CASTRIES, St. Lucia – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chairman, Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre says he is saddened at the death of the President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana, Gabriel Serville, earlier this week. He was 67 years-old.
CARICOM chairman and St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre (left) and the President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana, Gabriel Serville, during the CARICOM summit in St. Lucia in July.Serville, who worked as a mathematics teacher and high school principal before entering national politics, died Wednesday from cancer treatment complications.
“President Serville dedicated himself to the service of the People of French Guiana, whom he served with distinction. Throughout his tenure, he remained steadfast in his efforts to advance the development and well-being of French Guiana and its people,” said Pierre, who is also the prime minister of St. Lucia.
Pierre said that Serville was also instrumental in fostering closer relations between French Guiana and the Caribbean, as demonstrated through his efforts towards French Guiana’s accession to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as an Associate Member in July, this year.
“This historic milestone, which was formalised in St. Lucia, stands as a testament to his dedication to strengthening regional cooperation and ties between French Guiana and the Caribbean,” Pierre said, adding “our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time of bereavement”.
Meanwhile, the 15-member regional integration grouping in a separate statement said Serville dedicated many years of his life to public service in national politics and academia. “He led efforts for engagements with CARICOM, which were formalised on 7 July 2026 with French Guiana’s accession as the eighth Associate Member of the Community.
“CARICOM acknowledges his contribution to efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation in areas critical to regional development,” the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said, adding “we extend deepest condolences to the government and people of French Guiana.”
