Legacy in Action: Rebuilding the Roof, Renewing the Vision
For over 92 years, St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) has stood as a pillar of excellence in Dominica—shaping
young men of purpose, faith, and integrity. Among its proudest achievements stands the Brother Egbert
Germain Wing, inaugurated in 1998 to honor the steadfast leadership and devotion of Brother Egbert
Germain, who guided the Academy through a defining era of growth and transformation.
Yet, the legacy he built now faces a pressing challenge. The roof of the Brother Egbert Germain Wing, gravely damaged during Hurricane Maria (2017), remains in urgent need of repair. Years of effort have not yet secured the full funding needed to restore this vital educational space, which serves hundreds of young men who continue the Academy’s proud
tradition.
To address this, the St. Mary’s Academy Alumni Infrastructural & Development Fund Inc. has launched
the Egbert Germain Wing Roof Development Campaign—a united global call to SMA alumni, friends,
and partners to help raise USD $180,000 by June/July 2026.
This fund will finance:
- Complete roof replacement
- Ceiling and insulation installation
- Window and structural restoration
In a meaningful show of solidarity, Author Tony Jno Baptiste—a proud SMA alumnus—has entered into
a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fund. Through this partnership, he has pledged 20%
of net proceeds from his acclaimed book.
St Mary’s Academy: Egbert Germain Wing
Legacy in Action: How One Man Transformed a Generation of Men, to support the restoration of the
Brother Egbert Germain Wing.
This initiative transforms art into action—each copy sold helps rebuild the physical and spiritual home
that shaped generations. Through Legacy in Action, readers not only encounter a story of
transformation but also become part of the Academy’s living legacy of service, resilience, and
brotherhood.
Campaign Goal: USD $180,000
Completion Target: June/July 2026
Together—with every book purchased, every dollar donated, every story shared—we can restore the
roof that once sheltered our dreams and ensure that future generations stand beneath it with pride and
promise.
Buy the book. Support the cause. Rebuild the legacy.
Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding: (from L to R: Sylvia Jno Baptiste- Principal of SMA, Tony
Jno Baptiste, Bro. Egbert Germain, Alvin Thomas- Co-Founder of St. Mary’s Academy Infrastructural and
Development Foundation)
Brother Egbert Germain: A Legacy of Vision, Discipline, and Devotion
Brother Egbert Germain was more than a principal; he was a transformative force who reshaped St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) and left an indelible mark on generations of Dominican men. A member of the
Christian Brothers of Canada, Brother Germain arrived in Dominica during a time of social, economic, and educational transition. What he found was a community of potential; what he built was a movement of
purpose.
Under his leadership, St. Mary’s Academy became not just a school—but a forge for character, discipline, and leadership. He believed that education was not merely about knowledge but about cultivating moral courage, intellectual curiosity, and spiritual grounding. His insistence on excellence was balanced by a deep compassion for his students, many of whom came from humble beginnings yet went on to become leaders in government, business, and community life.
Brother Germain guided SMA through some of its most challenging years, confronting limited resources, evolving curricula, and the pressing need to expand enrollment. His vision and tenacity culminated in the creation of the Brother Egbert Germain Wing, inaugurated in 1998—a physical embodiment of his belief in progress, resilience, and faith in the promise of youth.
Beyond the walls of the classroom, Brother Germain’s mentorship instilled in his students a sense of duty to community, reverence for discipline, and pride in service. His influence reached far beyond Dominica’s shores, shaping men who carried his lessons into every sphere of their lives.
Today, the story of Brother Germain lives on in Legacy in Action: How One Man Transformed a Generation of Men—a compelling testament authored by Tony Jno Baptiste, one of the many who were touched by his guidance. The book is more than biography—it is a call to remembrance and renewal, illustrating how one man’s unwavering commitment to faith and education changed the trajectory of a nation’s sons.
