Dominica’s first premier, Edward Oliver Leblanc, has been described as an exemplary leader who left office with all his values intact.
This is according to Justice Dr. Irving Andre, who gave the third annual E.O. Leblanc Annual Lecture at the Fort Young Hotel on Tuesday evening.
Andre said Leblanc was a man who was not interested in acquiring material things.
“E.O. Leblanc vacated political office with his values intact,” Andre said. “His philosophy of success was not based on the acquisition of material things, mansion, investments or foreign bank accounts, rather it reflects the retention of those core values, honesty, simplicity, family which defines this exceptional man to his very core.”
He said those are very rare qualities that very few leaders possess.
“Mandela, Mahatma, Martin Luther easily come to mind,” he said.
Andre used the example of Manmohan Singh, who was recently voted out of office as prime minister of India, to portray what kind of man Leblanc was.
“This former World Bank economist with a PhD from Oxford retired earlier this year to a simple bungalow and a $1,000 monthly pension,” he said.
According to Andre, upon retirement Singh declared, “I owe everything to this country, this great land of our where I, an underprivileged child, was empowered enough to rise and occupy her office. It is both a debt that I will never able to repay and a decoration I will always wear with pride.”
Andre noted that Leblanc has earned his place among such leaders.
“E.O. Leblanc has earned the place in this pantheon of extraordinary and exemplary leaders,” he said. “Holding public office was merely a debt to his country he was unable to pay…”
Andre gave a few examples of actions taken by Leblanc which showed his great concern for the people of Dominica.
“Recall his 1966 Beach Control Legislation which vested ownership of all beaches in the crown, thereby ensuring the Dominican people will always have access to the beaches,” he stated. “Recall his words that ‘government will send a Caterpillar to open a road to the beach because the beach belongs to the people of Dominica and so we want the land to remain.'”
He pointed to Leblanc’s Alien Land Holding Act “which restricted foreign ownership of land in Dominica to certain small percentages” as a sign of concern for the people of the island.
He stated that Leblanc was good to even those who opposed him and over whom he had triumphed politically.
Andre noted that in 1970 Leblanc granted pension to one of the allies of his political opponent, Lawrence Didier, when he was 81 years old.
Furthermore he noted, Leblanc recognized E.C. Loblack, who together with Phyllis Shand Allfrey had conducted a hate- filled campaign against him after they were kicked out of the Dominica Labour Party.
“Yet despite this Mr. Leblanc did two things to assist this humble man, Mr. Loblack, who had helped accelerate social and political change in Dominica,” Andre said. “He granted him a pension in 1967 and he presented him with the Meritorious Service Award in the same year.”
The lecture was held under the theme, “E.O. Leblanc: A Rendezvous with History.”
Leblanc became Dominica’s first premier when the island was made a self-governing Associated State in March 1967 by Britain. He has been associated with the many social, economic and infrastructural changes that took place in Dominica in the 1960’s. He is described by many as the father of the nation. He resigned as premier in 1974 and retired to his home in Vieille Case. He died on October 29, 2004.
Ok E O Lebanc was should be respected. But E.O could not be E O today in 2014. The world is much more complex. He did not have to deal with the big corperation, foriegn affairs, worl bank,IMF,OCES. UN, drugs, all that was taken care by england, who finance him and was his boss. It was a much simpler time
Poor you there are fellars out there alive today around the WORLD from his era and of his age who are not only dealing with those issues of today but also advising on solutions – but you are just confirming the lack of respect that you guys have for the man as a human and his ability. How Sad.
Reading this script I amlleft to ponder why didn’ttthe administration rrename the airport after the first premier, rather than play ppolitics and name it what it is now called. I am still of the opinion that renaming the the airport is aabsolutely ridiculous however if it was necessary , it should have been named the E. I. LeBlanc airport.
Leblanc is the father of our nation. He is the one who dismantled the plantation system in which the elite 1% of Dominica controlled and enjoyed the wealth of the nation. Only their sons could go to the DGS, work in government offices and the two banks. They owned all the land and businesses. They alone wore shoes , while the extreme poor went about bare feet. If you don’t believe me ask your grand parents. Leblanc was a social revolutionary.
