The Dominica Dementia Foundation stands with the family and friends of Ms Giselle Michineau in addressing her tragic and horrific death that has left several communities in shock and mourning. Ms Michineau was a familiar figure in her community who frequently visited family and friends. In recent years, she displayed memory loss, disorientation and wandering – key signs of dementia. Because of this pattern of behaviour, she was well known within the northern communities, and several persons kept an eye on her and maintained communication with the family. She was never a bother to anyone, instead she was a familiar face and part of the community structure. The communities from Capuchin to Portsmouth could really be said to have been “a dementia friendly society.”

The way Giselle lost her life is not only deeply distressing but also a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals living with mental health conditions. The same adage “it takes a village to raise a child” also applies to the disadvantaged, that is “it takes a village to care for the elderly or persons who live with mental health issues”.

The Dominica Dementia Foundation will take a moment of silence for Giselle at our Walk and Lime event on Sunday 24th November, meeting at 3:45pm at the Cruise ship Berth on Bayfront. From 4pm, we will walk to the cricket pavilion in the Botanic Gardens, where we will continue with an informal Lime with singing and refreshments. Our T Shirt slogan is “Walk and Lime – liming is great for your mental health.” Please join us as we walk with her in solidarity with the family. Please contact 277-2952 or 235-8367 for more information.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Giselle.