Oliver Seraphin
| Oliver James Seraphin | |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister of Dominica | |
| In office June 25, 1979 – July 21, 1980 | |
| Preceded by | Patrick John |
| Succeeded by | Eugenia Charles |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 2, 1943 Roseau, Dominica |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Political party | Dominica Labour Party |
Oliver James "O. J." Seraphin (or Seraphine; born August 2, 1943) was the Prime Minister of Dominica from June 25, 1979, until July 21, 1980.
Early life
Seraphin grew up in Roseau, the capital, and received primary and secondary education at Roseau Mixed School and Dominica Grammar School; later in life, he studied at the Carnegie Institute in the United States and in Cuba. Prior to politics, he worked in the insurance industry.[1]
Government Minister
He served in the socialist Dominica Labour Party government of Prime Minister Patrick John from 1975 to 1979. Seraphin originally held the posts of Minister of Communications, Works, and Housing, but in a cabinet reshuffle, the Prime Minister made him Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Caricom Affairs.[1] During this time, the Commonwealth of Dominica gained its independence from the United Kingdom. When violent crowds opposed to the John government protested outside the House of Assembly, Seraphin resigned.[1]
Time as Prime Minister
Seraphin became Prime Minister on June 25 1979, at the request of the "Committee of National Salvation." In August 1979, Dominica was hit by Hurricane David, which killed 56 people, and devastated much of the island. Seraphin was preoccupied with rescue and rebuilding efforts. He traveled to Barbados, Canada, France, the United States, and Venezuela to seek financial aid for rebuilding his country's infrastructure. However, he lost the 1980 election by [1] Eugenia Charles. He has not returned to politics.
Life after politics
Seraphin's government is commonly referred to as the "Interim Government." Since leaving politics, he has returned to business, especially that which is tourism-related, and maintains a public profile.[1]
References
| Preceded by Patrick John |
Prime Minister of Dominica 25 June 1979—21 July 1980 |
Succeeded by Eugenia Charles |
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