Former finance minister, Victor Riviere, passes on

Victor Riviere in 1975 when he was elected as the representative for the Mahaut Constituency for the Dominica Labour Party. Photo: Lennox Honychurch Collection
Victor Riviere in 1975 when he was elected as the representative for the Mahaut Constituency for the Dominica Labour Party. Photo: Dr. Lennox Honychurch Collection

Victor Riviere who was Dominica’s Minister of Finance from March 1975 to June 1979 has died in St. Lucia.

He was elected to the House of Assembly as representative for the Mahaut Constituency in the Dominica Labour Party landslide victory led by Patrick John.

He carried the title of ‘Captain’ due to his military service in the UK prior to returning to Dominica. He served as Minister of Finance and spearheaded the establishment of the National Bank of Dominica in 1978.

In the political hiatus which followed the 29 May 1979 political upheaval, he stood by Patrick John and did not resign his position.

He remained with John as a member of the opposition until parliament was dissolved in June 1980 to prepare for elections.

He did not regain his seat.

He went into retirement from politics, continuing his profession as accountant and private investigator.

All photos compliments Dr. Lennox Honychurch Collection.

Victor Riviere (far right) sits with Premier Patrick John and Arlington Riviere when John gave a pre-independence review of his intentions to go independent at the United Nations in New York. Photo: Dr. Lennox Honychurch Collection
Victor Riviere (far right) sits with Premier Patrick John and Arlington Riviere when John gave a pre-independence review of his intentions to go independent at the United Nations in New York. Photo: Dr. Lennox Honychurch Collection
Victor Riviere (third from left) as part of the Dominica delegation that negotiated with the British Government for Independence in London in May 1977. Photo: Dr. Lennox Honychurch Collection
Victor Riviere (third from left) as part of the Dominica delegation that negotiated with the British Government for Independence in London in May 1977. Photo: Dr. Lennox Honychurch Collection
Victor Riviere stood by Patrick John and did not resign during the 29 May 1979 political crisis. Here he sits on the opposition benches with Patrick John in June 1979. Back row, second from left. Photo: Lennox Honychurch Collection
Victor Riviere stood by Patrick John and did not resign during the 29 May 1979 political crisis. Here he sits on the opposition benches with Patrick John in June 1979. Back row, second from left. Photo: Lennox Honychurch Collection

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40 Comments

  1. November 22, 2016

    R.I.P COUSIN VIC.YOU WILL BE REMEMDERED.

  2. GMVL
    November 21, 2016

    I could not help but smile when I heard the news. Farewell, Captain…!
    That second photo is a real treat: good to see Uncle Arlington again :)

  3. The Truth Be Told
    November 20, 2016

    My sincere sympathy to all members of his family especially Janine and Sonia, his sisters. Hope you are doing well.
    Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen!

    • Brutus
      November 21, 2016

      Janine and Sonia are not his sisters nor are they related to him. These are two different Rivieres.

  4. Original mahaut man
    November 20, 2016

    RIp comrade.

  5. Lena Riviere
    November 20, 2016

    May his soul rest in peace ?
    I would love to know if I was related to Mr Victir Riviere? As I am also a Riviere from St.Lucia.

    • T. Riviere
      November 22, 2016

      Hi Lena. I am his daughter from Saint Lucia. He was not related to the Rivieres from Saint Lucia

  6. Shameless
    November 20, 2016

    Rest in eternal peace Captain. You came, you served, you were victimized yet you kept your head up high. May the now National Bank remain a beacon of your legacy in our blessed land. To the family I say be strong and take courage in knowing that he is with his maker after dutifully serving humanity.

    Rest In Perfect Peace Captain…..my eternal salute to you!

    Always Assertive! :cry: :cry: :cry:

  7. November 20, 2016

    R.I.P Captain. OH How we miss you all now.

  8. November 20, 2016

    Fly high my friend. You will be missed!
    We will see you on the other side and sit on your porch at the office and home and have a chat, watch and chat with the people walking by. I will miss our drives through the countryside and meeting many new friends. Rick and the crew at Dolphins Plus in Key Largo!

  9. I like Trump wee
    November 20, 2016

    Captain Vic will go down in history as one of the best finance minister that Dominica ever had! He was visionary and laid the ground work for a strong and better Dominica. I am surprised the National Bank has not been named after him, especially after almost 20 years of a labor government in office. Captain Vic never saw the sale of our passport as the ONLY means for foreign revenue as the current finance minister. It is very sad that the man who laid the foundation for a better Dominica lived to see Dominica at it’s worse, in every sense of the word, especially when he remembers how Patrick John and the DLP was removed from office for corruption, and to see how real corruption under the Skerrit administration is striving in broad day light. Like Patrick John, I know it’s been very rough for Vic to behold what has become of the Dominica they gave birth to 38 years ago, but the eyes have it. RIP captain VIC

  10. November 20, 2016

    Captain Vic you served Dominica well you help us get Independence rest in peace my friend….

  11. Zionman
    November 20, 2016

    Of course he way a captain of a rebel group that comptrolled the people of the era and created chaios in the country we quick to blame skerritt for everything but these guys had to resources and opportunity to put us in a better place than we have been and instead they put tears in the eyes of poor mothers by killing their kids with their rebel police and defense force so his legacy lies in our history Cowboy mahaut is an I forgotten slogan let’s hope he made peace with his god cause he sure help bring agony to the heart of a lot of mothers of our day at the time

  12. Dominican of the 70's
    November 20, 2016

    How well I remember Mr. Fundamental. Rest in peace sir, and it fundamentally clear that you will rise in glory. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends

  13. Carlos
    November 20, 2016

    Rest in Peace Comrade.
    You were a great father-in-law! Your uplifting spirit will always be missed.

