Tribute to Dr. Francisca Jacob Roberts

By Ag. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Griffin Benjamin

The Minister of Health and staff are extremely saddened by the untimely death of our friend and colleague Francisca Jacob-Roberts. The sudden death came as a shock to us all.

Her unexpected passing has left a void in our lives. However, we grieve for the family who has lost an illustrious daughter, mother and wife. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her dear husband and children,her mother and siblings and all her relatives.

We at the Ministry were fortunate to have worked with Dr. Francisca Jacob-Roberts, a quiet and unassuming individual. She was a most private person in life and we respect her privacy even in death.

At the time of her death, she functioned in the prestigious office of Director of Primary Health Care. As a manager she was the supervisor for the largest group of public health workers on the island. Dominica, Primary Health Care is our most marketable health resource and she directed this program.

Dr Francisca Jacob was a graduate of the Cuban Medical Program. She returned to Dominica as a medical doctor in 1992 and worked throughout the health system until 2006 when she pursued post graduate studies in public health in the United States of America.

She leaves to mourn her husband, and three children and the rest of the family. In the Ministry of Health we remember Dr Jacob as a staunch defender of honesty and integrity.

Her achievements in life are testimony to hard work. She will be sadly missed by the Ministry of Health.

May her soul rest in peace.