Dominica PM pays tribute to wife of first prime minister
Key Points(5)
- Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on Tuesday paid tribute to the family of Desiree John, the wife of Dominica’s first prime minister, Patrick John, who died early Tuesday at Dominica-Friendship Hospital.
- The cause of death has not been disclosed.
- Family members said she died in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
- Skerrit, who leads the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), which was also led by Patrick John when Dominica gained political independence from Britain in 1978, told Parliament that while Mrs.
- John never held public office, the country was grateful for her contribution to nation-building alongside her late husband.
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on Tuesday paid tribute to the family of Desiree John, the wife of Dominica’s first prime minister, Patrick John, who died early Tuesday at Dominica-Friendship Hospital. She was 78.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Family members said she died in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Skerrit, who leads the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), which was also led by Patrick John when Dominica gained political independence from Britain in 1978, told Parliament that while Mrs. John never held public office, the country was grateful for her contribution to nation-building alongside her late husband.
Patrick John died in July 2021 at the age of 83.
“That in itself is a serious responsibility, and during very difficult periods of our country’s history, she stood steadfast in the service of Dominica, and we are very grateful for her service,” Skerrit said.
The prime minister said the Cabinet had previously decided to recognise the service and contributions of former prime ministers by providing them with certain forms of facilitation.
He said the Cabinet had since amended that decision.
“I believe that the time will have to come at some point where the Parliament needs to have this as an Act of Parliament, so that beyond any political considerations, those matters are squarely settled,” Skerrit said.
Mrs. John is survived by her seven children and her brother, former Windward Islands cricketer Thomas Kentish.
