus talks about are those who refuse to allow God to take control of their lives. Those people are spiritually dead, imprisoned by their carnal state of mind, whether they now exist or has passed away. God does not claim those people to be His own, for He is not the God of the dead.
Remember, my people, that Life is in Jesus Christ, because of His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. And it is your choice. You must accept this Life now, while you have the privilege; because, should your days on earth come to an end today, you will rise again to live in Eternity. But not in the presence of God Almighty. For you never chose to belong to Him, hence He never kept you in His Heart. But at that time it will too late to make that choice. Salvation is now, while you still exist in your mortal body.
I was priviledge to ahve worked with Dr. .Jacob though for very short while. She made it possibe for PACIS to have collaborated with Minsitry of health or a disability survey. It was sad news and even more sad that the key perosn who worked with us have passed away. I am happy that i did tell her how much we appreciate the assistance of the PHCU . This is somehting that a as a nation we take for granted we fail to show appreciation to one another when theya re with us and when they are gone we shower all this love on them. let this be our attitude from now own. show someone how much we appreicate them and care for them.
I pray the strength of God will sustain the staff at at the ministry of health, especailly those at the health centre. Nurse lewis and the crew, I know it is a painfull moment for you all , but remember God’s grace is sufficient to keep and his strength is made perfect in all your weakness. she served with excellence , now honor her\ memory and continue to serve with excellence
@therealstory: I DO AGREE WITH YOU. THE FAMILY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO GRIEVE IN PEACE. WHO KNOWS WHAT’S THE REAL CASE OF DEATH?
LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS STOP JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS. THAT IS WHY THERE ARE MEDICAL EXAMINERS, THEIR JOB IS TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH. NOT AMATEURS
LIKE SOME OF YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE.
DOMINICANS!! DOMINICANS!! HOW LONG WHEN WILL YOU EVER LEARN?
i am thinking about c.c i dont know if thats the same person.i know her since i was a liitle girl ,but just not sure if i am right.may her soul rest in peace
@sad:
To us she was just Cee Cee, humble and quiet, was very deligent and worked hard to accomplish what she did, only to return to make us one of the proudest villages in the Island, and yes we were very proud especialy when she decided not only to work hard for herself and family but inevitably for the entire country. I am pleased i had the opportunity to say how proud i was of her for being one of those country girls who said tes we can. Tanty, Verna, Mr.Audney, Husband, Babies and the rest of the family you’ve lost a great sister, daughter, mother and friend, we lost Cee Cee, he that dweleth in the sacred place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty, for God WILL comfort you, he did it for me as you so encouraged during my moment and he surely will do the same for you, He is the unfailing God, never leaves you nor forsakes you.
OH MY GOD ! ! My day was shattered by this piece of sad news. Cant beleive Dr Jacob has changed address – ( that is what happens when God’s children die)
I will surely miss this Doctor/ Pharmacist relationship we enjoyed.
There is HOPE- even in Death , BUT one of those blessed days DEATH itself will DIE ! !
PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD ! !
@Anonymous: Oh Yes ! ! ! Your comment brings tears to my heart and eyes-
i already miss you doc
you were the one who help me get the land i own today in jimmit and now has my home
you were a blessing to sooooo many
we all miss you
we are there to give suppoert to your family
A little lady with a big heart..i remember you in that meeting with the nurses..u fought for us to have a voice…i am deeply saddened….i truely will always remember u…
I was so sadden by the new of doctor Jacob’s death this morning; she was my friend. I also had the opportunity to work with her while as a district medical officer. She was such a nice person and I will miss her alot. I heard she was at the hospital, and I did not get the chance to visit her. May her soul rest in peace. I know that her family, especially her children will miss her. I know that the lord will give them strength in this time of grief.
one day death itself will die!
my condoleences to her children especially…. she has two young daughters and an older son….. u guys b strong and kno that god is always gonna be with you…
I’m so saddened by the news of Doctor Jacob’s death.Although I have not seen her in many years, we were from the same community and went to Primary and High school together.I’m happy though for her life’s accomplishments.To her immediate family I would just like to extend my deepest sympathies and remind you to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. The same to the communities of bense,Anse du Mai, and especially Ansoldat where she grew up.
OH LORD THAT ONE HIT ME HARD HARD HARD TO THE FAMILY CRY AS MUCH AS YOU NEED TO AND REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES YOU ALL SHARED NO ONE KNOWS YOUR PAIN. GOD HAS TAKEN HIS CHILD A VERY PROFESSIONAL WOMAN SERIOUS BUT WHEN SHE BREAK THAT SMILE GOSH. I WILL MISS PESTERING HER.
All the staff and students at Ross Clinical Facility ( PMH ) will miss doctor . She was always hard working doctor . god give courage and comfort to her immediate family at this time of bereavement .
The Ross Clinical facility – staff & students will ofcourse remember Doctor Jacobs as an ongoing doctor . May her immediate family find courage and refuge in the Lord at this time of bereavement
(Psalms 46:1- 3) .
My prayers goes out to her family. We grow up in the same village.
Dr. Jacod was such a wonderful lady and those who knew her will surely miss her. My heart goes out to her family.
