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]

The path of Hurricane David. Dominica is obscured by an orange dot.

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

1. Honychurch, Lennox. "Seraphin, Oliver, James "O.J.":". Lennox Honychurch's A-to-Z of Dominica's Heritage. Retrieved 2006-11-10.