There was also another great son of the soil, another Le Blanc, Lipson Le Blanc, a great man of Dominica,, a great Chief Health Inspector, who never got recognition, and also from Vieille Case, worked very, very hard, to make sure the health system was intact, and during his time, made the health system in Dominica,, more healthy to live in, yet he never, ever got at least an award for November. My Father.
I want to say, that E.O. Leblance would never had done a lot of the things being done in the name of The Dominica Labour Party. He would not have sold our passports for love or money, he was too proud of Dominica and believed that Dominica was to be for Dominicans. For this he was threatened by a certain family with a gun. No let us not confuse this current DLP with E. O Leblanc.
Megso Leblance did not foist Patrick John on Dominica, . Being democratic, when he resigned office, he went according to the party rules and allow the party membership to nominate and vote for its next leader. Patrick John was the people choice. Why did the island resident historian not give the lecture, he being a member of the white class who hated Leblance would not be able to do justice as he is a Freedomite, and the purpose of the Freedomite is to vilify the legacy of Leblance. Secondly something that is not understood about Dominica, it was a nation with a class legacy, the ruling class were the Roseau bourgeois the bidow leglise catolic, and those who had British heritage. These people hated E. O. Leblance because he believed in people achieving based on merit and not because of who you knew and what your surname was, or religious affiliation. Dominica was not a fair society, and yes there were people who lived to see Dominica returned to its pre -colonial period when your religious affiliation, and surname got you positions not your merit.
When people die they always hero. If he was such an esteemed leader why was he run out of Roseau? A coin has two sides and one day I will hear the same things about SKERRIT watch that space.
He was not run out of Roseau. His purpose in Roseau was complete. He did his job and came HOME. Roseau was not his home, VIEILLE CASE was HOME.
I think the E.O. Leblanc lecture was quite interesting and informative. I learned quite a bit about the gentleman as I was a child then. Most humans have different facets and I am sure Justice Andre was not saying he was perfect, but he was ‘a manner of a man’. He displayed virtuous actions to nationals who had served Dominica, even while disagreeing politically with these individuals. Hence he had the moral fortitude to ‘disagree without being disagreeable.’ (Obama) Politicians need that inherent virtue. Do we have any currently in any party?
n.b. I am not referring to any specific party or individual. I think Miss Charles was the right person to be the leader after the disasters of 1979.
Ironically, I think it is interesting that while Premier E. O. Leblanc and Dame Mary Eugenia Charles had different financial and social backgrounds, they acted in a similarly responsible manner, as leaders in handling Dominica’s fiscal fortunes. They had principles. They were also not power addicted and according to Justice Andre did not have ‘moral malnutrition.’ Quote.
For many people, it is easy to become greedy when power makes money more available. That is one of the reasons we must stop saying party in power and emphasize party in OFFICE. It takes a principled and strong person not to be affected by access to money they may or may not have seen before. We see it everyday in the US, UK, Africa….. I think we can agree, that corruption was not a word you heard during Miss Charles’ terms of office or to E O Leblanc. Honesty was more common.
Despite her financial stability, Dame Eugenia was not interested in adding to her bank accounts, neither was E.O. Leblanc in reaping a new fortune. I am not saying elected officials should not improve on their standard of living. Both leaders lived simple lives during and post-office. That was their choice based on their personalities. I would have liked to know what were the fortunes of the E.O Leblanc’s cabinet post office, as I also see a similarity between the fortunes of Dames Eugenia’s cabinet post office (as is alleged). I do not think anyone wants to see those who have served well in office, to be wanting post office or in their senior years.
So political parties do not the man/woman leader make.. they can be affected by their own inherent attitudes, personalities, family teachings, virtues, etc…. So, let us pray for honest, virtuous, cool headed leaders to serve us in OFFICE.
Mr. LeBlanc happens to be a relative of mine and one of my parents is from Vielle Case. With that being said, I saw no merit in trying to put down and discredit the Great and Humble, Supreme Leader, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit in this speech. Dr. Andre it is sad that even you have been infiltrated by the United Wicked People propaganda machine!
