UPDATE: Prominent businessman Waddy Astaphan passes

Prominent businessman, Waddy Astaphan, has died reports reaching DNO reveal.

The reports say he died early Tuesday morning at his home.

He has been ill for some time now.

Astaphan joined the family business, known today as J. Astaphan & Co. (1970) Ltd, in 1942 and guided it from the humble beginnings of retailing basic foods to one of the most vibrant and effective commercial business in Dominica.

Today the company’s head office, supermarket and departmental store, occupy some 70,000 sq. feet of prime space in the heart of Roseau. Just five minutes away is located the 67,000 sq. ft. fully palletized Warehouse and Hardware/Foodstuff Distribution Centre.

The manufacture of Furniture, Foam/Foam Products, storage and Automobile Sales and Maintenance occupies over 70,000 s.ft. of buildings on an 8-acre site at the Canefield Industrial Estate.

In 2013, Astaphan received the nation’s second highest honor, the Sisserou Award for his contribution to Dominica in the field of business.

Below is the citation read when he received the award.

Waddy Astaphan was born in Suriname on October 10th 1923 the son of Antoine and Annie Astaphan. He was educated at the St. Mary’s Academy, where he met and formed a life-long friendship with trusted colleague Desmond McIntyre.

His father had established a small retail business in Roseau in 1933, and from this humble beginnings of retailing basic foods, the company had, by 1941, very quickly expanded into exporting of dried vanilla beans, vegetables, cocoa and bay oil to other Caribbean Islands, North America and Europe.

On leaving school and attending his school certificate, he joined his family’s business in 1942 and immediately took over the management of the business. He eventually extended its operations into the Hardware, Textile, Appliance, Furniture and Automobile trade, as well as becoming Shipping Agents and Tour Operators.

In 1957 he acquired a acquired a delightful guesthouse a short distance from the middle of Roseau, but quickly demolished it by 1960 had constructed in its place a Head Office, Supermarket and Departmental Store which occupies over 70, 000 square feet of space. At the time many observers predicted failure since no business venture had yet migrated so far from the city centre.

But Waddy saw only success ahead and eventually proved his critics wrong when customers realized that the prices at “Ataphans” matched, and in most instances, were better than those of the established stores which were located in the heart of the city.

Buoyed by this success his energies were further unleashed when the company established completely out of town over a mile away at Fond Cole, a 67, 000 square foot warehouse and hardware and food distribution centre which also housed the motor vehicle and sales maintenance service centre; and the manufacture of foam products. This move spawned more commercial activity as other firms soon joined “Astaphans” at this location.

Waddy’s foresight pushed him into moving further out of town, and the firm has now fully diversified its efforts and it now occupies a further 70,000 square feet of buildings on an almost 8 acre on the Canefield Industrial Estate.

In 1970 the family incorporated a public company, and J Astaphans & Co (1970) Ltd began to issue shares to the public promising to repurchase any shares which a non-family shareholder wished to sell. The family shareholders were supplemented as Directors by Dr. Desmond Mc Intyre, Mr. Charles Maynard and Dr. NJO Liverpool. The company kept its word and repurchased all shares, which made them feel a part of the business venture. It can truthfully be said that there is hardly a Dominican family one or more of whose members has not bought from, sold to or worked for “Astaphans”.

In 1979 the company’s properties were totally destroyed by the devastating winds of Hurricane David and the firm was forced to endure a twelve (12) yearlong battle with its insurers for a settlement of its claim. Despite the heavy losses sustained from looters, the damages stock were distributed among its loyal employees, who themselves had suffered from the effects of the hurricane. However with dogged determination and Waddy at the helm the company continued to operate, and despite the many obstacles, natural and man-made, once again emerged as the most vibrant and effective commercial business establishment in Dominica.

The Mission Statement of the Company is “To improve the quality of life of every Dominican by enabling them to afford the things that can raise their standard of living”. To this end Waddy has constantly maintained that his employees should as far as possible always be Dominica, unless it was not possible to recruit a suitable Dominican for a particular position.

Consequently the company currently employs 368 permanent staff and a large number of part-time employees; easily making it the largest local private sector employer in the island.

The Company has throughout the years maintained a close relationship with the Community, and contributes generously to many charitable organizations and causes. Over two hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($220,000.00) are donated annually to the areas of Health, Education and Community Development.

