Principal of the Saint Mary’s Academy (SMA), Cuthbert Elwin, has passed away.
Deputy Principal Brother James Detriro told Dominica News Online (DNO) that Elwin felt unwell and was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital where he died shortly after.
Detriro said the news of Elwin’s death came as a shock to everyone. He said he had worked with Elwin for a year as the Deputy Principal.
“We just became very good working partners and very good friends over the course of the year,” He stated.
The 61-year-old Elwin was originally from Pottersville but lived at Canefield. He was described as someone who enjoyed basketball, calypso, and his culture. He loved going to the World Creole Music Festival and was a devoted Catholic.
“He is a proud product of SMA and a proud son of Dominica,” Detriro said. “His whole professional life basically surrounds the SMA,” he added.
Elwin leaves to mourn his wife Desiree and three daughters.
The Deputy Principal is also calling for prayers.
Mr. Elwin, was an awesome Educator and an amicable human being. He will greatly be miss. Accept my condolences and may his soul rest in peace. amen.
I am deeply saddened by the passing away of the former principal of the Academy. He will be remembered for his contribution in shaping the lives of individuals during their years at the Academy. He was my teacher and I remember him during my years at the Academy, teaching us science and we had the most interesting lessons on science which I remeber today. Life and death is a journey and we must do good while we have the power to do it for we will be remembered not by what we have but how we have contributed in improving the lives of others. I would like to pay tribute to his work and role in shaping the lives of others. With respect and administration to his effort. May his memory continue to live with us.
Actually, Mr Elim being the Principal shows dedication and hard work.
I am a former student and dedicate my sympathies to his family and all concerned. May he rest in peace.
RIP Coach. …… no words, just sadness
Mr.Elwin was a good guy. I definitely benefited from knowing him and it was an honor to have been taught by this distinguished gentleman. I did receive caneings throughout the years from Mr.Elwin when Brother Germaine wasn’t around or if Mr.Elwin wanted to do it himself. I can honestly say now that it was well deserved and I became a better person from it. Mr.Elwin was the best English teacher I ever had,he was big on pronunciation and would give us little life stories all the time which were all fun and inciting . All the best to you Mr.Elwin on your transition to the after life.I have no doubt that you will be fine.
After being torn by the news of the destruction caused by Tropical Storm “Erika” to my beautiful little Island this news of the passing of my favorite teacher Mr. Cuthbert Elwin has only made me feel worse. Sir Elwin has played a vital role in my development as a person and my passion for music. He did encourage my participation in calypso at the St. Mary’s Academy to point where he gave me the name ” The Molecule.” I had the opportunity to meet him last year on my visit to Dominica and we had a lengthy conversation about my days at the SMA. He also supported my Reggae album and encouraged me to keep on creating and producing. He was indeed an awesome human being who deeply cared about the wellbeing of others. He will definitely be missed but never forgotten. RIP sir Elwin.
I share the grief of all those who mourn the death of a great man, Cuthbert Elwin, my fellow-teacher
and friend. “Those who instruct others unto justice shall shine as stars for all eternity.” Shine,
Cuthbert, shine!
May his soul and the soul of the faithful departed rest in peace. Condolences to Mr. Elwin’s family and friends.
R.I.P, SIR
R.I.P sir
It was a pleasure to work with you.With 5 years at that school i accomplished alot.Made many friends too.most know me as Ross.
Let me extend sincere condolonces to the family, friends and the Academy where Mr Elwin spent most of his life. As a former student of the Academy I enjoyed his science classes ( the beaker and the blast furnace were memorable topics) which was mixed with humour and purpose. He was very dedicated and supportive to our young minds during our days at the Academy. Mr Elwin represented a good model in nuturing the minds of young men in achieving their best self. When I visited the Academy in 2011 he introduced me to the teachers and the new computer lab established because I wanted to assist in that area of learning. His memory will live amongst those whom he impacted their lives and I am truly saddened by his passing. May his soul rest in peace.
R.I.P Mr. Cuthbert Elwin. It was nice working with you as a member of the P.T.A. executive for several years, and I can say you were committed to your task. You are also responsible for the success of my sons and grandson…..Your teaching years …..A job well done. I will surely miss you and your unique smile. I promise I will continue to look out for your daughters….You looked out for my sons…. Too late to say Thank You, but you know I cared.
May your soul rest in peace. We shall see again some day. RIP blessed angel.
R.I.P SIR……..MUCH THANKS TO YOU …FRIENDS TO THE END……WE HAVE MEMORIES WHICH WE CAN SHARE …SAINT MARY’S MEN GO FORTH AGAIN.
RIP. You will be missed.
Sad news. I worked with Mr. Elwin at SMA just for a couple years 1988-90, and always found him to be encouraging and positive. Fond memories of singing Br. Wakeham’s “Keep Carnival Clean” together. He’s touched so many lives…may he pray for our continued growth and unity as we pray for the progress of his soul.
RIP son of the soil and thanks for your service to the nation.
. I am still in shock over your passing.