We live in a different era today than in the days of Premiere LeBlanc. There is nothing wrong with our Divine and Blessed Leader being rich, having a mansion, millions in off-shore banks and alleged villas! Our ordained Leader has worked very hard and spent many hours securing millions upon millions for our little Island. He surely deserves a piece of the pie.
Our great and wonderful PM is also most generous and kind to his faithful and loyal Laborites. The OTHER SIDE is simply jealous that they cannot go up to the Ministry and receive an envelope of five to seven thousand dollars like some of us high-ranking Laborites can!
I voted for the Government that would most benefit myself and my family and my vote paid off BIG TIME! I urge anyone who is in doubt about the Christ-Like nature of our Precious Prime Minister to join the Divine Red. I promise you that you will then understand why we true Laborites refer to this God-King as Dominica’s Jesus!
Dr. Skerrit’s presence is awe-inspiring, a breath of fresh air! He commands respect and admiration anywhere he goes. If that does not compare to my own flesh and blood, former Premiere EO LeBlanc, I don’t know what does. The true Labor party still lives on…trust me!!!!
I have one problem with Leblanc, He was contesting the Salisbury seat.The man rudely and arbitrarily dissolved our village council in Salisbury,and his actions left a curse on our community.We are still without a V.Council.Every hamlet in Dominica has one,but not the number one developing village on the Island.
If Village Council was not good for us,and charity begins at home.He should do the same in Vielle Case,where he was from.
Well we are in the 20th century you can’t compare Mr. Leblanc with Skeritt two different people, for eg. a mother has five children and they all do things differently.
Skerrit got blows at that function, much blows… to my amusement.
Skerrit and Leblanc are polar opposites
Dominicans ,all you all do is criticize. You people never see good in anything
I don’t kn much, but from what i kn he was a great leader
No doubt about that
That’s the kind of leader we so desperately need. May his memories continue to foster that unity amongst all Dominicans. We need politicians who will pit the interest of Dominicans and not those who will continue to sell Dominica to some foreigners who masquerade themselves as foreign investors. God help Us!
Agreed. There will never be another like EO LeBlanc. Today, it is every man for himself. When LeBlanc was in office life was not that complicated. Roosevelt will never fit in EO LeBlanc’s shoes regardless to how much he might give. He do not come close to the qualities that LeBlanc posessed. No one will.
Eugenia Charles was an extraordinary leader also-humble, charitable non greedy
hahahaha
I felt so previledged to be part of this Lecture. I believe the Life of this Dignified man E.O. Leblanc should be part of our school’s curriculum. The students of this generation are only aware about this present type of leadership – its all they know; and it may all they accept and understand to be true leadership. They need to understand the difference and what leadership ought to be. I am not sure whether I will live to be the witness of another leader like this celestial man – E.O. Leblanc was what a true leader ought to be. Hail to his legacy!!! He was truly awesome!!!
The highway named after him did not even reach Vieille Case. He did not get one-third of the airport, nor anything in memory of his contribution. Imagine this.
Le Blanc was exemplarary in many ways but there is always the other side of the coin.
What about when he forced through the Seditious and Undesirable Bill to make it a criminal offence to criticise the government? Why did his close ministers Mable James, NAN Ducreay and WS Stevens accuse him of being too autocratic and expelled him from the original DLP?
Why did he team up with that crook of an Attorney General, Leo Austin, to take Dominica into deals that would be to Leo’s personal advantage?
Give us the other side as well and you provide us with the portrait of a far more believable human being.
wouldn’t doubt that you know something of “the other side,” as you say. Take the podium too, like the esteemed brother, or put pen to paper and tell us the other side of this Honarable man! And I mean that in good faith, ’cause I’d like to know more, so I can make an informed estimation of what type of man Honorable E. O. Leblanc was.
Africo, I agree with you. That other side you mentioned was only stated en passé in the lecture. It was not treated or addressed by the lecturer. Since Dr. Andre, the lecturer, saw E.O. LeBlanc as a promoter of democracy, he ought to have treated those undesirable or, if you like, unpalatable undemocratic aspects of E.O. LeBlanc’s reign. A balanced approach is required.
