Dominica’s Former Health Minister John Fabien died on Friday afternoon at the Princess Margaret following a long battle with cancer.
His death was confirmed by the General Secretary of the Dominica Labour Party Ed Registe who told Dominica News Online that Fabien would always be remembered for his concern for the health care of people.
Fabien became the Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay constituency following the death of Pierre Charles in 2004.
He was replaced by Justina Charles in the 2009 general elections.
Registe said Fabien had been ailing for some time and earlier in the week, his death looked imminent.
He said Fabien served the Dominica Labour Party and his country with a passion.
“He was one who was always concerned about the welfare of people. Mr. Fabien spoke to some of us and even while he was sick he advised us that we should continue to do what is right,” he said.
Registe said it was a sad moment for Fabien’s family and members of the DLP.
“He was a die-hard DLP member who served his country with distinction,” Registe noted.
In November 2011, Fabien received the Sisserou Award of Honour, Dominica’s second highest award.
Hon. Fabien was a wonderful and respectable person. I remember that he was the one who gave me my first job after graduating from high school. Though I had no experience as a health inspector, he believed in me and lead me on. As a health inspector I became inspired to be a meical doctor and to him I am greatful for that.
Rest in peace.
Rest in Peace Mr. Fabien,although I never had the pleasure of meeting you I had the oportunity of speaking to you once or twice via telephone, all the way from Maryland (USA)while he was talking to his son SFC Fabien Donavan, whom I call my other brother. You can tell a person’s character by the legacy they leave behind. SFC Fabien embodies that legacy. He has his fathers heart and it is a big one; always willing to help and care for other people, going the extra mile to ensure mission success. There is no pen mighty enough to capture the character of his son. You remain in my thoughts and close to my heart. My prayers are with you in this time of great loss.
With a heavy heart-
Walter
Rest in Peace my Dear. No more sorrow, no more pain. It is not the end but just the beginning. My deepest sympathaties to the Fabien family.
RIP Mr Fabien;will always remember you
Cousin Ellen my sympathy on the passing of your wonderful husband it is sad new. I am happy he is not suffering anymore. May you find comfort in the lord.
Rest in Peace my dear friend, it is good to see that all the comments on DNO with respect to you as a person is favourable, you were indeed a humble, kind and jovial man. Condolences to the entire Fabien family.
you will always be remembered as a jovial person and your contribution to the development of the Environment Health Department. R.I.P Boss Man
may his soul rest in peace!!! he was a good man!!!
Our condolences to the entire Fabien family. I will treasure the memories while he worked in Anguilla as the first Primary Health Care Manager. Tr Ellen, God is able and has promised to give you strength to go through this time. May his soul R.i.P . Tr Antonio & Nurse Grace Christopher and family
deepest condolences to teacher Ellen and family. God’s peace be with you.
Please accept our deepest sympathy to the dear wife, family and friends of Mr John Fabien. May the good Lord give you all the strength to carry on. He will be truly missed by all. May his soul rest in Peace.
Shirley and family (Mellow)
Our condolences to the family of our brother John fabien, may he rest in peace.
To the family deepest sympathy
Deepest sympathy to The family of John from Anguilla
Rest in peace Mr. John Fabien. You will always be remembered by the Dominicans in Anguilla but in particular by those of us who served on the executive board of the Dominican/Anguillan Association with you. May God grant your family the strength required to deal with your loss.
R.I.P Mr. Fabien. I wil remember our conversation about furthering my study not on mental health but in another field. I have given it some thoughts n i wil consider ur option.
My condolences to the family especially my collegue nurse matthew. Once more R.I.P
Teacher Ellen and family be strong and of good courage. I remember when he used to inspect our bakery at Picodeau. He was a patient, kind and loving man and took the time to converse with us.He also gave me some words of encouragement when my mother passed away. He will truly be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy to his wife, children and
the Fabiens in Bense. May he rest in peace.
I send my earnest consolations to the survivors of my boyhood friend.
on behalf of the entire Alexander famaily both here and abroad we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the famaily of the late Mr John Fabien , we pray and trust that God will give them the strength and courage to carry on.God is the one that gives life and takes it away blessed be his holy name.May the famaily find comfort , knowing that the memories he left behind ,are those they will cherish forever.
I have to write again, this one brought tears to my eyes…..God had better plans…rest in peace Mr. Fabien…a man with a good heart, a loving man….
Gosh….I feel bad!!!
sorry for the dislike….wanted to click like….