Waddy is an ardent cricket fan, and was in fact a very accomplished opening batsman – a position which he occupied in the national team for several years. He also led cricket teams to play ‘goodwill’ matches in other islands. The firm has also sponsored individual cricketers for many years. As a founding member of the Dominica Sports Association, with his friend Dr. Desmond McIntyre and other members of the Committee, he was instrumental in raising funds to build a wall to protect the Windsor Part from the ravages of the Roseau River.

Among his other notable achievements was effort with Dr. McIntyre and other Old Boys of the St. Mary’s Academy in raising funds to build a new wing for the school.

Waddy is a strong and dedicated family man. In 1955 he met and married his wife, Norma, and the devoted couple have raised five children three of whom, with Norma are actively involved in the running of the company and working assiduously to ensure that the name “Astaphans” continues to maintain the highest profile in commercial activity in Dominica, and carries for the island in the Caribbean and beyond the mantle as the best known place for business and entrepreneurship.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

34 Comments

  1. benedict thienpont
    January 2, 2017

    Condolences to the family. I realize I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work there as a foreigner for a good while.

  2. hilda
    December 29, 2016

    To Mrs. Norma Astaphan, Tony and other members of the family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy of the passing of one so dear to you.
    As you mourn your beloved one’s loss, I will be remembering all of you in my prayers.
    Rest In Perfect Peace my friend Waddy

  3. freegid tree
    December 21, 2016

    When I was going there an shop; I always thought that the watchmen were the owners. Mister dem was bad!!! One called “Peters” use to say, “I’m the law.” :lol:

  4. John Bowler, Entrepreneur
    December 21, 2016

    And now, the end has passed
    And you did face the final curtain
    Your friends, we say it clear
    And state your case of which we’re certain

    You lived a life that was full.
    And explorer each and every highway
    But more and more than this
    You did it your way.

    Regrets, of course you’d had a few
    But then again, too few to mention.
    You did what you had to do
    And saw it through without exemption.

    You planned each charted course;
    Each careful step along the byway,
    And more, much more than this,
    You did it your way.

    Yes, there were times, we’re sure you knew
    When you bit off more than you could chew.
    But through it all, when there was doubt,
    You ate it up and spat it out.
    You faced it all and you stood tall
    And did it your way!

    RIP Waddy, you had a good and fun inning! All the best.

    • Since you have used a song recorded by the late Frank Senatra, entitled “I did it my way” you should have given credit to him!

      Why, didn’t you?

  5. Well, since none of you extend condolence to the SC Tony, I will!

    So Tony, do accept my sympathy on the passing of you father!

  6. Truth Be Told
    December 20, 2016

    To Mrs. Norma Astaphan, Tony and other members of the family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy of the passing of one so dear to you. You know God is with you and also for your faithfulness.
    As you mourn your beloved one’s loss, I will be remembering all of you in my prayers.
    Eternal rest grant unto Waddy, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen!
    May the soul of Waddy and other souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen!

  7. December 20, 2016

    R.I.P. Yes, i worked there, thanks for the opportunity, To his family and friends accept our sympathies. Give Jack his Jacket, and mary her lipstick.

  8. Dr Clayton Shillingford
    December 20, 2016

    I wish as others to acknowledge Waddy’s success as businessman and entrepreneur.. I know of his talent in cricket..”Waddy is an ardent cricket fan, and was in fact a very accomplished opening batsman – a position which he occupied in the national team for several years” In the period 1956/57 I joined Waddy in opening the batting for Notre Dame..Alec Reid another great Dominican cricketer also played for Notre Dame..

  9. Sylvester Cadette
    December 20, 2016

    To the ASTAPHAN Family, Relatives and his close friends, my condolences to you on the loss of a man whose business acumen not only assisted our economy but touched many families economically, socially and in their general upliftment.

    To all Staff of the Astaphan companies, accept condolences also.

  10. Believer
    December 20, 2016

    Waddy was a prominent, very admired, businessman. who made a lasting and
    profound contribution to business in Dominica.

    He was a friend who helped me and I will not forget that.

    Rest In piece my friend.

    He had a great sense of humor and would look you straight in the eye when he spoke to you.

    In his younger days, he was a fine sportsman, who loved football where he played as a goalkeeper with a lot of flair.