After listening to this brilliant presentation by dr Andre I was filled with emotion. I also wondered how could people like Charles Saverin sit in on this presentation and not be overwhelmed with grief and even guilt.
For one moment I pictured leblanc’s modest house in viellecase sitting next to skerrit’s so called modest house in the same village. One thing for sure a real time picture cant lie and no spin and twist could discount the contrasting image of both houses .I tried not to even focus on the alleged villas.
Another very moving revelation was that Leblanc left office with less than $500 in his bank account. I again visualized the foreign bank accounts in the Cayman islands the millions and again my heart bled. The $500 in 1974 maybe $2000-$3000 today and even if it was worth $25000 or even $50000 today what would that be compared to the millions that politicians have stolen and hidden in offshore bank accounts.
I heard so much of Leblanc but never met the man in person even while I grew up close enough to the village of Viellecase. It was only after hearing Dr Andre that I understood why I never had the opportunity to meet Mr Leblanc. The man was a heck of a modest man- a man who was not motivated by selfishness and ego and chose to stay away from public attention.
I remember the labor Party before the imposters like Roosevelt Skerrit , Charles saverin , Lennox Lawrence etc the party preached the philosophy of E.O Leblanc0 sacrifice and service. I was involved with the grass roots movement to rebuild the Labor Party after the fall of PJ – the struggles, sleeping in old sheds and kitchens all over the island together with Pierro and others. During this rebuilding period I never got to meet E.O Leblanc. Nevertheless last night I got to meet the real E.O Leblanc through Dr Andre’s presentation. What a remarkable presentation
I am sure that those who heard and witness this presentation are convinced that today’s Labor Party has no inheritance of the leblanc Labor Party yet the current imposters are happily riding on the tail board of the real Labor Party brand. The same Charles Saverin and Lennox Lawrence, Parry Bellot etc.
When I finally settled and prepared for bed a thought came to my mind. I ask myself what is going to happen to the Real Labor Party ideology and what will happen to the brand after this crop of imposters are out of office. I don’t see Roosevelt Skerrit on the other side fighting for the afflicted – knowing what I know he may not be there to do so and besides that, he does not have it in him nor is he capable of walking the path that people like Roosie or even Mike Douglas. Essentially no one can picture Roosevelt skerrit as a humble man in opposition fighting for people. I know of his record of service particularly when he was a teacher and as someone who was involved with Roosie that was an initial concern. I am of the view that anyone who demand money to step into the represent people should be immediately discarded but that was just my opinion then and it still is now. Then I looked at the cast of characters and I could not put together two members who I believe will stick around to genuinely perpetuate the labor Party brand. Not one of them has the fortitude or even courage to show that he or she is capable of leading. The name Ian Douglas floated my imagination but then I immediately pinched myself and said wake up Mamizoo. I mean really who else Blackmore, Kelvar, Collin, Darroux?
Unfortunately the genuine laborites who could have been there as mentors to young upcoming leaders were all chased away and decimated by the current imposters or hijackers. A remaining old school laborite Ambrose George we all know does not have the moral authority nor does he have time on his side. In fact anyone who may have had a speck of the genuine Labor Party inclinations and are still onboard the hijacked Labor Party are those who instead of standing up for the cause chose to play ball with the imposters and hijackers and are just as contaminated. One may even say blood on their hands.
My prediction is that one of the outcast Douglas brothers will step in to attempt to rebuild the party that Rosie and mike fought so hard to rebuild. But alas non of them can or will have the appeal that Rosie or Mike had. The grass root connection with the people just is dearth.
Savarin incapable of guilt or shame, but i think he felt embarrassed.
well written and just to add in context society is therefore craving and crying for leadership along those lines. The EO Leblanc’s the PJ’s (although stained by the same likes of Charles Saverin what Skerro is doing now has PJ looking like a saint; what a shame eh boy) the Scobe, Mamo, Mike, Rosie, Amantrading from St. Joe, Moise from the South, Alleyne Carbon from the North – I mean genuine leaders with grass root and of people concern are gone and are of the pass ah mayguey sa none of those guys can step in their shoes.,
Andre i disagree, so Leblanc will be remembered with Mandela, Mahatma, and Martin Luther, and skerrit will be remembered with Mobutu Sese Seko, Robert Mugabe, and General Idi Amin Dada, u do have a point.