My sincere condolences to teacher Ellen, and the rest of the Fabien family. John was a humble man. I fill honored to have known Mr.Fabien. For those of us who knew him, he was family member, you feel you were talking to a brother, father, cousin and uncle.
He adapted Grand Bay as his home, and in turn we embraced him as ours. From Health inspector, to Chief Environmental Heath Officer, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Member of Parliament to Health Minister.
John Fabien contributed emensely to the development of Environmental health in Dominica. I know he would say, it was a team effort. However a team work as effective as the leader who leads it. Thank you very much teacher Ellen for sharing him with us. RIP my brother. You have done us proud.
My sincere sympathy to his family. May God in His boundless love and compassion always be with you.
May the prayers and words of sympathy help to ease your pain at this difficult time.
A dedicated politician, family member and friend, God has reserved a special place for him in His Heavenly Kingdom. May he rest in peace. Amen!
You will be missed, Mr. Fabien. I enjoyed our objective and frank discussions on the rides you gave me home. Truly a remarkable man.
Our condolences to Teacher Ellen and rest of the family of John Fabien.You are all in our thought and prayers. John You will be missed greatly.It is hard to believe that when we come home you will not be around, it was always a pleasure with you. We will always remember you and will remain in our hearts forever.
Always and Forever,
Connie, Roberta,Elizabeth,Julian(ayout)and Jeffers.
I shall remember his rather quiet disposition when I first met him at the old Roseau Boy School building –I believe he was the Chief Environmental Officer. He forcefully, passionately and yet professionally advanced his point of view with respect for those with whom he may have disagreed or those who disagreed with him. He was a good guy- a gentleman, an honest man who couldn’t find comfort among the corrupt. May his soul rest peacefully- My condolences to his friends and family.
He’s made his peace and God needed him more. He has done his work on earth and has gone to meet his maker. May his soul rest in peace.
Our condolences to the Fabien family.
Friends in Loubiere
I am indeed surprise to read this sad news of
Fabien’s passing I am shocked to hear that
When one expires that is the time we say nice things about him,but I do not think there is anyone who could say something bad about Fabien
he was “down to earth”he never changed,he was always very generous kind and genuine and ofcourse
a family man. He has been with Grand Bay since he
became a Health Inspector. My family loved him.
Whenever I visited home and he came to St Thomas
we spent ntime together.Ellen take courage and I know the people of Grand Bay have lost a Son.
He will forever be a part of Grand Bay like Pierre
Charles was.Condolences to all my people in Grand Bay.
To Teacher Ellen and family, be strong and of good courage. I remember when he used to inspect our bakery in Picodeau. He was such a humble person and so loving. Truly he was a great person and he will be missed.
Comrade you were a dear friend, brother and father figure. I remember learning from you as my PS and later minister. Really enjoyed your humour but the very wise counsel you gave to me as a husband, father and young man who wants his life to “count”. Thanks for believing in me and even confiding in me. It was just a pleasure visiting with you, you had such a fighting spirit. You were the epitomy of a HUMBLE SERVANT, you gave such insightful advice. Thanks for the invite to celebrate the proud moment with you and the rest of the family as you basked in the “glory” of receiving that prestigious award. Just last week Friday I listened with intrigue as you prayed one of the MOST POWERFUL PRAYERS I HAVE HEARD especially from someone who had found himself between a “rock and a hard place” as you did. You displayed such deep faith. You were a wonderful person and thanks for the profound inpact you have had on all of us. You are gone but not forgotten and will be greatly missed. RIP my friend……..
These sentiments I shared with John constantly during our LONG talks over the phone and the times I visited with him. a couple months ago he called and said “comraded I needed someone to talk to and I know I could call you”. After a lengthy discussion on the phone I was at his house the next day. I am not one of those who say kind things about people when they are gone. John was constantly reminded by me of the fine human being, confidant, mentor and father figure that he has been in my life. This is truly a SAD loss!
R.I.P My condolences goes out to the family,friends and to the DLP members. And not forgetting his constituency.
Dear John I was fortunate to have visited you last weekend and even then when I told you I had just come from work, the selfless person that you are, your advice was “Girl you must take a rest somtimes, unno.” Sir John, you will be greatly missed, that jovial attitude you kept up even in the face of your terminal illness. In one word – Exemplary – Rest in peace, my friend. My deepest condolences to Ms. Ellen and family.