In partnership with the St. Mary’s Academy Alumni Infrastructural & Development Fund, twenty percent of the book’s proceeds will go directly toward restoring the Brother Egbert Germain Wing, whose roof was devastated during Hurricane Maria. Every purchase of Legacy in Action becomes an act of rebuilding—not only a structure, but a story of perseverance and purpose.
Brother Germain’s legacy is not written in stone—it lives in us.
Through this campaign, we honor his vision by ensuring that the walls he helped raise continue to shelter, inspire, and educate generations to come.
Purchase “Legacy in Action” — Read the story. Rebuild the legacy.
Miguel Murphy, proud SMA alumni, Executive Director
of Student Engagement, Community Partnerships and
Enrollment Management for Miami Dade College.
Synopsis: Legacy In Action: How One Man Has Transformed a Generation of Men
Legacy in Action: How One Man Transformed a Generation of Men – Brother Egbert Germain is a stirring tribute and an urgent call to renewal. It chronicles the extraordinary life and leadership of Brother Egbert Germain—an educator, mentor, and moral architect who shaped generations of young men through discipline, compassion, and faith in education as a force for social transformation.
More than a biography, this book is a guide for educators, parents, mentors, youth advocates, and community builders who believe in the power of values-driven leadership. Each chapter unveils timeless lessons on integrity, respect, discipline, and visionary thinking—offering readers practical tools to rebuild families, strengthen communities, and cultivate purpose in a changing world.
Legacy in Action challenges us all to lead with empathy, teach with conviction, and build a future worthy of those who came before us. It is both a reflection on one man’s enduring impact and a roadmap for those determined to carry his torch forward.
Get A Copy Here
E-Book $7.99 | Soft Cover $16.99
Jno Baptiste Residence in Belfast, Dominica- March 2, 2025
Author’s Bio
Tony Jno Baptiste is more than a writer—he is a storyteller, a community builder, and a dedicated
advocate for transformational leadership. A proud member of the Class of 1985, Tony credits much of
his personal and professional success to the foundational values instilled during his school days under
the steadfast leadership of Brother Egbert Germain.
With a career spanning over three decades across North America and the Caribbean, Tony has served as
a visionary leader in education, youth development, and organizational transformation. His work has
impacted countless lives—from designing national youth programs and equity initiatives to training
future leaders in universities, community health settings, and corporate boardrooms.
In this deeply personal yet historically rich tribute, Tony invites readers to journey through the legacy of
Brother Germain—not just as an educator but as a moral compass, a builder of men, and a beacon of
discipline, integrity, and service. This book is more than a biography; it’s a powerful reflection on
mentorship, leadership, and the lasting imprint one man has had on a generation.
For anyone who has ever been changed by a great teacher—or who believes in the quiet power of
unwavering principles—this book will resonate deeply. It is a call to remember, to honour, and to
believe once again in the difference one life can make.
How It all Started: Legacy in Action
At a vibrant family gathering on Carnival Sunday, March 2, 2025, a remarkable moment unfolded that
transcended time. Surrounded by alumni and family, including the sons of St. Mary’s Academy’s first
Student Council president, we were swept into a spontaneous, heartfelt rendition of our alma mater. In
those fleeting minutes, we were no longer adults defined by years of experience—we were once again
the young men shaped by the halls, values, and brotherhood of St. Mary’s Academy.
The energy was electric. Proud parents, devoted spouses, and the current principal, Sylvia Jno Baptiste,
bore witness, capturing the moment for posterity. Shared across social media, it ignited a wave of
connection and admiration from alumni worldwide, bringing together voices who had longed to relive
those formative days under Brother Egbert Germain’s inspiring guidance.
In that instant, it became clear: Brother Germain’s influence extends far beyond nostalgia. He awakens
unity, purpose, and joy, reminding all who know him of the extraordinary impact one person can have
on a generation. From a joyful gathering arose a profound mission—to preserve his legacy in action,
immortalizing the life and leadership of a man who transformed countless lives.
Legacy in Action: How One Man Transformed a Generation of Men—Brother Egbert Germain.
