Former Prime Minister of Dominica, Edison James, fondly remembered the late Francois Barrie as a devoted citizen deeply concerned about the welfare of the Kalinago Territory. Barrie, who passed away at the age of 79 on September 3, 2023, had a remarkable political career and an enduring impact on his community.
James praised Barrie for his exceptional dedication to the Kalinago people. He noted that Barrie was a diligent Parliamentary representative who always carried a notepad to record the needs and requests of his constituents, ensuring that each concern was meticulously addressed.
During James’ tenure as Prime Minister, Barrie played a crucial role in expanding the land available to the Kalinago Territory by 93 acres, providing access to essential resources like water, and promoting agricultural development. He was also an ardent cricket enthusiast and contributed significantly to the development of Jolly John’s Park in the Kalinago Territory.
Even after leaving politics, Barrie remained a strong advocate for the Kalinago Territory, expressing concerns about what he perceived as its abandonment. James recalled Barrie as a frequent visitor to his home, where they engaged in meaningful discussions.
James mourned Barrie’s passing as the loss of a great man and believed that the Kalinago Territory was poorer for it. He expressed his heartfelt hope for Barrie’s soul to rest in peace.
Francois Barrie, affectionately known as “Teacher Barrie” or “Cha Barrie,” began his political career in 1993, representing the Salybia Constituency as a member of the United Workers Party (UWP). He was reelected in the 1995 general election but later lost to Kelly Graneau of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in 2000. Barrie also served as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports from 1995-2000 during Edison James’ UWP administration.
The passing of Francois Barrie marked the end of an era in Dominica’s political landscape, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service and unwavering commitment to the Kalinago people.
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