Desiree John, the wife of Dominica’s first Prime Minister, the late Patrick John, has passed at the age of 78.

Desiree John, the wife of Dominica’s first Prime Minister, the late Patrick John, has passed at the age of 78.

Mrs John died shortly after 1:00 AM today in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.

She stood firmly by the late Patrick John’s side during the historic era of the late 1970s, supporting him as he led Dominica to its political independence from Great Britain in 1978.

Her oldest son, Nayree John, remembers his mother as a deeply compassionate woman whose life and qualities were entirely dedicated to the well-being of others.

Nayree John, Oldest son of Desiree John, Wife of Dominica’s first Prime Minister, the late Patrick John

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called for new legislation to provide official benefits to the widows of deceased prime ministers following the passing of Mrs Desiree John.

Prime Minister Skerrit made the remarks this morning during the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eleventh Parliament.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit