Minister for Gender Affairs, Catherine Daniel is expressing sadness over the death of Ava McIntyre-Roach, an advocate for underprivileged children.
Mrs. McIntyre-Roach, who was the Managing Director of CHANCES, passed away earlier this week.
“She was the director at CHANCES where children at risk from 0 years to 18 would come and get rescue,” Daniel said. “Ava was like a mother to all these children who came there. Ava took her job personally.”
According to Daniel, McIntyre-Roach cared for children with, “her heart, her time, her talent, her treasure.”
“Dominica has lost a great soul, a great person,” Daniel stated.
She she said she was shocked when she received the news of McIntyre-Roach’s passing .
“It was very shocking to me. When I heard, I thought I was in a dream,” Daniel stated. “I still hoped that later on in the day I would have heard that was fake news, but unfortunately she’s gone.”
She mentioned that when social services was under her portfolio, she worked with McIntyre-Roach.
As a public officer, McIntyre-Roach also worked for some time at the Social Welfare Department.
“Ava would use from her personal resources to provide for the children,” Daniel revealed. “She was always advocating for children, their condition, general maintenance, and that was Ava for you. It’s very sad.”
CHANCES opened its doors in Jimmit on April 13, 2011.
Since its opening, more than 120 children and young persons have benefited from the services offered by the institution.
You came and served honorably. You were a ray of sunlight to many who thought the dark of night would never leave. From all of us I say fare thee well until we meet again on the other side. Heaven has another angel who will continue to look down lovingly on Waitukubuli. RIP eternally with the ancestors
I can’t say how true your words are indeed – Ava came and served honorably. Thank you for honoring her name, her work, her life and what she has done tirelessly. May the good Lord continue to be with her.
This is a lady has contributed significantly to youth development and social services ganerally. Condolences to her entire family. Such sudden passing should be lessons to us was to what on this earth is important to us. She has a good life….no wealth….huge house….plenty money…..gold …big car, can prolong our lives. The good lord decides. RIP Mrs Roach
No wealth can prolong life? Tell that to someone who needs complicated surgery but can’t afford to get it. Some of you people talk so much nonsense.
We all must die, but many people die prematurely because they cannot afford proper treatment for ailments that can be treated – only if they had the money. I know of a guy in Dominica who need radiation therapy overseas, but he cannot afford the cost of the treatment. What do you think will eventually happen to him?
RIP Ava. The group of us who worked at the YDD during the 80s and 90s was family. Over the years, many have left the YDD and gone their separate ways. Some have moved to new occupations; others have migrated; yet others have retired from work. No one ever thought of separation by death. I am very saddened by your death. You are gone, but the memories live on. The young lives you shaped and the work you did to make DA a better place will live forever. Find a resting place.
Marcellin indeed all of you who worked at the Youth Development Division were and will always remain a family. I was raised not just by my parents but within the YDD extended family including Ava. When mom let me know of Ava’s passing, I was indeed saddened and she has not left my heart since. It was an honor to be molded by all of you and I remember singing at Ava and Donavan’s wedding in the presence of all of you. She was loved by my mom (Amoy) dearly and mom still tells me jokes about she and Ava while doing trainings in Jamaica. Good stories I tell you come from YDD. I pray that we will forever be a family and Ava lives on in our hearts. My love and sincere warm wishes to the McIntyre family, her husband, her beautiful children including all those at Chances and her loved ones.
Forever in our hearts Ava. We will miss your smile and everything else about you. With love – Amelia W.
I have to reply to this comment. Ava WAS a great person who believed in everyone. Ava went out of her way for any and every one who came to her for assistance. She did not discriminate. She NEVER thought or acted like she was better than anybody else.
I knew AVA for most of my life and even though we lost touch for a while, I knew that I could pick up the phone at any time and it would be like old times.
Dominica has lost a CHAMPION of people’s rights.
Rip cousin. You will surly be miss.
What a loss. I hope someone else will step up to the plate for all of these children in need.
R.I.P Ava. A tireless worker for those who were underprivileged. You will be missed.
You look just like her. You will be missed, safe journey to the other side
Rest in peace Lady. I remember you from my days teaching summer day camp (back in the 80’s), our Director’s camp at Youth Center, High Street., when we always though you were Mara’s mom (and she always corrected us); the numerous training programs organized by the Youth Division. You served with passion and pride. Thank you for all the work you have done with our young people throughout the years. May the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.