It is with profound sadness that we have to announce the death of former government Minister and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dominica Air & Seaport Authority (DASPA), Ian Pinard.
According to reports, Pinard died at his home in the early hours of April 17, 2026. He was 54 years old.
Pinard was first elected to the House of Assembly in the 2005 election. He was elected to represent the Soufrière constituency on the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) ticket. In 2009, Pinard declined to seek re-election due to health-related reasons. Sam Martin succeeded him in parliament.
Pinard was elected to parliament again in the 2014 election.
His candidacy was endorsed by Martin. On 12 December 2014, Pinard was sworn in as minister for public works and ports.
On 2 March 2016, Pinard resigned as government minister due to “allegations that he had inappropriate conduct with an underage girl.
On 26 April, Pinard also resigned as MP due to the same allegations. Pinard had been arrested in relation to the allegations and subsequently went on bail.
In the by-election which resulted from Pinard’s resignation, Denise Charles was chosen as the DLP candidate.
She had previously worked on Pinard’s campaign. On 15 May, Pinard endorsed Charles’s candidacy. He also worked on her campaign.
After resigning, he served as acting general manager at Petro Caribe Dominica. In November 2024, Pinard was elected as vice president of the DLP, and, in December 2024, Pinard was appointed as CEO of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority, replacing Benoit Bardouille.