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THE DOMINICAN.NET GALLERY OF A THOUSAND WORDS

The Prime Ministers of Dominica
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Oliver James Seraphine (June 1979- July 1980)

Following the resignation of Patrick John in 1979, the thirty-six year old Seraphine was selected by a Committee of National Salvation (CSN) to become Dominica's second Prime Minister.

Within two months of assuming power, Dominica was brought to its knees by the destructive winds of hurricane David on August 29, 1979. Seraphine set about the task of rebuilding a country that had lost 42 people in the storm as well as over ninety percent of its homes and virtually all it's agricultural crops. At the same time, he had to prepare for national elections.

The popular leader who was the first to resign from John's cabinet, formed the Democratic Labour Party to contest the general elections.

By then, the country was ready for change and his party was swept aside by the Dominica Freedom Party of Dame Eugenia Charles, which won 19 of the 21 seats.

Following his defeat at the polls, Seraphine resigned from active politics and retired to the village of Concord to build and develop Floral Resorts.