Education Minister Petter Saint Jean has described the late Marcella Powell as “a long-serving, dedicated and hardworking public servant who served in various ministries during her tenure as a public officer”.
Powell died suddenly at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on Tuesday morning after complaining of feeling unwell.
She was 57 years old.
In a brief statement to the press, on Tuesday, Saint Jean said the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development is extremely saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.
He said that “during her time at the helm of the Ministry of Education she displayed passion for the wellbeing of Dominica’s children and was committed to the improvement of the Education system to ensure that each child succeeded”.
“We express our deepest condolences to her immediate family, relatives, friends and her staff at the Ministry of Education. We wish to assure her immediate family of the support of the Ministry of Education and of the Government of Dominica as they go through this difficult period of grief and mourning,” he said. “We will miss her for her capable direction and leadership, her conscientious approach to the execution of her public duties and the love and care she showed for all who she interacted with.”
He stated that thoughts and prayers are with the Powell family as they go through the grieving process.
“We wish them hope in the midst of sorrow and comfort in the midst of their pain. We will work closely with them in the days ahead to honour her memory and maintain her legacy,” Saint Jean stated.
Allow her to rest in peace but also this government won’t confirm people that don’t kiss ass and she didn’t. She spoke her mind and under this regime thsts s no no.
As a nation we must learn to give people their flowers while they are alive. To the government and the people who nominate people for awards during independence please remember this hard working civil servant who was in Hollywood for six years
Bala as she was known by her family Rest in Peace. You will surely be miss by many.
Ma Powell my thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Loosing two kids in one year god knows best
Condolences to you, and family on extension.
Shame shame shame to be bold enough to use that description in your condolences but leave such a public servant in Acting capacity for over 5 years. Shame. Do better…
RIP Ms. Powell. Condolences to the Powell family.
Questions to the Government Minister and the others who govern:
It appears that there are a number of comments which addresses Ms. Powell’s acting appointment for a number of years. If she was such an exemplary worker, what was the hindrance to her permanent appointment?
It is noted that a few persons have recently been appointed in various senior positions in Government, including that of Permanent Secretaries. So…. why was she still acting?
It is noted that there are one or a few public officers in senior positions, who have been appointed to head the portfolios of 2 ministries, most likely with the expected remuneration. Are you stating that with the number of qualified persons out there, that there is no one else who could be given an opportunity to be employed? ….. Just asking…….
I will join the many who express their deepest condolences to Ms. Powel. Death has no friends and we really do not know when is our appointment. But like many others I must EXPRESS MY SENTIMENTS THAT IT IS A LITTLE BIT TOO LATE TO HAVE RECOGNIZED HER HARD WORK. TO BE ACTING IN A VACANT POSITION FOR 6 YEARS. WE NEED TO STOP THIS..
Boss, I listened to you and the CPO talk about how Masso was so good and how she epitomized the perfect behaviour of a public officer, so tell me: why was she never appointed?
It is so sad these days to read the news on DNO referring to being transported to PMH. Over the last few almost anyone
who gets transported there do not get to go home. What is going on at the hospital people? I do realize that not everyone who goes to the hospital gets to go home, but to me over the past few months, it’s like signing a death warrant.
Condolences to the family & friends.
I am not sure what fruit was borne by: “during her time at the helm of the Ministry of Education she displayed passion for the wellbeing of Dominica’s children and was committed to the improvement of the Education system to ensure that each child succeeded”.
After all this time….still in an Acting position
?
Marcella Powell was right next to us at the Calypso Finals, near the stage. We exchanged pleasantries and light conversion that enjoyable evening. Her sudden passing comes as shock to all of us and underlines the seriousness of this flu.
Well loved and respected, she served her ministry well – and indeed all Dominica. May her family find comfort as she is carried into the everlasting arms of the Eternal Father.
RIP MS. POWELL and strength to ur family. Judging by what Mr. Saint Jean had to say about you I am fully convinced that u were a brilliant public servant and no doubt of tremendous asset to St. Jean. The last time I heard ur voice was when u were forced to call q95 in defense of one of ur staff , after CJ broke news on the hot seat, about alleged funds missing from a Government school close to the ministers constituency, and a teacher from the school was temporarily moved to Roseau to facilitate investigation. Unfortunately I didn’t hear how this story was resolved. Hope the stress of having to wash laundry at the ministry didn’t contribute to your untimely passing. RIP madam
Rest in peace my friend
Ms. Powell we were classmates at CHS and colleagues in the Ministry of Education, although I noticed you were looking a bit on the down side I did not expect you to die so suddenly. God is in control. May you rest in eternal peace
Stupes the kind is gone long live the king. She should get those flowers while alive. She acted in a vacant post for over 6 years. RIP Ms P
Very sad indeed. My prayers with her family and friends. Sudden deaths are often more difficult to handle.
You saying all kind things about her now…..why didn’t you ensured that you ONE GOVERNMENT give her her appointment as PS after ten years of acting?……..set of wicked person…God will soon release Dominica from all u hands….are magwaysa Petter St.Jean….and you saying you are a christian? patient we have to have to see you and your wicked cabal end. Time WILL TELL.
Very Nice woman, my condolences goes to her family
R.I.P Miss Powell .
Min of Education you have heart saying all this stuff and your cabinet never APPOINTED HER to this for FIVE YEARS.
Labour ka travil . The lady work her hearts of for you all on radio tv and at meetings.
God is good
Death comes like a thief in the night. We know not when. There are times prior to that, some people suddenly feel unwell and also of feeling tired, the latter when they are not even employed or are sitting quietly.
Sorry to know of her passing. I recognize the sudden passing of a loved one is difficult to bear.
Sincere sympathy to her family and all those who knew her. God be with you especially as you mourn her sudden loss. Her works will live on.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul rest in peace. Amen!
Ms Powell was not the friendliness of persons, but she did her well and tell it as it was….rest in peace.
R i.P.
Well said Hon Minister. Powell worked with steely resolve for the public good. The Ministry and by extension the Public Service mourns her passing. Rest in peace Sister Powell.
A long serving, hardworking and dedicated public servant and your ministry never appointed her? Give people their flowers while they alive. And in return she deprived teachers who deservingly deserved to be appointed of their appointments. Anyway, may she rest in peace. God is the ultimate judge not me.
Sad news indeed!
He looks more scared than he is sad.