In memory of former Finance Minister Victor Riviere

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: Lennox Honychurch Collection

Captain The Honourable Victor Avondale Joseph Riviere was born at Mahaut, Dominica on 11-20-1937 and died in St. Lucia on 11-19-2016.

He was educated at Dominica Grammar School on a government scholarship and accounting schools in Britain to which country he migrated in the mid-50’s and graduated with numerous accounting degrees

He worked as Chief Financial Officer for Domcan Products: a Canadian Lumber Company which exported lumber from Dominica

Soon after his return to Dominica, he joined The Dominica Labour Party, the original Labour Party of Premier E Oliver Leblanc. He contested and won the seat for Mahaut the village of his birth.

He was given the portfolio of Minister of Finance. He brought his superior accounting and financing skills resulting in two notable achievements: The National Commercial Bank, now renamed National Bank of Dominica and the alignment of our EC Dollar to the US Dollar.

He lost his seat after one term and was a victim of the riots which resulted in the illegal overthrow of the government.

He established an accounting firm, Riviere Resources Limited, and served the public with Accounting and Private Investigating services.

He will be remembered as a fearless advocate for fair play and justice both in the House of Assembly and outside where he thundered his oratorical skills.

Unfortunately, he was struck down with severe medical problems which warranted his moving to St Lucia with his dedicated third wife, Agatha.

He will be holding intelligent discourse on the other side and we, his relatives and friends, mourn his loss.

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11 Comments

  1. Erickson
    November 22, 2016

    “He will be holding intelligent discourse on the other side.”
    Intelligent discourse? I thought you said he died.

    • For The Love Of Dominica
      December 3, 2016

      Meaning… his immortality lives on and on and on.

  2. Bumbble Lee
    November 22, 2016

    He had a White Hillman Singer Vouge car License plate Number 1111. He sold me that car; Though other folks wanted to buy it. What a great guy!!!!

  3. kay
    November 22, 2016

    Thanks Dr. Riviere for a well fitting tribute.
    I know there’s lots more that could have been said but we are thankful for the main points. I must add that he was also the manager of Belles Combo at one time. To my grandpa Fred, hold tight. Mom, I know you were like his little sister, (his right hand at the end). To aunty Mau and aunty D, hold strong. We were like three troupers in this shadow. To the other relatives hold strong until we all meet again. Friends, thanks for all your prayers and condolences. RIP. You can now enjoy your cooperate relaxation in eternal peace. You will surely be missed my dear uncle. Loved you so.
    Kay.

  4. winston warrington
    November 22, 2016

    Vic achieved the rank of Captain while serving as a supply officer in the Royal Air Force. Many Dominicans took advantage of the opportunity to advance their education through benefits offered by the military while in England. He studied accounting and passed the Professional examination to be a Chartered Accountant. I do not see the purpose of this query except to discredit a member of the most academically distinguished family in Dominica and a pioneer of our financial system.

    • Ve
      December 1, 2016

      Thanks for the positive comments. To all the negative comments posted, the family don’t care for it. Please let us grieve as we should. God will be my father’s judge.

  5. DC
    November 22, 2016

    I love this man. He inspired me to love Business and Politics. When 85% of the population was in support of the Ms. Charles regime, as a little girl, I gravitated towards the likes of Captain Vic Riviere and The Champion Roosie Douglas. I remember after his loss in the 1985 General Elections, my mom, two ther siblings and myself went to his house and shed tears. You made a great contribution, May the Almighty comfort your loved ones! Thank you Captain Victor Rivière!

  6. WeNiceMan
    November 22, 2016

    Ah give it a rest. Dont you have anything better to do.

  7. Lang Mama
    November 22, 2016

    What I remember about Vick is his flash and cowboy hat. When Vick would step into an area people around could not miss him. My sympathy to his family

  8. Dominican
    November 22, 2016

    Which accounting agrees did mr. Riviere attain and at which institutions. Nothing but good about the dead but one should be specific about such matters. I always understood that Vic was a corporal in the paycorps of the U.K. armed forces. There is no mention of his time, or achievements with the military in the U.K. in this obituary. Please, do justice to the legacy the man, warts and all. Thank you.

    • Ve
      December 1, 2016

      What does his Accounting Degree etc have to do with his passing?

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