Henry “Babs” Dyer

Henry “Babs” Dyer is a respected Dominican attorney, former Minister, and representative of Roseau North Constituency, elected during the pivotal 1980 general elections under the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), through which he contributed to nation-building and legal reform during the post‑independence transition.

Early Life, Education & Political Entry

Dyer was born in Roseau, Dominica, on January 27, 1939. He attended primary school there, then the Dominica Grammar School, later engaging in tertiary legal studies abroad at Ryerson University in Toronto. With legal credentials established, he entered politics during the 1980 election, successfully contesting the Roseau North seat for the DFP, aligned with the rise of Prime Minister Mary Eugenia Charles.

Parliamentary Service & Ministerial Duties

Following his election, Dyer was appointed Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs, Labour & Immigration in the Charles-led Cabinet. He played a significant role in legal drafting, civil service reform, and regulatory oversight. Reports from 2012 indicate his name was advanced for Senior Counsel, notably by the Bar Association, emphasising his legal standing. After leaving Cabinet, he was later appointed Commissioner of the Integrity in Public Office Commission, where he emphasised statutory ethics compliance and oversight.

Advocacy & Ongoing Legal Engagement

Dyer continues to be a vocal advocate for replacing the Judicial Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), citing regional legal autonomy. He publicly applauded the 2019 CCJ ruling affirming squatters’ rights in Dominica as a milestone in land justice and jurisprudence. Still active with the Dominica Bar Association, Dyer contributes to legal discourse, governance debates, and public mentorship. His ongoing engagement reinforces long-term efforts toward institutional integrity and anti-corruption governance in Dominica.