First Prime Minister of Dominica Patrick Roland John passed away at 83

Patrick John was commander of Dominica’s 80-strong defense force

7th of July 2021

First Prime Minister of Dominica Patrick Roland John passed away at 83

Patrick Roland John passed away in the morning on Tuesday 6th July 2021. Patrick Roland John dies in Dominica China Friendship Hospital. Patrick John was the first Prime Minister of independent Dominica and the last premier of British ruled Dominica.

Patrick John, while his political career, has held many ministerial posts, the leader of the Waterfront and Allied Workers’ Union and also served as mayor of Roseau before being chosen to the legislature in 1970 and replaced E.O. Leblanc as Premier in 1974. Patrick John was commander of Dominica’s 80-strong defense force.

While Patrick John was Premier of Dominica, the country gained independence from the rule of the British on 3rd November 1978. John Patrick became the first Prime Minister of independent Dominica.

President of Dominica said that contribution of Patrick John to Dominica’s political independence would never be disremembered. Patrick John also made a significant contribution in the sector of industrial relations and sports development, particularly during his work as President of the Dominica Football Association (DFA). It was the time when under his leadership, the DFA became a FIFA affiliate.

PM Roosevelt Skerrit said that he sent his sincere condolences to John’s family. PM Skerrit stated that the government would be bearing all the expenses of the funeral, and the flag would be flown half-mast.“

PM Skerrit said that he was deeply saddened by the demise of Dominica’s first Prime Minister, Patrick Roland John. Patrick John made a tremendous contribution to the country’s development. PM Skerrit sends condolences to his wife and his children on their loss.

According to the medical reports, Patrick Roland John was suffering from a heart-related illness for a long time. Due to which he had earlier undergone treatment in Martinique.

Globally, Patrick Roland John displayed his interest in development that saw the island’s future tied up to the West governance. His most significant act was that after independence, he tried to build diplomatic relations with South Korea.