Alphonso Dennie

Alphonso Alpheus Dennie (16 May 1928 - 22 September 2020) was a Vincentian educator who served as the Minister of Education, Community Development and Youth Affairs from 4 May 1972 to 18 September 1974. Outside of politics, he was the headmaster of schools both in the country as well as in Barbados. He spent the latter part of his career as chairman of the national electricity company and as chairman of the philatelic bureau.

Early life Dennie was born in Troumaca on 16 May 1928, the fourth of eight children. He attended the Troumaca Government School, then became a supernumerary teacher at the same school. In 1950, he was transferred to Union Island and made the assistant headmaster. He later transferred back to Troumaca to become the headmaster. He also served as a headmaster of the Georgetown Government School, and taught at the Chateaubelair Methodist School. Before the 1967 election, the incumbent MP for North Leeward (since 1951) The SVLP fielded newcomer John G. Thompson for the 1972 election. This time, Dennie won.

Dennie was appointed Minister of Education, Community Development and Youth Affairs in the new government.

Later career and retirement After leaving the House of Assembly, Dennie and his family moved to Barbados in 1975. He taught at several schools, and also owned a restaurant. Dennie retired in 2001,

Personal life Dennie first saw his wife Stella (1929–2012) when she was a member of the choir at Troumaca Methodist Church, and then decided to join the choir himself. Dennie and Stella were married in Kingstown in 1950 and had seven children. Their oldest son and second child Olin J.B. Dennie (1953–2016) Among the speakers at the service were Mike Findlay, former PM Sir James Fitz-Allen Mitchell, and St Clair Leacock.

Honours