Crispin Gregoire

Crispin S. Gregoire (born 1956) is a Dominican diplomat, public policy consultant, and former Permanent Representative of Dominica to the United Nations. His career spans international development, governance, climate resilience, and advocacy for indigenous peoples, positioning him as a leading voice in Caribbean diplomacy.

Early Life & Education of Crispin Gregoire

Gregoire was born on 6 October 1956 in Grand Bay, Saint Patrick Parish, Dominica, to Charles Gregoire and Madeleine Geraldine Gregoire (née Bellot). His paternal grandmother came as an evacuee from the eruption of Mt. Pelée in Martinique. He spent his childhood moving across Dominica, from Dublanc to Vieille Case to Salisbury, accompanying his father’s work as a school principal and his mother’s teaching. He attended Grand Bay Boys School and then Saint Mary’s Academy, where he began engaging in student leadership and political activism.
Gregoire first left Dominica in 1975 to pursue liberal arts studies in Virginia, United States. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Columbia University and a Master of Arts in Education and Economic Development from Howard University.

Diplomatic & Development Career

Gregoire presented his credentials as Permanent Representative of Dominica to the United Nations on 1 October 2002, serving in that role until 1 February 2010. During his tenure, he played key roles in:

• Founding the UN International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (observed 25 March).
• Co-founding the United Nations Slavery Memorial at UN headquarters.
• Serving as Chief, Strategic Monitoring of Caribbean Country Offices at the UNDP Headquarters.
• Acting as Special Adviser to the President of the 68th UN General Assembly, where he organized the inaugural UN World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

Before becoming ambassador, Gregoire held a variety of roles, including Program Consultant at the Ford Foundation, Director of consulting/training at BoardSource (NY), Program Adviser for TechnoServe, Acting Director at New York City’s Department of Health, and Field Director for Save the Children in Connecticut.

Personal & Community Engagement

Gregoire speaks English and Dominica Kweyol, and has working competence in French and Spanish. He remains active in Dominican affairs, periodically returning to engage in dialogues around governance, education, agriculture, and indigenous rights. In 2025, he was honored as one of five distinguished diplomats at the Diplomats Diversity Gala in Los Angeles.

He is married to Elvira Oluchi Gregoire. On social media and in interviews, Gregoire identifies as a committed Pan-Africanist and advocate for youth empowerment, human rights, food security, and sustainable development.

Legacy & Influence

Gregoire is widely recognized as one of Dominica’s most influential diplomats and public intellectuals. His initiatives in promoting remembrance of slavery, championing the rights of indigenous populations, and integrating climate resilience into governance have left lasting marks. His career bridges local, regional, and global forums, making him a model for Dominican statesmanship in the 21st century.