My friend Skerrit will be remembered as Skerrit – coming into government with nothing – and after 14 years is now one of the richist PM to ever pass through DA politics. and if he is left to remain in power well sa you eh see nothing yet
what is dr. andre telling me, you receive a salary and that person must be told what to do with his/her salary? I would like to see his home and his holiday home, dr. andre these were the days these people, why didn’t you make these references about the one before mr e o le blanc.
My impression of Mr Leblanc as a great and humble mind was formed as a first former at the DGS. At the time I never understood how the Premier fo the country could have his two sons living in the DGS hostel. I never saw a police or a state car pulling in at any time to bring any thing. They stood and waited in line for their meals as everyone else did. No special treatment.
Ah ha, today you have to ask D’mitry when will be the next election. This is Roosevelt’s world. What a difference a day makes.
I wonder how many of our current politicians especially DPL candidates were present, since it had to do with the founder of the DLP, bearing in mind a few of them were hater of EO leblanc and never got a chance to understand what he stood for. Also, his wife was soooooo proud of him and the qualities he exhibits that she ALWAYS wanted their sons to take the ways and character of their father. That’s very important Dr. Andrea!
Why was our local historian not called to give that lecture? What did Andre add to all the FACTUAL information of E. O. Leblanc that Lennox Honychurch has given us that is true and correct? Andre’s interpretation in his book of historical events may suit some but may not be accurate. Case in point: A photograph of Leblanc at a gathering, with one hand held above his head, was interpreted by Andre to be a Black Power sign when in fact Leblanc was cheering the Royal party. A perusal of the programme for that event would have led Andre to the correct conclusion.
why this one in particuliar how comes you didnt recommend he do all those in the pass – just because it htting to the core emmmh wonder never cease.
what stone they thruwing there na all off a sudden
It look like the stone fall on your head. Bob Marley say who the cap fit let them wear it.
Dr. Andre i think there is a confusion in what i am reading, are you saying that a Prime Minister who obviously receives a salary should remain as they started off before they were Prime Minister?
Are you saying they should have no desire to use their salary to build their mansion? A PM building a mansion to you is equal to what?? PMs’ are usually the highest paid in a country and therefore can choose to invest in overseas banks or build mansions, i see nothing wrong with that, at the end it is their legal right, you should know that cause you are a well paid individual yourself so that entitles you to build or invest in whatever you desire does that mean you are corrupt?
You know this is not what he is saying, they the leaders of our God bless land are all about themselves. Do they serve the people or their people? Everything in Dominica is now politically gained. This is what the world has come to in any case corruption, and it wont change because God is coming!
Wait my friend Joe or just keep pretending that you are ignorant and dense. Just pretend that the $2.6 million dollar slush fund is something that Leblanc would have conducted. Just pretend that mr leblanc would have built villas . Just pretend that leblance would tell his people that he was building a modest $400 K house whereas the house actually cost $2.5 million and that Leblanc would hire foreign architect and exorted imported material. Just pretend that leblanc would be involved in bin bobol and fertilizer Bobol> Just pretend that Leblance would be wiring 500 pounds to a girlfriend. Just pretend that Leblanc would be flying to Monaco and the people have no idea the purpose of the trip.
so keep pretending Joe the Leblanc that we learned off could never have condone your hypocrisy and even your penchant to harbor and defend criminals operating as politicians in office.
No apologies made
Looks like your comprehension has ‘gone out through the window’. Read the article again, without any assumptions.
De Joe,you have just made a statement which is false,when you claim that PM are the highest pain in a country, Dominica being no exception. The salary of the Prime Minister is gazetted so we know how much taxpayers are paying him,but lots of CEO’S in the private sector get paid more than the prime minister. Also yes the prime minister can build a house,but when he builds one which is more than his published salary can afford,and we known he did not win the lottery, or he did not marry into money,therefore we are left to wonder how did he come to afford such an expensive home or homes.Even if the PM had received the house as a gift he has to declare it.Therefore check your facts
Great Lecture, but towards the end at the questions & answers time, they got abit political. sigh… messed
up. killed the whole thing. ~.~
the life of E.O Leblanc is indeed political. You cannot create a separation when we use leblanc’s political career as the epitome and model for aspiring politicians and practicing politicians. In order to honor the legacy of leblanc all aspiring and practicing politicians must adopt the non corruption policy, humility and ultimate service and sacrifice.