I remember the good days at SMA while I was a student and part of the cast that played joseph and his 12 brothers directed by Father Jno. Lewis (Brother at the time). You were the front man (moderator) rocking that stage and like your true self as a teacher you played your part. Again because of you I passed english O’ level (GCE) with a B in 4th form. Yes, I am very thankful that I gave you the roses you so deserved while alive. To your family , the SMA family, your past students and little brother John I extend my deepest sympathies. RIP sir, rip
Assertive, NEVER Aggressive!
R.I.P Sir.
Damn thats really sad news. In the wake of the catatrophe that has hit our beloved country and people it would take something really “close to home” to make me feel any worse. Mr Elwin passing hits “close to home.” My Engliish and Science teacher. My basketball coach. He was the ultimate teacher, counselor, disciplinarian, coach and friend all rolled into one. Mr. Elwin was the real deal.!!
REST IN PEACE SIR…
I was taken by surprise after having received news on the transition of Mr. Cuthbert Elwin. St Mary’s Academy have lost one of Dominica’s great and devoted educators. May the good lord and his angels welcome him with open arms into the kingdom of heaven as he begin his new assignment.
So is that the new name for death – Transition?
Allu good oui.
Quite a Shock Indeed!
We truly do not know ‘ the day or the Hour’, Stay strong Desiree!- You are in our prayers, & Rest In Peace My dear Brother Elwin…Your tireless efforts and sterling contributions to countless generations over the years at SMA will not be forgotten. SMA- Indeed- ‘Smartest men Alive’-Our dear Institution Will not be the same without you…
My heart is broken all over again, he was a big brother to me, my mother Miss Eileen Winston just died on the 29th, my brother George Brathwaite Jr did three years ago on the 30th and now My Elwin on the 31. How sad.
Brenda Brathwaite my condolences again, hold on, I can feel your pain with Ms. Eileen and now Mr. Elwin.
Rest in peace sir. you will be missed.
RIP Mr. Elwin
Mr Elwin was a Great man, God Bless his Soul.
Oh Oh, Sorry to hear that. May his souls rest in peace and may the Lord bless his family and comfort them. My former Geography teacher. Form 101 1980-1981
RIP Mister elwin u always saw a way to give us another chance in school when we misbehaved because you saw the better in us. the constant private motivational talks in the office made me the person I am today
I have heard he was a great man and touched the lives of many. I have heard he helped many to explore their passions and meant so much to all. May his family have peace during this difficult time. May Dominica forever be blessed with people like him.
The sudden loss of a loved one is difficult to bear. I am wondering if the stress of this tropical storm did not take its toll on him, on his heart.
Sincere sympathy to his wife, children, other members of his family, friends, his work associates, neighbors and other associates.
Words of comfort: He is away. Gone but not forgotten. Memories of him will remain forever as keepsakes in your hearts.
He has left rich memories behind, so that in the days ahead as you reflect on them and know that these memories will always keep him within your heart.
God be with you and with His comforting love, as you prepare to lay your loved one to his rest.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in God’s glory and peace. Amen!
May his soul and other souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen!
This was indeed shocking news. A great teacher and mentor. My sympathy to his family and the Saint Mary’s Academy. Will always remember Sir Elwin. May his soul rest in peace.
my condolences to you. you will be missed
Rest in peace sir Elwin.
This man is one of two persons who had a tremendous and profound influence on my life as a your SMA student. I am very happy that I got to tell him so a few years ago when I was visiting Dominica.
If Sir Elwin does not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven then there is little chance for the rest of us. He was truly a SOLID MAN OF ACTION (SMA) as described by Fr Steckle at the graduation of 1984.
What a giant of a man! What sacrifice. What dedication.
So proud to have been a young protegee.
The SMA family has lost one of its pillars.
May his spirit be acceptable to Our Father, in Jesus’ name.
My very best wishes to his family. May you find peace in knowing that he gave his all to the noble cause of developing your lives. A great man.
This man is one of two persons who had a tremendous and profound influence on my life as a your SMA student. I am very happy that I got to tell him so a few years ago when I was visiting Dominica.
If Sir Elwin does not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven then there is little chance for the rest of us. He was truly a SOLID MAN OF ACTION (SMA) as described by Fr Steckle at the graduation of 1984.
What a giant of a man! What sacrifice. What dedication.
So proud to have been a young protegee.
The SMA family has lost one of its pillars.
May his spirit be acceptable to Our Father, in Jesus’ name.
My very best wishes to his family. May you find peace in knowing that he gave his all to the noble cause of developing young lives. A great man.
You and Brother Germain are Icons of strong, positive men in my life. I thank you for your positive influence and dedication to the development of good young men. Your legacy is assured.
The penultimate line should read Mr Elwin instead of Detriro.
You were my Form teacher, my Deputy principle, my inspiration when I needed it, my guidance through my influential years, my Disciplinarian when I stepped out of line or as you say became too “manish”, you played a part in molding my character, my ethics, my future. You were to me and to all of us SMA boys what a decent, honorable, honest man should be. You will always be admired and forever missed, your words and deeds will guide your SMA boys for all time.