Condolences from the President: Death of Mr. Gérard Lainez
September 28, 2020“It is with deep sadness that I learned
“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the death of Mr. Gérard Lainez, a baker recognized and appreciated by all.
After leaving his native Guadeloupe in the 1970s, Gérard Lainez first devoted his first years in Saint-Martin to the profession of entrepreneur. It was only at the beginning of the 1980s, with the help of his inseparable wife, Mrs. Lainez, that he began his new career as a baker.
He put his whole heart into it, for years. Building on its notoriety, the Lainez bakery has left its mark on generations of school and college students, thanks to its first location located opposite the Jean-Louis Vanterpool stadium in Marigot. Over time, it has become a real institution in its stronghold of Rambaud.
Gérard Lainez was a generous man who, without noise or publicity, sponsored sports clubs, notably cycling and athletics which he appreciated, but also the associations which asked him to do so. He loved helping the youth of his island.
We remember that after Hurricane Irma, the Lainez bakery was the only one to make bread every morning. It thus supplied many Saint-Martin families throughout the territory for several weeks. Not content with this feat, Mr. Lainez reserved part of his batch for free distributions to poor people.
The Community of Saint-Martin and its elected officials are particularly grateful to him. His departure will leave a great void for his family, his close friends and those who appreciated him. It is now his son who has taken over the torch of the bakery, thanks to years of apprenticeship and wise advice from his father.
On behalf of the members of the Territorial Council of Saint-Martin, in my personal name and on behalf of my family, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lainez. Saint-Martin already regrets it.
May his soul rest in peace. ".
Daniel GIBBS