21 Facts About Patrick John

Patrick Roland John was the first Prime Minister of Dominica as well as its last Premier.

Patrick John led Dominica to independence from the United Kingdom.

Patrick John was leader of the Waterfront and Allied Workers' Union and mayor of Roseau before being elected to the legislature in 1970.

Patrick John became Premier in 1974 following the resignation of Edward Oliver LeBlanc.

On 6 July 2021, Patrick John died at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital in Roseau, Dominica, at the age of 83.

Patrick John was appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance in 1973.

Patrick John's government opened a new deepwater harbour at Fond Cole and started the Dominica Social Security system.

Patrick John introduced legislation so broadly drawn that it even regulated acceptable modes of dress.

Patrick John was responsible for the infamous Prohibited and Undesirable Societies Act or "Dread Act", which was passed in 1974 and was meant to combat the lawlessness of countless Dominican youth.

Patrick John became the first Prime Minister of Dominica on 3 November 1978 when the country was granted independence from Britain.

Patrick John was the honorary commander of Dominica's 80-strong defense force and was in favor of a mixed economy.

Sentiment against the Labour Party government led by Patrick John continued to grow after the implementation of the Dread Act.

Patrick John led the rump Labour Party in the 1980 general election he lost his seat in the Dominica House of Assembly.

Patrick John was replaced as deputy party leader by Seraphin in 1985.

Patrick John was elected again into the House of Assembly from St Joseph constituency, from 1 July 1985 to 20 February 1986.

In 1981 Patrick John was among seven individuals including former commander of the DDF Major Frederick Newton, who were arrested for alleged plots to overthrow the government.

In court cases which followed, the trial judge found that Patrick John was initially released, but the State appealed and the Court of Appeal ordered a new trial to take place.

On October 23,1985, Patrick John was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment for conspiring to overthrow the government.

Patrick John was later pardoned by the same Prime Minister Mary Eugenia Charles he sought to overthrow, and he was released from prison on May 29,1990.

Patrick John served as President until 2006, when he was voted out of office by the local football fraternity.

In November 2011, Patrick John was banned by FIFA from the sport for two years and fined $3,300, for his part in an alleged bribery scheme involving FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam.