Oliver Seraphin
This biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (May 2018) |
Oliver James Seraphin | |
---|---|
Prime Minister of Dominica | |
In office June 25, 1979 – July 21, 1980 | |
President | Jenner Armour Aurelius Marie |
Preceded by | Patrick John |
Succeeded by | Eugenia Charles |
Personal details | |
Born | Roseau, Dominica | August 2, 1943
Nationality | Dominican |
Political party | Dominica Labour Party |
Oliver James "O. J." Seraphin (or Seraphine; born August 2, 1943) was the Minister of communication and works and housing for the Labour Party government from 1975- 1979 and acting 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 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 over 76 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, in which he did. He was known to also help and rebuild homes for the homeless financing it all from his own personal account. He restored the island and helped create jobs. In his one (1) plus year in office he is set to have helped over half of the population of the island in the most biggest hurricane disaster the commonwealth of Dominica has ever faced.
Although he was loved by many, he lost the 1980 election to [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]
He is also taking time to spend it with family: his longtime wife Lily Seraphin, and his many children. His first child (daughter), Cheryl Seraphin, is said to be now living in Paris, France, an early retired child psychologist now pursuing her own high-end cake art company in Paris called English Dream Cake.
None of his children have entered the world of politics.
References[]
- ^ a b c d e Honychurch, Lennox. "Seraphin, Oliver, James "O.J.":". Lennox Honychurch's A-to-Z of Dominica's Heritage. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2006-11-10.
- 1943 births
- Living people
- People from Roseau
- Dominica Labour Party politicians
- Prime Ministers of Dominica
- Agriculture ministers of Dominica
- Communication ministers of Dominica
- Foreign ministers of Dominica
- Fisheries ministers of Dominica
- Housing ministers of Dominica
- Public works ministers of Dominica
- Members of the House of Assembly of Dominica
- Dominica businesspeople