The members of the Msgr. Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC) learned of the passing of Yves Renard. He was insightful, down-to-earth, and generous. He will remembered for his sincerity, passion, and dedication to the communities he served, locally in Labourie, in the Caribbean, and globally.
Renard is renowned in the Caribbean and globally for his work on natural resources management and environmental issues. His leadership was grounded in real-life community experiences but had a tremendous global impact. He also provided many years of selfless, committed, and inspiring service in the fields of cultural development and the development of the Kwéyòl language.
Yves joined the FRC when he settled in Saint Lucia in 1980. He was a founding member of Mouvman Kwéyòl Sent Lisi (MOKWEYOL), the grassroots movement that was responsible for the research and promotion of the Kwéyòl language. When the work of MOWYEOL became integrated into the programmes of the FRC, Yves continued to provide leadership and facilitated many teaching and research activities in the Laborie village and surrounding communities. He served the FRC in many different capacities, and on committees that addressed cultural issues and organization management and development.
Yves has left us with a legacy of progressive and selfless participation in cultural development which lives on in the work of the Labowi Promotions, cultural tourism in Laborie, Creole Jazz exchanges, the FRC, Events Company of Saint Lucia, and the Cultural Development Foundation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends loved ones and dispersed communities.
Embert Charles
Chairman
Monsignor Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre