French surgeon, Dr. Guy Muller, who worked for many years in Dominica and who experienced some of the island’s turmoil in the 1970’s, has died suddenly in Cannes, France.
As a doctor at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), he and his colleagues assisted those who injured in the Bagatelle landslide in 1977, treated demonstrators who were wounded in the political turmoil of 1979 and those who suffered from the passage of Hurricane David in 1979.
He was 70 years old at the time of his death.
Dr. Muller arrived in Dominica in 1977 with his wife Beatrice and their first daughter. He joined the surgeon team at the PMH, which at that time consisted of Dr Mc Intyre, Dr Sorhaindo, and Dr Griffin ( anaesthetist ).
In 1978, their second daughter Eloïse, was born in Dominica
Dr. Muller was well known in Dominica and had tie strong and friendly relationships with fellow citizens, especially with Aird “Witchchurch” family.
His first experience as a surgeon at PMH was dealing with those injured in the Bagatelle landslide in 1977, which claimed eight lives.
In 1979, political turmoil was gripping Dominica and that culminated in a massive demonstration on Tuesday 29th May 1979 in Roseau, which resulted in the removal from office of the Dominica Labour Party administration of Dominica’s first prime minister, Patrick John. During the demonstration, one man was killed and many injured. Dr. Muller and his colleagues help treat the wounded demonstrators.
Then on August, 29, 1979, Hurricane David struck Dominica. Although Dr. Muller was on summer holidays in France, he quickly took the decision to return to Dominica to assist the injured. He immediately flew to Guadeloupe and hired a boat to take him to Dominica.
In the aftermath of the storm, he had to perform surgery under a tarpaulin ( and even umbrellas ) and sometimes with torch-light or candles.
The family home in Morne Bruce was partly destroyed by the hurricane and the roof landed in a neighbour’s swimming pool and it took some time before normalcy was returned and his family could return to Dominica.
The family left Dominica in 1980 but has been returning every year for vacation, considering the island as their second beloved homeland.
After spending some time in Canada and the USA, Dr. Muller returned to his homeplace in Strasbourg, France, in 1981 and opened his own private clinic 10 years later.
He retired a few years ago.
Dr. Muller will be laid to rest on Thursday in Cannes.
thanks Doc may you RIP
I second Dr Sam and others who honor those who serve lIke the good Dr Muller. Give him the meritorious service award posthumously and have his wife or daughter accept it. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.
I second Dr Sam and othere who honor those who serve. Give him the meritorious service award posthumously and have his wife or daughter accept it. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, the thought crossed my mind, here is a person, Dr. Guy Muller, whose name should be nominated for the new hospital.
He was not born in Dominica. However, consider his dedicated work in Dominica.
If it is not possible to give the new hospital his name, my suggestion is that a wing of the hospital be named after him, in his honor.
Dominicans should not lose sight of all what he did for Dominica especially during those trying times.
Imagine being on vacation and cutting it short to return to Dominica under these conditions to help the injured. He is some man, as we would say and is worthy of his name being etched forever in Dominica and recognized as such. This is one way of Dominicans saying to him, “Thank You!” not only in words.
He projected his love and concern, not only in words but in deeds. He returned to Dominica frequently and recognized it as his second home. He should be given a spot in Dominica’s history. He is one who should have been given the keys to Dominica.
In recognition of his love for Dominicans in general and for his dedicated work in Dominica, it would be appreciated if he could be considered as mentioned above.
What a man, a gentleman, a dedicated doctor! He was a really good man! Note the serene, happy smile on his face. The face being the mirror of the heart, it portrays one who is kind. It cannot be hidden.
He also showed his love for Dominica in his good, caring works. A man as he should have lived forever but God has better plans for him on high.
I imagine how much his wife, children, other members of his family including others who knew him will miss him.
God bless him/his soul for all what he did for Dominica and of course for others in the world as his birthplace France. He has left an indelible mark behind.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen!
Rest in peace. You have worked hard
S’il vous plaît acceptez nos condoléances pour une vie consacrée à la guérison en Dominique.
Another fine example of expats and visitors who love Dominica seemingly more than many Dominicans themselves love the Nature Isle. I never knew. So indeed, I strongly second the motion that we officially recognize the contribution of the Muller family to Dominica’s development.
May goodness & mercy follow the good doctor all the way into the everlasting arms of the eternal Father…
His good works preceded him and his other good works followed him.
Here is a kind person who excelled in his works, who put his knowledge and experience to fruitful works and in Dominica.whose soul should be in Heaven.
God bless his soul. RIP!
Thanks for your contribution to Dominica. Condolences to family and friends.
I am moved by what he unfailingly did for Dominica. A great man indeed! RIP!
RIP Dr Muller!
RIP sir
May his soul RIP and may his family be consoled by the Almighty
Deepest condolences. R.I.P
May he rest in peace. I pray for his family and friends. Honorary Dominican to the bone. Based on his exemplary service to Dominica, I suggest his family should be given an award on his behalf this November 3rd.
I second that; endorse it. I thought the same, note my comments above.
While reading the article, the thought came to my mind that he should be remembered in some manner. I do believe these thoughts are through inspiration.
May his soul rest in peace.