A staff member of the Dominica State Prisons (DSP) has described the late retired Prisons Superintendent Denis Blanc as “a people’s person” and a man who allowed others to grow and excel.
Alvin Auguiste, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (acting), worked with Blanc for over 25 years at the Dominica State Prisons and said his former boss had a passion for helping people.
“I have known Mr. Denis Blanc since I was a child growing up in my community, and he has always been “a people’s person” …. a very approachable man, easy going and understanding. I worked with him when he was Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and also when he took up the role of Superintendent of Prisons,” ASP (acting) Auguiste told Nature Isle News (NIN) in an exclusive interview.
He continued, “As Superintendent of Prisons, he had that passion for helping those who found themselves in conflict with the law, so he adopted a rehabilitative approach, especially with the juvenile and young offenders, to minimize the possibilities of reoffending.”
According to Auguiste, he welcomed his (Blanc’s) approach because “I found it very effective”.
“I will remember him for his thoughtfulness and also for allowing others to grow and expose their talents. He was indeed a great leader…. Rest in Eternal Peace, Mr. Blanc.”
Also, sharing thoughts on the life of the late Denis Blanc is Kenrick Jean Jacques, the man who succeeded him as Prison Superintendent.
Jean Jacques described the late Denis Blanc as “a friend and mentor.”
“He exposed me a lot…gave me and others a chance to develop… he was a good man, very knowledgeable about his work and willing to teach and show people the way,” Jean Jacques stated.
He recalled always visiting him at his home and while sick at the hospital, saying, “he will be missed, rest well, my friend, teacher, and mentor, gone too soon.”
Denise A. Blanc died at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) last week at the age of 68 years. He replaced Algernon Anthony Charter as Prison Superintendent, who went on pre-retirement leave in 2011.
Blanc was appointed Prison Superintendent on November 1, 2013, and served until he proceeded on pre-retirement leave in August 2016; he officially retired in July 2017.