Luke Taylor Corriette

Luke Taylor Corriette, born on 16 December 1943 in Fond St. Jean, was a Dominican public servant, insurance professional, and politician. Before entering politics, he worked in the private sector, earning a Diploma in Life Underwriting in 1972, and later served as Sales Manager of the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation in 1974. His professional discipline and communication skills helped shape his political career, which began through active involvement in youth and civic initiatives in Dominica’s southern communities.

Political Career and Ministerial Service of Luke Corriette

Corriette entered politics under the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and successfully contested the 1975 general elections as the Member of Parliament for the Petite Savanne Constituency. He was one of the figures referred to as part of Prime Minister Patrick John‘s “Dynamic 21”, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs, Social Security, and Youth Affairs, and following the death of Minister Isiah Thomas in 1977, he was elevated to full ministerial status. His tenure coincided with a politically tense era that culminated in the May 29th 1979 Uprising, which saw several resignations within the DLP government.

Following the fall of the Patrick John administration, Corriette served under the Interim Government led by Oliver Seraphine as Minister for Communications, Works, and Tourism, helping restore governmental operations after the national upheaval. He sought re-election in the 1980 general election but lost his seat to Ralph Stanley Fadelle of the Dominica Freedom Party, marking the end of his parliamentary career.

Public Service and Legacy

Throughout his political life and after, Corriette was recognised for his emphasis on youth development and social welfare. He was deeply involved in church and community activities in Petite Savanne and neighbouring districts, continuing to advocate for education and civic engagement. His time in government, spanning the transition from colonial governance to independence, was marked by his advocacy for communication infrastructure and social-security reform.

Corriette passed away on 26 July 2019, at the age of 75. In recognition of his public service and contribution to Dominica’s political history, the Government declared 9 August 2019 an official day of mourning and accorded him an official state funeral. He was remembered as a man of integrity, faith, and commitment to national service, leaving behind twelve children and a legacy rooted in community development and national rebuilding after Dominica’s most turbulent decade.