West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) has expressed profound sorrow following the passing of veteran Dominican businessman McMillan Jno-Baptiste, describing him as one of the company’s most dedicated and enduring retail partners.

Known affectionately as “Mr. Mac,” Jno-Baptiste maintained a remarkable relationship with WIOC spanning more than five decades, having joined the company’s retail network in 1972. According to WIOC, he operated the longest-serving dealership in its retail network across Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica.

In a statement, the company hailed Jno-Baptiste as a respected entrepreneur whose commitment to customer service left an indelible mark on the Dominican business community.

“Mr. Jno-Baptiste will be remembered as an exemplary businessman whose unwavering commitment to serving the people of Dominica earned him the admiration and respect of generations. Quite simply, Mr. Mac put the service in his service stations,” the company said.

WIOC Chief Executive Officer Gregory F. Georges reflected on Jno-Baptiste’s life and legacy, noting that his influence reached far beyond the petroleum industry.

“As I reflect on his remarkable life, we honour not only his outstanding contributions to the petroleum industry but also the integrity, resilience, humility and generosity that defined his character,” Georges said.

“His legacy will continue to live on through the business he built, the community he served, and the many lives he touched throughout his extraordinary journey.”

Georges also shared a personal memory of visiting Jno-Baptiste at his home just five weeks before his passing. During the visit, the two reminisced about Jno-Baptiste’s childhood in Roseau and his years at the Roseau Boys’ School, where he attended alongside Georges’ father and uncle.

“He spoke with such enthusiasm, reflecting fondly on the lifelong friendship they shared. It was a conversation filled with warmth, laughter and treasured memories,” Georges recalled.

On behalf of WIOC, Georges extended heartfelt condolences to Jno-Baptiste’s family, friends and loved ones, expressing hope that they find comfort and strength as they mourn the loss of a man whose life was defined by service, professionalism and community spirit.

Jno-Baptiste’s passing marks the end of an era for WIOC and the wider Dominican business community, where he built a lasting reputation through decades of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to excellence.