THANKS TO ALL FOR THE OUT POURING OF CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT DURING HIS ILLNESS.A MAN WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR THE SERVICE OF OTHERS AND COUNTRY.CONTINUE TO KEEP US IN YOUR PRAYERS AS WE DO THE SAME FOR YOU. R.I.P UNCLE
my deepest sympathy to the family of the Hon Fabien…u will always be in my heart…..u few words had meant alot to me….
John my heart is bleeding but my spirit is joyful knowing that you are in a better place.
You were a STALWART in the Health Envirnonmental Division and you served with honour and distinction. You were a great family man and a Dominican at heart.
DOMINICA will miss you….May the Lord guide you on to your next journey.
LOVE ALWAYS
It is the General Secretary of the DLP that confirmed his death and not the doctor or the hospital or even his family?
MAINDESK, in the formal world that is how it is done. The General Secretary will relay confirmation from the doctors to the press.
R.I.P Mr. Fabien, you were a life long friend to me and my family. Condolences goes out to your family.
I meant to give this a thumbs down – oops!
Morjay. All u Dominicans so damn small minded. Need i say more?
I don’t think the article said pronounced the death,it said “confirmed” the death,but I’m just saying.
What difference does it make and what has it got to do with you? Do you not have anything better to state? It is not the doctor or the hospital who ‘publicly’ confirm a death. For one and of his stature who was a member of the DLP, the family may have given instructions to the DLP Secretary to release the information. It is not surprising or abnormal and should not be questioned or criticized.
Dominicans should expect a huge assembly for this funeral including the dispora
rip my friend
rest in peace my friend i know you are in are better place god and the angels will watch over you to the fabien family hold on in prayer and god will see you through am sooo sorry
HONOURABLE John Fabien! i feel honoured to have gotten advise from you before you passed on!….Rest In Perfect Peace…..your time on earth has passed, look over us in your new home.God bless… Teacher ellen and the rest of his family accept my sympathy. You did your duties as a loyal wife. for that i admire you all’s marriage….a true example
We all are extending our condolences to the family for the passing of John and wish that he rests in peace but I am seeing a thumb down to virtually all the comments. It is very unlikely for anyone from Grand Bay in particular and Dominica in general not to remember John.R.I.P.
I know right? What’s up with those thumbs down. They didn’t know John.
Alas, what sad news! Mr. Fabien may your sweet sweet soul rest in peace. To his wife, kids and the entire Fabien family hold strong and please take comfort in knowing that Mr. Fabien served with distinction. Humble, honest and sweet. When he met me he always called me by my big sister name, he just had to acknowledge, hug and kiss, sweet man……He is indeed a flower in the Master’s bouquet.
my condolences to his family especially his son Trevor,your dad was a great man and he will be missed in grandbay.RIP MR JOHN
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr. Fabien. May his soul rest peace. Is it me or is it a fact that alot of our iconic figures seem to by passing this year?
Deepest condolences to the family of Honourable John Fabien…Honourable Fabien served we the people of Grand Bay and Dominica by extension diligently…may he rest in eternal peace…
To the family, we say “Hold on, be strong, he is free of all suffering”
R.I.P Honourable John Fabien
A good man. My condolences to his Family.
RIP..gone but not forgotten.
I am sorry to hear about the passing of a good servant, who served his country with pride and dignity. He was a man of service who give his best. He made a great contribution here, now he is going to make even a greater contribution on the other side. He will be a great asset to the Kingdom above.
My condolences to all the FABIENS, especially Teacher Ellen on the loss of my dear friend FABS.
The Bible says…”the hearts of men are desperately wicked…who can know it.” In all my life I have never found such a good man…loving heart, who cared about people…like FABS. I will miss you …you inspired me, gave me advice, laughed with me and cheered my daughter & I on…you will be missed. Don’t know if I will ever have another friend like you! (Well except JESUS). Good-bye my friend. I will remember your pricelss words to me ALWAYS!!!!!!!!
my deepest sympathy to his family.rip
On my first visit to Dominica about 40 years ago, I spent such a wonderful time with you then. I went around Grand Bay with you while did your job as a health inspector, and I have always commented to your sister, my wife, what an outstanding health inspector you were: since you were strict, but respectful, and the Grand Bay people showed so much obedience to, and love for, you.
You were a great brother-in-law to me for the past 37 years, John. I can still remember that trip you made to Antigua 36 years ago just to see how you could help us resolve our problems as a young couple. I can remember you advised me to take the bull by the horn. But, you also told me in a subtle way where my analysis may have been quite wrong. Your visit and advice then have served me well for the following 36 years.
