EULOGY
ANTHONY FREDERICK JOSEPH
DADDY JOE – DADDY
Our father was born to Floyd Joseph and Fanny Thompson in La Plaine but lived most of his earlier life in Roseau single-handedly by his mother, Fanny (Granny).
Upon leaving the Dominica Grammar School, Frederick Joseph worked as a schoolteacher. He moved on to the police force, the DBGA, the Government printer, and the Cathedral printery under the Rev Fr. Huysmans. From all of this prestigious employment and exposure and pursuing a course in Canada, AFJ formed the Dominica Amalgamated Workers` Union (DAWU), predominantly representing banana workers employed with guest/DBGA and workers of H.H.V Whitchurch and National Bank of Dominica. DAWU continues to represent HHV and NBD to this day. His legacy, therefore, lives on.
AFJ married Dora Joseph (same name) in 1955 and had eleven children, six 6) boys and five (5) girls: Jennifer, Myrtle, Dorothy, Francis, Raphael, Leonard, Raymund, Donald, Geraldine (deceased), Denise and Gerard. There are extended family members too, too numerous to mention, in Dominica, St.Thomas, USA, and the UK.
He served humbly as General Secretary of the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU) for many years and was a well-respected Senator in the Dominica House of Assembly from 1980 to 1985. He contested the Roseau North Constituency in 1975 as an Independent Candidate. He also utilized his vast knowledge and experience while serving on several Statutory Boards and other civic organizations.
Mr. Joseph was a member of the Dominica Freedom Party and served on its National Executive Committee for several years. He also held the position of Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer in the Party. He will be remembered for his forthright, gentle, and strong disposition toward honesty, fairness, and justice for the workers he represented and his citizens.
From 1980 to 1984, Joseph served as a senator in Parliament, using this opportunity and platform to continue the fight and struggle for the rights of all women. As stated above, Frederick Joseph was an avid and dedicated member of the Dominica Freedom Party, not just because it was ok to be one, but significantly, as he always articulated where for the following reasons:
1. The honesty and integrity demonstrated by its political leaders, Dame Eugenia Charles
2. For what the party stood for and represented, meaning putting “People before Power….
“People before Politics….
People before Privilege and things…..”
3. Always promote good governance, transparency and accountability in office.
He will greatly miss.
Updated!
Anthony Frederick Joseph was a Dominican trade unionist who dedicated his life to fighting for workers’ rights in the Caribbean nation. Born on April 15, 1932, in the town of Roseau, Joseph grew up in a working-class family and experienced firsthand the struggles and hardships faced by labourers in Dominica. This upbringing would shape his passion for social justice and inspire him to become a fierce advocate for workers’ rights.
Joseph began his career in the trade union movement in the 1950s, joining the Dominica Workers Union (DWU) and quickly becoming one of its most prominent leaders. He was instrumental in organizing strikes and demonstrations to demand fair wages, better working conditions, and improved benefits for workers across various industries, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. Joseph’s charismatic leadership and tireless dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the broader labour movement.
In the 1960s, Joseph played a key role in establishing the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL). This regional organization brought trade unions across the Caribbean to coordinate their efforts and amplify their collective voice. As the president of the CCL, Joseph worked tirelessly to strengthen solidarity among workers in the region and to advocate for their rights on a regional and international level. His leadership was instrumental in advancing the cause of labour rights in the Caribbean and raising awareness of the challenges faced by workers in developing countries.
Throughout his career, Joseph faced numerous challenges and obstacles, including government repression, harassment, and intimidation. He was arrested multiple times for his union activities and was subjected to surveillance and threats from state authorities. Despite these challenges, Joseph remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause of workers’ rights and continued to fight for social justice until he died in 2003.
