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Swinburne Lestrade

Swinburne Lestrade of Dominica

Swinburne A. S. Lestrade is a distinguished Dominican economist and diplomat, notable for leading critical regional economic organisations, representing Dominica abroad, and contributing significantly to national and regional development. His expertise in economics and public service has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sisserou Award of Honour in 2004.

Early Life and Education

Born in La Plaine, Dominica, Lestrade studied economics at the University of the West Indies, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. He furthered his academic profile with an MSc in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia in the UK.

Professional and Regional Leadership

Lestrade began his career as an economics officer at the Commonwealth Secretariat and later with CARICOM, earning respect across the Caribbean. In 1981, he was appointed the first Director of the OECS Economic Affairs Secretariat (EAS), a position he held until 1987. He was a key architect in early OECS policy and integration efforts.

From 1995 to 2000, he served as Director-General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, overseeing comprehensive economic coordination among member states, including trade, customs, and regional fiscal policy.

Diplomatic Service and National Roles

Appointed Ambassador of Dominica to the Organization of American States in September 2001, Lestrade presented his credentials to the OAS Assistant Secretary General, emphasising diplomacy and regional cooperation. He later served concurrently as non-resident Ambassador to the United States.

In 2002, Lestrade returned to Dominica, taking on the critical role of coordinating the country’s IMF-supported PRGF program and leading sovereign debt restructuring to stabilise government finances. As Senior Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister from 2007 to 2008, he authored Dominica’s Growth and Social Protection Strategy.

He also held leadership positions in national financial institutions, serving as Chairman of the National Bank of Dominica and Deputy Chair of the AID Bank.

Honors and Professional Recognition

In November 2004, Lestrade received the Sisserou Award of Honour, Dominica’s second-highest national award, recognising his contributions to national and regional advancement. He has published and presented widely on Caribbean integration, fiscal policy, and economic resilience.

List of Major Roles

  • Director General, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (1995–2000)
  • Ambassador to OAS and non-resident Ambassador to the U.S. (2001–2002)

Policy and Economic Impact

Lestrade’s leadership at the OECS helped harmonise fiscal and trade policies among member states. He has advocated for economic integration and reform of the public sector. As Ambassador, he championed Dominica’s socioeconomic interests within multilateral forums. His work in debt restructuring helped Dominica regain fiscal stability and negotiate a reduced debt service burden.

Current Engagements and Legacy

After his public service, Lestrade consults on CARICOM economic integration, investment policy, and debt strategy. He continues to serve on the board of the Invest Dominica Authority, advising on economic development initiatives