Condolences from the President to Doctor Riboud

I learned with great sadness of the death of Doctor Dominique Riboud. A dental surgeon in Saint-Martin for several decades, he was a professional appreciated by all, attentive to his patients, generous, always devoted.
Dominique Riboud spent most of his life in Saint-Martin, in his stronghold of the Orléans neighborhood. He arrived on the island in 1976, at a time when there were only a few thousand of us. He was one of those who deeply loved this island, its inhabitants, its culture and its way of life. He was simply one of us and we are very saddened today by the news of his death.

I would like to highlight his unwavering commitment to the social and political life of Saint-Martin. He was a man of conviction who contributed to our territory. Passionate about chess, he introduced the discipline to the island at a time when activities for young people were rare. He became involved in politics very early, alongside Mayor Elie Fleming, based on strong republican values ​​of Liberty, equality and fraternity.

During his term as territorial councillor in the 2017-2022 mandate, he was president of the Water and Sanitation Establishment (EEASM), a mandate in which he was heavily involved despite his failing health in recent years. He was one of the major players in the change of public service delegation from Veolia. The Collectivité of Saint-Martin is particularly grateful to him for this. His speeches in the hemicycle of the territorial council were always frank and direct. I liked his frankness, his wit, I appreciated the man he was.

On this day of mourning, my thoughts go to his wife Maggy, his children Eve and David, and all the members of his family.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones on behalf of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, my vice-presidents, territorial councillors and administrative staff.

Doctor Dominique Riboud left a lasting mark on Saint-Martin through his commitment and his human qualities. He is in our hearts and now rests in peace.