As the sun went down on December 19, 2014, so came the end of the life of one of Dominica’s greatest entrepreneurs and pioneers in the field of navigation and marine transport; one of the island’s unsung heroes.
Though born into a level of poverty that eventually lead to him dropping out of primary school, Captain Bernard Avril, commonly known as Faustin, rose to the top of his chosen field and then raised the bar much higher.
Here is a list of a few of his accomplishments:
• After joining one of the Geest boats as a dishwasher he rose to officer rank in his 20’s
• As a young man approaching 30 years of age, he joined with his two bigger brothers, both captains, to purchase the first big privately owned steel haul vessel in the Lesser Antilles; which he brought down from Europe as captain.
• In the next 18 years he grew his business to have a fleet of two ships with a combined tonnage over 4,000 tons
• He trained a number of persons in navigation
• Gave a number of persons the possibility of leaving Dominica to see and experience the outside world
• Played a significant role in getting Dominica recognized as a player in the maritime industry
Much more can be said about this great maritime hero who was a champion of the spirit of entrepreneurship that motivated a young poor boy from Portsmouth to become the owner of the biggest ships ever owned by any Dominican.
May his soul rest in peace.
R.I.P. Uncle Faustin
now y ddnt i kno about this when he was alive sighs
Its just so strange that people of such impressive talent and contribution to Dominica’s national stature are not honoured on independence day yet they find time to honour others just for driving a bus or taxi.
Fantastic observation. You know us. We’re generally NOT embracing of our heroes – unless they’re doing or did something for the personal us. Me, too, grew up knowing Faustin as a fearless sea man and captain of industry in little Portsmouth. I was at once in awe of the man – for reasons that still continue to mesmerize me – and admiration for the fact that seafaring symbolized daring and a warrior spirit.
Rest in peace, you mighty man. And may those whom you mentored continue the spirit of adventure, even as they seek to regularize the maritime industry in Possie.
i am from st lucia he was a very close friend of the family i aso work with him on capt wades vessels.wat a guy r i p capt.
Sad, but you left a legacy and a good reputation for others to carry on. R.I.P
I really wish that that the life stories of men like the decease Mr. Avril would be printed into the school texts books.
*now paying tribut
It is sad that we are not paying tribute to Mr Avril when he is dead and gone.
He never got the support from government in his quest to do good in his business. It is heart breaking that we allowed him to languish.
I pray that others who are still alive like Neville Wade will be given the support they need to do what they do best.
In a time when government is talking about export export export of our produces…..PLEASE assist WADE and the others NOW, Dominica needs them now.
Let us love and use our people…please
RIP Mr Avril, you were a great man.
How sad. the man cried for help after losing his boats through storms and noone heard him . Now all you trying to give him flowers. Stupes. STupes. Stupes.
Hope the next big name in maritime like WADE get his flowers now.
Let’s wait for next awards at Independence to see WADE name.
Neville Wade was given his honour in 2006, I was with him at the time
My mistake. It was 2004 and not 2006. RIP Faustin
R.I.P Faustin.
The names: Faustin, Wade, Bernard and Sydney were all common names associated with the marine industry while I was growing up at home. It’s sad to hear of Mr. Faustin’s passing. A real dedicated, hard-working man has left our shores for good.
May your soul rest in peace Mr. Avril. Quiet one you were.
It’s a bit late to be congratulating Avril.
I wish that more male youth on this island had the drive to accomplish something positive as this man has.
Condolences to the family of Mr Avril. Indeed he was a very hard worker.
My God may his Soul Rest In Peace. What a wonderful story this is an inspiration for ours. This man worked hard to get himself out of poverty. Dominicans please take a leaf out of his book.
This is a great story to start the new year.
This entrepreneur should serve as a model for the thousands of young people who need a role model. I hope he becomes an inspiration for the young, ambitious and unemployed who have not given up hope at a time when the national economy lacks the momentum to lift all boats.
This is the kind of success story that business leaders should trumpet especially as there are few reasons to be optimistic about the national economy.
My congratulations to Mr. Avril and others whose stories of success are yet to be told. They give me hope that all is not lost even if the current government has run out ideas to make the economy work for everyone, not just for the favoured few.
Have no fear Mr. Samp; your success story will be told…..one day.
Damn you people. Every freaking article I open somebody has to bring politics into the story and it is often anti-government sentiment. It is sickening!!! If I want to read political articles I will specifically look for them and open them but I do not want them and that is why I often look for other articles to read instead. However you people want to be seen and heard in every article. This is exactly why I often go for days without coming to this website, and I am sure many other people are beginning to do the same. I would like to keep abreast of what is happening at home but I want comments to be directed towards their appropriate articles so that we readers can choose exactly what we want to read and not be continually forced to read about all of your political grievances.
R.I.P my friend. Condolences to the family.