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Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas of Dominica

Michael Douglas (1940–30 April 1992) was a prominent Dominican politician, engineer, military serviceman, and leader of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP). He served as Member of Parliament for the Portsmouth constituency, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, and Leader of the Opposition. His influence shaped Dominica’s post-independence political landscape and development path during the late 20th century.

Political Life and National Impact

Douglas entered politics during the 1975 general election, campaigning vigorously against the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP). Elected as MP for Portsmouth, he served under Prime Minister Patrick Roland John, holding portfolios including Minister for Agriculture and later Minister of Finance during the 1979–1980 interim government led by Oliver James Seraphin. In 1981, Douglas briefly formed the United Dominica Labour Party (UDLP), but returned to the DLP and became its political leader in 1985.

As Leader of the Opposition from 1985 to 1990, Douglas was a strong voice on foreign affairs, public housing, and national sovereignty. At the DLP’s 1986 convention, he asserted that Dominica “would never become a toy or puppet to any superpowers,” positioning the party as firmly non-aligned.

Education, Military Background, and Development Advocacy

A graduate in Production Engineering from the United Kingdom, Douglas also served in the Royal Air Force, stationed in Cyprus and Aden. His return to Dominica marked the beginning of a long and transformative political career. Bilingual in English and Creole, Douglas connected deeply with rural and urban voters alike.

He was instrumental in the relocation and establishment of Ross University in Picard, Portsmouth, recognising its long-term value to education and the local economy. He secured 35 acres at Sugar Loaf Estate to build the Chance housing estate, providing homes for low-income families. He also championed informal land access for the homeless in the Chance area.

Family and Legacy

Douglas was the father of Ian Douglas, a later Attorney General and Minister of Cabinet, and the brother of Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas, Dominica’s fifth Prime Minister. Michael Douglas’s political career was cut short by cancer; he resigned from party leadership shortly before his death in 1992. His memory lives on through Michael Douglas Boulevard in Portsmouth and the continued political legacy of his family.