(Source: CNW)
Former Dominica government minister and public sector executive Ian Pinard has died at the age of 54. Reports indicate he passed away at his home in the early hours of April 17, 2026. His death brings to a close a public career that spanned elected office, party leadership, and senior roles within Dominica’s state institutions.
Pinard first entered Parliament following the 2005 general election, representing the Soufrière constituency on the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) ticket. He did not contest the 2009 election but returned to frontline politics in 2014, regaining his seat and being sworn in as Minister for Public Works and Ports on December 12 of that year.
His tenure in government ended in March 2016 when he resigned amid allegations of inappropriate conduct, later stepping down as Member of Parliament in April following his reported arrest and release on bail.
A by-election was subsequently held, with Denise Charles emerging as the DLP candidate with Pinard’s endorsement and campaign support.
After leaving elected office, Pinard remained active in public administration, serving as acting general manager at Petro Caribe Dominica.
He later re-emerged in political leadership in November 2024 when he was elected vice president of the DLP, and was subsequently appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA), succeeding Benoit Bardouille.
Pinard’s passing marks the end of a career that moved between electoral politics and senior administrative leadership within Dominica’s public sector.
