Renette François Barbier [1945 - 2012], daughter of community organizer Margherita Thermitus and pastor, government official and cultivator Françillion Francois, was born in the village of Duval, in Ayiti. Renette learned especially from her mother the importance of selflessness and community care. Upon her relocation to Québec in 1970, her arrival painted a different picture and her insertion into Quebec society was not as easy as it promised. As her nursing diploma was not recognized in Canada, she first worked as seamstress and in an orphanage, ultimately becoming head nurse after completing her studies.
She was not someone who ever let challenges get in the way and she was known for her fierce capacity to break through adversity and an undeniable talent to mobilize and find creative ways to get things done. In 1999, she received the Prix Gérald-Godin for her efforts in integrating young people from cultural communities into their host society; in 2002, she was the Black History Month laureate.
Dr. Jean-René Barbier [1949 - 2022] never went very far without his wife, which deeded him to be jokingly referred to as her “purse”. The two of them shared an undeniable complicity, a passion for life and were lifelong learners, always developing new talents throughout their lives to be in service of their community.
Jean-René grew up in the small town of l’Asile where he was taught at a nearly age that any prosperity was meant to be shared with others. As a scientist and doctor in Natural medicine, Jean-René processed formal education in both fields and brought this principle of holistic logic and peacemaking into everything he did. He was often solicited from his close friends and community for advice. At the time of his death in 2022, he had over 300 pro bono patients in his care whom he treated in a pay-what-you-can framework of care.
After Renette François Barbier's passing in 2012, OTEI's leadership transitioned to Rheau-Jean Claude, a community leader, pastor, and entrepreneur deeply engaged in OTEI's community and humanitarian efforts.