Press Release
Roseau, Dominica – January 8, 2024
The Official Funeral for the late Dr. Carissa Faustina Etienne is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Newtown.
The Government of Dominica has granted an Official Funeral to honor the memory of Dr. Etienne, recognizing her exceptional contributions to public health administration in Dominica and her tenure as the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) from 2013 to 2023.
In commemoration of the day of the funeral, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, has been declared a Day of Mourning. As a symbol of respect, all state flags on public buildings will be flown at half-mast.
The official viewing will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the State House Conference Center. Subsequently, a public viewing will be open to all from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
Dr. Carissa F. Etienne is widely recognized for her pivotal role in leading PAHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Americas. Her efforts extended to managing the Zika and chikungunya epidemics, as well as addressing cholera and yellow fever outbreaks in Haiti and Brazil.
A distinguished career saw Dr. Etienne serve as Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization from 2008 to 2013, Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization from 2003 to 2008, and Director of Primary Health Care Services, Ministry of Health, Dominica, from 1989 to 2001. She had previously held key positions such as Chief Medical Officer, Coordinator of the National HIV/AIDS Programme, National Epidemiologist, and Medical Director at the then Princess Margaret Hospital.
Official mourners, including Her Excellency the President, the Honourable Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Government Ministers, will attend the funeral service.
The funeral mass will be broadcast live via government media platforms and radio stations.
The Government of Dominica extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Dr. Carissa Faustina Etienne.