  14. J.John-Charles
    November 20, 2016

    He defeated my brother in the 1975 general election, although by a small margin. I always referred to him as Mr. fundamental.because when ever he gives his long speeches in the house of assembly you would hear the captain say
    “Mr. speaker, let me make it fundamentally clear.”

  15. Verna Riviere
    November 20, 2016

    May you Rest In Peace Dad! No more suffering, no more pain. I will love you forever.
    Much appreciation for all the condolences expressed.❤

  16. For the love of Dominica
    November 19, 2016

    The second picture depicts ruling party (Labour) and opposition party (Freedom) in perfect harmony, as they join forces to negotiate what’s best for the nation, so this sort of behaviour was once in our culture: “Part of the Dominica delegation that negotiated ‘with the British Government for independence in London in May 1977.”

    What has happened today then, since that time: a “ONE MAN” dictatorship has shifted the pendulum 360 degree from good to bad. This phenomenon then can never happen now, under his stewardship.

  17. Sean R Douglas
    November 19, 2016

    The passing of Vic Riviere, in his prime known as ‘Captain’ the Right. Hon. Victor A.J Riviere, is an opportunity for Dominicans to reflect on his contribution to Dominica.
    When he was appointed Minister for Finance, following the landslide victory of the electrifying D.L.P team in the March 1975 general elections, Dominica was still reeling from the 1973/74 oil shock which saw the depreciation of the pound sterling and the subsequent negative impact on banana prices. Around 1976, Vic tried unsuccessfully to get the British Government to assist the Government of Dominica to pay salaries to public officers.
    Every year from 1976 to 1979, he had to contend with the incessant pay demands of the mighty Civil Service Association led by Charles Savarin. In 1977, the country was shut down for 47 days by Charles Savarin and it was Vic who had to clear up the mess when the strike ended. He came up with the novel idea at the time of paying the civil servants not by cash which the government…

  18. SN
    November 19, 2016

    I would like to make fundamentally clear that I sincerely hope God strengthens his family in this hour and may he rest in peace.

  19. Mahaut man
    November 19, 2016

    RIP TRUE MAN OF THE PEOPLE,,, mahaut will miss you ,,!!SKIROO sold our country

  20. Russell Riviere
    November 19, 2016

    Rest in peace Uncle Vic. You will be missed.

  21. Bumbble Lee
    November 19, 2016

    Had a 15 minutes chart with him at his home; I can tell you; He was a real no nonsense business man, often with his briefcase. :lol: :lol: :lol: Fun memories.

  22. Bumbble Lee
    November 19, 2016

    Vic was a classy guy with his pipe between his teeth. I had one transaction with him which went quite smoothly. He was our guy – Very warm and down to earth man. My condolences to his friends and family.

  23. November 19, 2016

    R.I.P Comrad,

  24. John Riviere
    November 19, 2016

    Rest in peace Captain

  25. Val
    November 19, 2016

    RIP uncle Vic.

  26. November 19, 2016

    RIP, my friend

  27. Gina
    November 19, 2016

    My condolences to Captain Vic’s family.

  28. Dan is d Man in de Van
    November 19, 2016

    All that time the Iron Lady was monitoring the moves…. … lets celebrate Vick’s life u hear…. no sadness the man was a fighter a champion…. long live Vick…… …..

  29. Abigail Ramontal
    November 19, 2016

    To my auntie and Vick’s family. Rest assure he is in a better place, no more suffering. Stay strong and focus on the happy memories he left behind

  30. s.e
    November 19, 2016

    Condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Victor Riviere.

  31. Me
    November 19, 2016

    Eternal corporate relaxation now for comrade Vic.

  32. Chakademus
    November 19, 2016

    “I, Captain the Honorable Victor Avondale Joseph Riviere…”
    Rest in peace

  33. wyclef
    November 19, 2016

    waw..Great stuff..R.I.P Vic

  34. Dr Clayton Shillingford
    November 19, 2016

    My condolences to the family of Vic Riviere.. and much thanks to Lennox Honychurch for the photos covering a chaotic period of major historical trends in Dominica..

  35. winston warrington
    November 19, 2016

    Speed on my longtime friend. Much solace to your family and loved ones.

  36. LA men choise
    November 19, 2016

    Rest in eternal peace. The good Lord has called you home, it is a road we all have to go farewell.

  37. jonathan st jean
    November 19, 2016

    Vic Mr fundamental Reverie,was a good man.Thanks to his efforts we have the NCB bank.May he rest in peace

  38. November 19, 2016

    R.I.P. Captain Vic, we remember you for your Flamboyancy and style. Maybe is a Mahaut thing? Thanks Lenox Collections, least we forget those who made their contribution in shaping Our lovely Country. Know your History, cause we almost never hear of those foot Solidiers like Vic,. A country that does not harness its History is like a Basket used to collect Water. Condolences to his family, Friends, and fans. Maybe a Furneral be fiting our beloved Brother will be the good and proper thing to Do,/ opinion Expressed.

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