Oliver Seraphin

Oliver James "O. J." Seraphin (or Seraphine; born August 2, 1943 ) is a former Dominican politician. He served as the Minister of communication and works and housing for the Labour Party government from 1975 to 1979 and acting Prime Minister of Dominica from 25 June 1979 until 21 July 1980.

Early life Seraphin grew up in Roseau, Dominica, the capital, and received primary and secondary education at Roseau Mixed School and Dominica Grammar School; later in life, he studied at the Carnegie Institute in the United States and in Cuba. Prior to politics, he worked in the insurance industry.

Government Minister He served in the socialist Dominica Labour Party government of Prime Minister Patrick John from 1975 to 1979. Seraphin originally held the posts of Minister of Communications, Works, and Housing, but in a cabinet reshuffle, the Prime Minister made him Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Caricom Affairs. However, he lost his seat, and Dominica Freedom Party led by Eugenia Charles won the election.

In 1983 Seraphin merged Dominica Democratic Labour Party back to Dominica Labour Party, and was elected as the leader of Dominica Labour Party with Patrick John as deputy leader. In 1985 he became the deputy party leader under Michael Douglas.

Life after politics Seraphin's government is commonly referred to as the "Interim Government." Since leaving politics, he has returned to business, especially that which is tourism-related, and maintains a public profile.

He is married to Lily Seraphin.