You never showed me anything but love, John. And, in return, I have loved you passionately all these years without even telling you.
You were not only a great brother-in-law, but also a great friend, John. I am deeply saddened by your demise: I am still gripped by a strong sense of unbelief, despite your long illness, as I hoped so much for your recovery.
Anyway, we shall meet again, hopefully at the feet of Jesus. May your soul rest in peace, my brother.
At this time, I have to express my true feelings. I regret I cannot say it in just a few words. You are permitted to edit my comment, if you want. Thank you.
RIP in perfect peace Mr.Fabian.Gone but will never be forgotten.
Say hello to my heroes (Pierro, Roosie, Mamo) for me. Until we meet again on the otherside.
?????
RIP my brother.You fought a good fight.We fought many battles.To us, you will never die. Ellen and the children, be strong.
True patriot,your spirit will live. never told you how much you did for me.can only thank your family now.you were so down to earth.
We will surely miss you Mr. fabien or “Parl Rep” as we usually say. Rest in perfect peace.
This is indeed deeply shocking and saddening news. I look forward to the day when this horrible disease will be no more. To his family and loved ones, may God’s comforting grace and richest blessings be with you. I share your grief.
to my favorite teacher Ellen – its part of GOD’s plan. HE will see you through it all. My sincere condolences to the entire family. R.I.P Mr. John Fabien `
Wow sad news for my husband and I.
Thank you dno because we haven’t receive any news from the family yet.
It is so hard when you are away and hearing that a family member is dead.
To my sis-in-law hold strong and I pray that my Heavenly Father gives you the strength and courage that you need at this time.
Your brother and sister-in-law in st martin.
It was grand dad in 2006 and now your husband but I know that you are a strong woman so take courage my sister’
LOVE FROM ALL OF US
how comes still awaiting
CONDOLENSES TO THE FABIEN FAMILY BOTH IN BENSE AND GRANDBAY PHILIPIANS 3VS 20- 21 BUT OUR CITIZE SHIP ARE IN HEAVEN AND FROM IT WE AWAITS A SAVIOUR , THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO WILL TRANSFORM OUR LOWLY BODY TO BE LIKE HIS GLORIOUS BODY STAY STRONG
The pain and suffering is over now Big brother, Yugo. You have lived and sacrificed for your people and family and Dominica. A true Son of the Soil, glad we shared a moment with you and family, recently. U r Gone but not forgotten, u will be missed my friend and comrade. To Els and the family, be strong, celebrate John’s life for he was great man, a real father and a true husband and a patriot. God speed my friend, rest in peace. Dori
depest sympathy to the fabien family . Ms Fabien CID ASKIEN TREVOR WE ALL WORK TOGHER WITHU DAD AND THE OTHERS HOLD STRONG I HAVE WORKED WITH MR FABIEN IN THE ENVIRONMENTALHEALTH DEPARTMENT AND HE SERVED AS A TRUE LEADER . MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE . WHEN THE PERISHABLE PUT ON THE IMPERISHABLE AND THE MORTAL PUTS ON IMORTALITY THEN SHALL COME TO PAST THE SAYING ‘O DEATH WHERE IS YOUR STING ‘O DEATH WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY I CORINTHIANS 15 VS 54 TO 57
My Condolences to John’s family.
R.I.P John Fabien may the good God guide you home
You love death? it cannot be bought.You hate it? you cannot sell it.We can only prepare for it.And there is only one way this can be done, is by TRUSTING CHRIST FOR THE SAVING OUR SOULS BEFORE DEATH.
Mr.John Fabien was a good citizen
My sincere condolences the family of Mr. Fabien. To his wife (teacher Ellen) and your children accept my sympathy.
RIP Mr. Fabien.
I was fortunate to have met John while he lived in Anguilla and our families maintained contact over the years. He was a true friend to the end. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to Ellen and his children.
My cond.lence to the family and friends. Dominica has indeed lost a son of the soil. John was a good man at hea
My condolence to the family and friends. Dominica has indeed lost a man of the soil. John was a good man at heart and will most definitely be missed by all who knew him.
My Palrep, my father, my fiend, i will always miss you rest in peace my hero.
trevor. your dad was a great man and grandbay people love him .he will really be missed.RIP mrjohn
he was my cousin. sad news to us family and friends. RIP
My head is splitting. Though we said our goodbyes it is still hard!
