Roseau, Dominica – (September 9, 1934 – June 1, 2015), The Government of Dominica has declared a period of mourning as a mark of respect for the late Dr. Nicholas Joseph Orville Liverpool, former President of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Dominican flag shall be flown at half-staff on all public buildings in the state during the period of mourning commencing Tuesday, June 2, 2015.
He was 81.
Dr. Nicholas J O Liverpool served as President of Dominica from October 2, 2003 to September 17, 2012 after a distinguished career as law lecturer, judge and diplomat.
Prime Minister of Dominica the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit has described the former President as one of the most distinguished Dominicans.
“Dominica is very much the poorer, with the death today of former President, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool. Dominica has lost a cherished son… I, personally, have lost a friend and mentor. Death has robbed us of a most revered ambassador for and of this country. Just over six months ago the nation gathered enmasse to salute and celebrate the life and times of Dr. Nicholas Liverpool. We recognized then, as we do now, that this was a Dominican of extraordinary talent and achievement; yet a humble gentleman who had a moment and a listening ear for everyone with whom he came into contact. I wish on behalf of the citizens of Dominica, my family and on my own behalf to extend sympathy to his wife and family,” Prime Minister Skerrit stated.
Dr. Nicholas Joseph Orville Liverpool Dominica former President
Nicholas Joseph Orville Liverpool (born September 9, 1934) was a Dominican politician and jurist who was the sixth President of Dominica, from October 2, 2003 to September 17, 2012.
In 1957 he entered the University of Hull and obtained an LL.B (Hons.) degree in 1960. He was called to the bar at Inner Temple in 1961. He obtained a Ph.D degree from University of Sheffield in 1965. While returning to the Caribbean, he spent 18 years as a law lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Barbados and in 1992 became dean of its law school. He served as a regional judge and then an appeal court judge in several countries in the Caribbean including Belize and Grenada. He also served as a high court judge in Antigua and Montserrat and has served on a number of tribunals and commissions for legal reform. In 2002 he was chairman of the constitutional review commission for Grenada. The University of Hull awarded him a degree of Doctor of Laws in July 2011.
He became Ambassador to the United States in March 1998 and served in that capacity until 2001.
In the same year as elected president Dr. Liverpool was awarded the Dominica Award of Honour. Between 2002 and 2003 he also served as a Member of the UNESCO governing board. In July 2008 he agreed to serve a second term as President upon the expiration of his first term, following a joint nomination by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Opposition Leader Earl Williams.
Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin Larocque mourns the death of an outstanding son of Dominica.
In a message of condolence to Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, the Secretary-General described the late former President, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, as a “man for all seasons” and “a national and regional treasure.” He hailed his contribution to his country and CARICOM.
He said that Liverpool’s indelible contribution to the field of law is inscribed not only in his publications, but also in the hundreds of students who passed under his tutelage at the University of the West Indies as both lecturer and dean.
The University of Ghana also benefitted from his expertise as a lecturer.
He said Prime Minister Skerrit, Dominica and the Caribbean Community has lost a national and regional treasure who, through his deeds and service, left the world a better place than he found it.
U.W.P Team Dominica on the Death of His Excellency Dr. N.J.O. Liverpool
Fellow Dominicans,
It was with profound sadness and a sense of loss when we heard of the passing of His Excellency Dr. Nicholas J.O. Liverpool.
Dr. Liverpool served Dominica with distinction on many fronts- from academia, the judiciary, and public office- to name a few. His last role was in dedicated public service as the 6th president of the Commonwealth of Dominica. We would like to place on public record our gratitude for Dr. Liverpool’s contribution to the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Dr. Liverpool’s widow, Mrs. Verna Liverpool, their children, his family and friends. While the sense of loss and grief may be at times overwhelming, may they find solace in the fact that the name of their husband , father and friend has been indelibly marked in the history books of our island state.
The United Workers’ Party joins the Community of Grand Bay, Dominica and Dominicans both here and abroad in mourning the loss of one of Dominica’s luminaries.
Signed: Executive , Leadership and members of the United Workers Party/Team Dominica.