Stevens, Wills, Strathmore (1905-1977)

Minister of Education, Minister of Labour and Social Services, Inspector of Schools, Teacher. Born at Marigot April 16, 1905. Educated at the Marigot Government School and the Rawle Teacher's Institute, Codrington College, Barbados, in 1925. He rose through the ranks of the teaching service to become Inspector of Schools, 1949-1960. He was founder and president of the Marigot Literary Society, 1936 to 1944. Founding member Marigot Village Board (1934). In 1961, he contested and won the seat for the north-eastern district in the Legislative Council, when the Dominica Labour Party led by Edward Le Blanc won its first term in office, and again in 1966. Served as Minister of Labour and Social Services and then Minister of Education and Health. Shortly before the 1970 general elections, Stevens, along with Mabel James and N.A.N. Ducreay, led a revolt against the leadership of Le Blanc and contested the elections against him. Stevens was the only one of the group to retain his seat. He was in opposition until his retirement in 1973, when his son, Pat, succeeded him. W.S. Stevens was a founding member of the Farmers Union. He died in June 1977.

Search