My condolences go out to auntie ellen and the rest of the family on the passing of uncle john!! I know it’s gonna be a difficult journey but please remember he has gone to a better place where there is no suffering!! May god help us all along this journey!!
mrs fabien am very sorry to read about the lost off your husband i got very sadden .may his soul rest in peace and you will consoul by family and friends
My Condolences to John’s family.I remember John as a good man love politics with a passion.He was being boarded at our house Henrillia Leatham aka arya in Grand Bay when he worked health Inspector in Grand Bay in the early 70s.He was like a brother to me.He was the first reggae hard core lover i knew.He did studyied in Jamaica.He will always be remembered.May his soul rest in peace.
we love you john you were one of the few who was always there for us.rest in peace
i knew him well and if all politicians were like him tings would be sweet,his passion was his family,friends and country please all you present politicians do not try to score points on his passing because none of you can hold a candle to this great humble man,,,,,rip fabien xx
My condolences to his family Mona, Lucina and
Fabiens my he RIP. May the almighty strengthen you
all at this moment of grief.
Accept my sympathy. Your family is in my thoughts and prayer. Stay strong
When a Humble Man Dies–it’s always so Hard for the World to Accept and When the World finds a Humble Man it’s always so Hard to Appreciate Him.
To the Family and Friends of the Late Hon John Fabien my Condolences.
Mr Fabien May your Dear Soul Rest In Peace.
True human who always stood for family and a dedicted servant.A pioneer who survived thru humble beginnings and proved that you are just as good as you can be by always being youself and undestanding others. I will miss your inspiration..RIP BIG BROTHER…
May the family find peace and comfort at this time.
God bless and keep you in the palm of His hands.
Sad to see Cousin John leave us. He did well! Bense is proud of its son! Condolences to the family there as well as those whose lives he touched in Grandbay and around the country!
Deepest Condolence to the entire Fabien Family. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE LATE FAMILY FOR JOHN FABIEN AND KEEP ON HOLDING ON STRONG *GOD’S GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION*
My loving godfather I will surely miss you. You were the best there is. I am so grateful for the day we spent together last Christmas. I will be home for your sendoff. R.I.P.
We called each other Juan and enjoyed making him laugh. John we all will miss you.My condolences to the Alcendors, Fabien Family and Ellen. R.I.P.
R.i.p john Fabien
wow..sad news
He was a good man and part of the very few who were honest and corruption free.
Condolences to the family.
Just pay your respect and please leave your gutter politics out Of family grieving moment. Can you repect that sir?
The truth does hurt allu eh. Even in sad times. The man was corruption free, why mad cause I highlighted that? Bordiay Oye
@ next level,well said!! there is a time for everything.
@ The Next Level
There is no need for that and to get highstrung about it. It is to be expected that such will enter into it. It is not the first time and it will not be the last for anyone who passes on. Keep this in mind.
At least they recognized his good works and expressed words of appreciation, praise and thanks for all what he did.
My very good friend may your soul rest in peace and may the good Lord guide your soul safe passage to heaven
My sincerest condolences to the family and friend of the late John Fabien’S family and fiends.R.I.P. brother.You were a great friend.
I knew the man and I think he was a good man, may he rest in peace. He deserves an official funeral having served several years in the public health services in Dominica’s public servise, as parliamentary representative for the Grand bay constituency and as Minister for health.
May his family keep strong in this time of loss and may he rest in peace.
R.IP FABIEN , my condolences to the entire family ,hold strong teacher Ellen ,he will be missed by many ,the south city massive….
May his soul RIP
Now DNO there is no way possible that he could have received the award in November 2012 when that date hasn’t even arrived. It was last year her got that award. Please correct that. Thanks
la starr! what are you trying to correct, when you yourself need to be corrected for saying “her” for “he” In the article DNO wrote, stated that he received the Award in Nov. 2011, not 2012 as you said. DNO has nothing to correct.
Nonetheless, my greatest sympathy to the families both in Bense and G/Bay
The article said 2012 but they corrected it. it is apparent the comment was made before the correction was made
@ la starr
It was obviously a typographical error. Mistakes happen and will always happen which none of us are immune to. Everyone who read it knew that it was in November 2011. I am certain that they overlooked it. As the saying, ‘No sweat.’
thanks for your OBSERVATION in the date but who are you referring to who got the award? Him/HER? lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
R.I.P unc…
may his soul rest in peace. my condolences to the family and friend og Mr. John Fabien
My condolences to his family especially his wife ‘Teacher Ellen’. John will certainly be missed by all
r.i.p