    Condolences to his wife, and the rest oof the family

    • Truth Be Told
      December 20, 2016

      Rest in peace. I realize the word “piece” was not intentional. I understand. This usually occurs with some English words being similar pronounced.

      • itisdone
        December 23, 2016

        “similarly pronounced” ….. I realize the word “similar” was in fact intentional . I understand. This usually happens when people Love to correct other people’s errors but can’t see their own.

  11. beautiful lady
    December 20, 2016

    My Dad was born in 1942 this business is 74 years old, wow. R.I.P. Mr. Astaphan

  12. say sa
    December 20, 2016

    Thanks for teaching me what it is to endure under serious pressure. I am where I am because this company taught me to be strong, punctual, efficient and effective. RIP MR WADDY. Thanks for the opportunity.

  13. Malgraysa
    December 20, 2016

    Sadly, there are those who know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Waddy Astaphan’s legacy is not measured in square feet or the size of the business he left behind. It is much larger, immeasurably larger than that. May your soul rest in peace my friend, you did good.

    • R Charles
      December 21, 2016

      Totally agree

  14. Lang Mama
    December 20, 2016

    Waddy a good man. Sometimes I wonder how it is that a bad fruit can come from a good tree but I understand that sometimes bad fruits adopt their own concept and habitat.
    Waddy from personal experience you were a good hearted man.

  15. Shameless
    December 20, 2016

    RIP in eternal peace Mr. Waddy and thank you for giving me my first job in life. Yes, this man and Mr. Robinson hired me during Christmas season of 1982 while I was still in high school. I just stopped by the store and saw the man and me being brave went and asked him for a job and he called Mrs.Dorum and Mrs. Lockhart and told them put this brave young man to work right away. I stayed until school started again and worked there every holiday until i left SMA. To his family accept my deepest sympathy.

    RIP Sir and thanks for everything.
    Always Assertive! :cry: :cry:

  16. Tjebe fort
    December 20, 2016

    the size of his business premises mean nothing to to the soul of this good man. May his soul rest in peace. no more suffering Waddy, you deserve this eternal rest.

  17. Nature
    December 20, 2016

    Very sad moment, I can’t begin to say how much of a good heart this man had…May you RIP Mr Wady,u will surely be missed by many…

  18. Doc. Love
    December 20, 2016

    I wish to extend my sympathies to Tony and family. Mr. Waddy was a very good man unlike his political son. I understood Skeritt is going to give him a state funeral. RIP.

  19. EnfantDiable
    December 20, 2016

    He worked hard and acheived much. May he find eternal peace,!

  20. LOVE
    December 20, 2016

    Peace to the family. Well work man. He deserve to test in peace now. He has come to the nd of his suffering with all this hard work. Now is time for us to live in example to do something for our self and family.

  21. December 20, 2016

    Rest in peace waddy.

  22. TS Erika
    December 20, 2016

    ok. rest in peace mr waddy. you contributed greatly to Dominicas economy. i wonder if ma waddy die what people would say about her

  23. La Fuente
    December 20, 2016

    Really DNo???

    The best you can mention is how much sq ft of the business? What good is that. We need to know about him as a person

    • Anon
      December 20, 2016

      The man just died this morning and you want autobiography? He was a businessman and his business empire and what he achieved is his legacy.

      I don’t even know why DNO approve such comments.

      • freegid tree
        December 20, 2016

        Because DNO is not that Bias! That’s why.

    • Ken
      December 20, 2016

      It’s significant. This was Dca population at the time. I remember for the opening he merrily said a square foot for each citizen. RIP

    • Truth Be Told
      December 20, 2016

      Did you not read this article? What more do you want to know and read, at least for now? To see you got many thumbs up. It goes to show how some people get thumbs up for nothing.

      • Tjebe fort
        December 21, 2016

        Envy is bitter and corrosive Truth. Concentrate on mr. Astaphan’s life and death instead. thank you.

      • Truth Be Told
        December 21, 2016

        @ Tjebe fort
        Tell that to La Fuente who commenced this discussion. Did you miss it? Put the blame where it belongs. Read thoroughly.

  24. Dorothy Joseph
    December 20, 2016

    RIP Mr Waddy! Condolences to the entire Astaphan family.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available