Crispin Sorhaindo
Crispin Sorhaindo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Crispin Anselm Sorhaindo Template:Birth date Vieille Case, Dominica |
| Died | January 10, 2010 (aged 78) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, public servant, banker |
| Years active | 1950–1998 |
| Known for | Fourth President of Dominica (1993–1998) |
Crispin Anselm Sorhaindo OBE (23 May 1931 – 10 January 2010) served as Dominica’s fourth President, holding office from 25 October 1993 until 5 October 1998.
Early life
Sorhaindo was born in Vieille Case in 1931 and received his education at the local government school followed by Dominica Grammar School. After a period of public service, he pursued further studies overseas at Trinity College, Oxford (1956–57) and later at the Royal Institute of Public Administration (1963–64), specializing in public finance.
Political career
From 1950 through 1973, Sorhaindo occupied several prominent positions within the public sector, including Clerk of the Executive and Legislative Councils, chief establishment officer, principal secretary at the Ministry of Finance, and financial secretary.
In 1963, he acted as secretary to the Civil Service Commission concerning the Proposed East Caribbean Federation, an initiative intended to unite eight territories apart from the West Indies Federation. He also participated as a delegate in the 1966 London conference that granted Dominica self-governing Associated State status prior to its full independence in 1978.
A strong advocate for regional unity, Sorhaindo was instrumental in early Caribbean integration initiatives. He represented Dominica during foundational meetings that led to the creation of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) and its successor CARICOM. Additionally, he contributed to establishing both the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Between 1973 and 1988, Sorhaindo was employed at the CDB in Barbados, serving as bank secretary, director, and vice-president. Upon returning to Dominica in 1988, he was appointed Speaker of the House of Assembly from 1989 to 1993 before being elected president for a single term ending in 1998.
Post-presidential career
A devoted Roman Catholic, Sorhaindo took on leadership roles within various church-related organizations such as the Social Centre, Help Age International, and REACH. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Papal distinction of Knight Commander of the Order of St. Sylvester in 1993. His contributions to public service were further acknowledged with the Order of the British Empire in 1969, Venezuela’s Almirante Luis Brion naval medal in 1998, and the Dominica Award of Honour in 2001.
Death
After enduring a lengthy illness due to cancer, Sorhaindo passed away on 10 January 2010. He is survived by his wife Ruby Allport and their six children.
References
- "Biography", Office of the President.