Anthony Frederick Joseph’s legacy lives on in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights in Dominica and across the Caribbean. His tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication have inspired generations of trade unionists to continue the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and social justice for all workers. Joseph’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots organizing, solidarity, and collective action in pursuing a more just and equitable society. R.I.P
Anthony Frederick Joseph, former Senator and General Secretary of Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union, died in New Rochelle, New York, on Saturday, November 20, 2010. he left to mourn his wife, THEODORA JOSEPH, his brother, Cuthbert Joseph, and daughters & Son in Law Pat, Judy, Linda, Joel, Francis, Florence, Tammy, and Candia. Also left behind are his brothers and sisters-in-law Celina – UK, Bertha, Monica, Patrick and Elaine Joseph.
11 Children:
- JENNIFER – ATLANTA
- MYRTLE – CONNECTICUT
- DOROTHY – NEW YORK
- FRANCIS JOSEPH – Dominica
- RAPHAEL – Dominica
- LEONARD – New York
- RAYMUND- Florida
- DONALD – Florida
- DENISE – PENNSYLVANIA
- GERARD – St. Thomas
Grandchildren: 32, Great Grandchildren: =24, Great Great Grandchildren: =2
NUMEROUS Nieces, Nephews, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN DOMINICA, USA AND UK.
Adopted Niece: Peta-Ann Gayle
CLOSE FAMILY FRIENDS: Mr. Peterson Nicholas and Davina Lewis, Maddy
The viewing will occur on Friday, December 3, at Granby’s Funeral Home from 4 PM TO 8 PM. The funeral service of the late Anthony Joseph will take place on Saturday, December 4, at The Immaculate Conception Church, Gunhill Road, Bronx, NY, at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York.
My dear Francis
As you would expect my family and I were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of ANTHONY recently.
A true stalwart of the TRADE UNION MOVEMENT in DA we worked together for years in various fields including
the Society of St Vincent de Paul etc.
I have been with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in St Lucia since October 2008 and learnt on one of my
brief visits to the homeland that Anthony had migrated to the States.
He was a true champion of the poor and downtrodden.
Meanwhile do accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father and our very dear brother and friend.
Ephraim & Greta
Antony Frederick Joseph was a graet inspiration to many, including myself as a young man growing up in public affairs. He was always balanced in his judgements yet did not flinch when making decisions that needed to be made in regard to members of his union and the affairs of Dominica. Sadly, after his departure DAWU declined, showing the significant role that he had played in its foundation and survival. Do not forget that he was a member of the Committee for National Salvation (CNS) at that crucial period of political and constitutional turmoil in 1979. To all his family I extend my heartfelt sympathy and take comfort in the fact that he “played a good innings” to use a cricketing metaphore.
I remember Daddy Joe as a young boy growing up in Roseau. Always respectful and full of humility, as I recall.
As these icons of days gone pass, we fail in replacements for the next generation to look up for guidance and motivation.
You will always be remembered.
I was fortunate to have been tough by both Anthony and his Dora they both were very effected teachers.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my Deepest Condolences to his Family and to the Nation for lost of a Father,Grandfather and a Man of Honesty and Integrity.
May he Rest in Peace.
Anthony Frederick Joseph is a name that commands awesome respect in the social and political of Dominica.
Regardless of party, I grew up knowing that this was a man who genuinely cared for the people he led and remained deeply committed to his family and his faith. The Christian family joins his loved ones and the nation in celebrating a life well-lived. May we endeavor to follow in his footsteps and do good work with abiding respect for our fellow citizens.
May he find rest in the everlasting arms of the Most High.
It is with much sorrow that I heard of the passing on of our Brother Anthony Frederick Joseph. Daddy Joe, as his name denotes was like a father to many. I met him over 35 years ago when he became my mentor in the field of Industrial Relations. I grew with him at DAWU and got to respect him as a person of dedication, he puts his all in everything he attempts. His years as a Trade Unionist on the Local, National and International levels brought much respect to workers.
My condolences to the FAMILY (my extended family). We know his suffering is over and he is finally with his God. May he Rest In Peace.