May your soul rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Jacobs. May God give you peace during this time of bereavement.
sbsd
Yes she was. Very quiet disposition. Her husband was (maybe still is) a prison warder, and they lived on Hummingbird Drive in Canefield.
well said Chris. death is uncertain and we should all be prepared. My deepepst condolences to the family & friends. May her soul rest in peace.
I got to know Dr. Jacob when i was her patient during her tenure at Global Medical and then through her sister, Gwendy. She is indeed once, twice three times a lady.
To the family, hold strong. God is in control and he gives us no more than we can bear.
Verna my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your mother. My dear god is in control. He never gives us more than we can bear.
DENGUE – I UNDERSTAND THAT LEMON GRASS AND LEMON GRASS ROOTS SOAKED IN RUM MIGHT HELP. (PLease do not use rum if you are taking a medical prescription- ask your Dr.for advice).
Dem fellas keeping Dengue Quiet Man to avoid panic
Thanks so much Chris Joseph for that info…OMG! I last visited the Canefield church before I left for the U.S,and saw her at church.My prays are with her family.
Boy, I woke up to that kind of shocking shocker. I made a couple phone calls and finally accepted the news. We were members of the same congregation on 10th Street, Canefield. Yes, she was SDA. We recently joked when we met at the IRD last week Thursday……we were transacting some tax business. She was the introvert but could hold a healthy conversation is she was up to it. Her husband and children will be permanently affected. I especially feel for Duane, her son. The recent deaths of Dr. Yankey, Honeybee and Dr. Jacobs [all resident within the Canefield municipality] should remind us of the certainity of death and the uncertainity of its timing. But until death itself dies, and it certainly will, its sickle will continue to separate loved ones and bring tears to our eyes. But one day tears will end!
Shalom to the family and friends and colleagues.
With a heavy heart I express my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. I am so depressed to be reading such news. I will miss her and the warm and friendly personality that she blessed everyone with.
Saddened but proud to have known her. May the great Lord just Bless and comfort her family.
My deepest condulences to the Jacobs and Department of health family. I worked with her and was a special dedicted christian doctor and sister. Hold on, weeping may endure for a moment but joy comes in the morning. yes the golden morning is fast approaching Jesus soon will come.
Dona
my deepest condolences to the family!!! May God comfort u during this time!!!
@hmm: This is really sad – my prayers go out to her family especially her children who have already made so many sacrifices while she was away studying.
So many times we ask why – but God is in control.
Hold the faith.
R.I. P
She was such a quiet lady. Deepest condolences to her immediate family and the community of Bense, Anse-De-Mai and Ansodat. She will be greatly missed by all.
Dr. Jacobs will surely be missed. Such a special lady who had the interest of the health system at heart.
I can clearly recall my days at Ross when i often assisted Dr. Jacobs and it really saddens me that she is now gone within just a moment’s notice. I am sure that she will be missed by many.
The lord giveth and taketh.
May her soul rest in peace.
R.I.P. Ceecee…hold strong Verna and the rest of the family
I believe she was an adventist; she was from Bense
RIP doctor….my sympathies to the family
So sad,sorry to here that..Was Dr Jacobs an Adventist?Her name sounds familiar.Please tell tell me someone
Although she may have died from dengue related desease, she was already a sickle cell patient. The complications may have just been too much.
She was my very good friend. My deepest sympathies to her family and children. This is a great loss to Dominica.
May her soul rest in peace
Is it necessary to have every death announcement accompanied by a story on the health system? People die every day every where, its fine to be concerned but when families and frends are grieving, it is not appropriate to bring up all what we need to get done in our health system. It makes some of us who have lost loved ones through negligence at that same PMH, hurt more and get more depressed, Really.
I am saddened by the news and my codolences go out to her family. However whenever giving such a story write as though no one knows .I live in NY and no nothing about her e.g what part of D/a she is from. Who is she married to Where did she go to school. Which office did she work out of and information that we in the diaspora can make a connection. It happens all the time get into depth of all your stories that everyone who reads can make a connection Please .Writing this story as you did does not make any sense to your readers in the diaspora especially we are your dedicated readers Improve
we need to improve on our medical equipments, just sending our people or our lab testing overseas like ‘this country not interested in upgrading’ is not advancement.It’s not just sending our persons to study in Cuba or sending for Cuban nationals to facilitate the PMH in various capacities that is improvement .Select and have specialized individuals and equipments available for use,to readily access our incidents medically and health wise, ‘we’ already anticipating night landing, with these “upgrades” comes alot of surprises! The medical department and the security departments of this country needs to be closely monitored and enhanced.My condolences to the family and those that were under her care. May the Lord strengthen them and allow HIS peace and understanding to minister @ this time.
I am certainly going to miss Dr. She was a very unique individual.
My condulences to the jacobs family,be strong, be of good courage. May her soul rest in peace.
May your soul rest in peace Doctor you are in a better place.
She was my Dr when i was back in Dominica. May God be with her family during their time of loss.
Accept my sympathy. Didn’t know her but when one of our own dies we have to sympathize. Strength and comfort from above be with the family, friends and colleagues.
I am going to miss her alot. God is in control.
Soooooo sad. May her Soul Rest in Peace. I did no know her, but the health service here is much poorer without her around.
Such a loss for Dominica. You will be missed…such a sad day
sad news, my condolences
VERY,VERY SAD NEWS…ANY PHOTO? PLEASE TRY!!!!!! R.I.P