Leblanc was not a reliogous leader like Pastor BJ, or Peter Augustine , Father Thomas or Randy Rodney so why make that comparison. Who else should we be comparing Leblanc too.
Well said Gary!!
Dr. Andre, another thing about EO Leblanc’s legacy that I appreciate as the daughter of one of his ministers, is the love and respect he had for all of us and members of his cabinet. He respected his fellow cabinet colleagues and always treated their wives and daughters as family members. He never disrespected us let alone to try to have relationship with us. Furthermore, he respected his wife TILL DEATH!
I aplaud Dr. Andre for this lecture which highlights the virtues of the late great E.O Leblanc. Although he may not have meant to do so, Dr. Andre managed to draw a stark contrast between Mr. Leblanc and the current prime minister, mr. Skerrit.
The two have nothing in common except that they both hail from the village of Vieille Case.
While Mr. Leblanc was defined by simplicity and honesty , Mr. Skerrit is unaoplogetic about his lust for material possessions including his Vieille Case mansion . He is reported to be one of the wealthiest men in Dominica, a title Mr. Leblanc would eschew.
In fact it is fair to say that the two men’s values are like night and day in terms of their embrace of their office. Where Mr. Leblanc saw public service as a means to enrich the lives of others, Mr. Skerrit, from all accounts, sees public service as a means of self enrichment and to amass power in a bid to rule without end.
It would be of national interest to learn of Dr. Andre’s impression of Mr. Skerrit. He gives little hint but it is not unreasonable to assume that based upon the high esteem he holds for Mr. Le blanc it is unlikely that Mr. Skerrit would command the same level of respect and adulation.
Sherrit is totally the opposite of E.O, Leblanc
To me no previous leaders we had in Dominica proven to me were great only late PM Pierre Charles deserve a bypass he only served 18 months before he died, if we had great leaders our country would have been develop, Dominica is more beautiful in nature then the other islands and they are more advance ,our leaders never had a good strategy or a good plan to develop our beautiful island.
The history of Dominica and OF its great leaders must be taught in our schools. This young generation has totally lost its way, no fault of their own, because if you do not know your history , then you do not know where you are heading to.
In speaking to some young persons and older folks also, they say things such as “ALL POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT” AND “IF ANOTHER PARTY GETS INTO POWER THEY WILL ENRICH THEMSELVES ALSO”.
It is refreshing to know that our past leaders did not go down that road OF CORRUPTION.
Also, it can never be OK TO PLUNDER THE PUBLIC PURSE FOR PERSONAL GAINS…..
Dominica’s first premier, Edward Oliver Leblanc, has been described as an exemplary leader who left office with all his values intact.
Unfortunately the current Prime Minister who is also from Vieille Case, did not see it fit to build on the legacy of EO Leblanc. Although Skerrit grew up in an environment that hated Leblanc which automatically made him a hater of everything EO Leblanc stood for, at list he should just respect and appreciate the Dominica Labor Party of EO Leblance that he hijacked in his politics of person greed and hate. Thanks EO Leblanc for all what you did for us and the way you made us Itassians proud. Unfortunely Mr. leblanc the Vieille Case, the Dominica, and the DLP you left us, have all been totally destroyed by another son of the soil. He has so badly destroyed them that if you were to return to earth you would not want to have anything to do with them.
Well said, if you are from Vieille Case you know why there is no longer a Freedom Party
Leblanc was a great leader.
The one thing I cannot forgive Him for is foisting Patrick John on Dominica.
Who would you have selected sir?
Jose Mujica , President of Uruguay is another exemplary leader. He is there to serve not to gain.
Well done E. O. Leblanc wherever you are.
Esta en el cielo.