Roseau, Dominica-December 02, 2024: The Official Funeral for the late Lennard „Pappy‟ Baptiste, former Member of Parliament, will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024.

A Day of Mourning has been declared for the day of the funeral, and all state flags on all public buildings shall be flown at half-mast.

Mr. Baptiste served as a Senator in the Parliament from January 14, 1980 to April 27, 1980, and later founded the Dominica Progressive Party, advocating for the construction of an international airport and the legalization of medicinal marijuana among other issues.

Born on December 23, 1938 in Castle Bruce, Mr. Baptiste received his early education at the Castle Bruce Primary School. He began his working life at Melville Hall Estate overseeing livestock, before pursuing opportunities in Antigua and later St. Croix, where he established a successful taxi company and worked with Hess Oil Company, transporting employees.

Upon his return to Dominica, Mr. Baptiste opened a supermarket in Castle Bruce, later expanding to Canefield and Calibishie. He also facilitated trade between Dominica and the Virgin Islands, renting a cargo vessel for transporting local farmers’ produce; and introduced a bus service, providing school transportation for rural children.

Following Hurricane David, Mr. Baptiste acquired a 150-foot boat to further support local farmers, exporting their produce to the Virgin Islands.

The Official Funeral for the late Lennard “Pappy” Baptiste will be held at the Goodwill Pentecostal Church at 10:00a.m. Viewing will take place at 9:30a.m.

The Government of Dominica extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Lennard „Pappy‟ Baptiste.