John Osborne (born 1936) is a former chief minister of Montserrat. He first came to that position in November 1978, as a member of the People's Liberation Movement, and continued until losing legislative council elections on October 10 1991. By 2001 he had switched parties, joining the New People's Liberation Movement. Under his leadership, the NPLM won 7 of 9 seats in legislative council elections on April 2 2001, and he served as chief minister from April 5 2001 until June 3 2006 when he resigned after elections in which his party was defeated. A major issue for his government has been the continuing recovery of the island of Montserrat after a volcanic eruption which devastated the southern part of the island, burying the capital city of Plymouth in mud and forcing its population to flee, in many cases off the island due to lack of housing. The eruption, which began in July, 1995, continues today on a vastly reduced scale, the damage being confined to Plymouth and the surrounding areas. As of 2005, a new airport and docking facilities have opened and Montserratians and tourists alike are beginning to return.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Percival Austin Bramble |
Chief Minister of Montserrat 1978–1991 |
Succeeded by Reuben Meade |
| Preceded by David Brandt |
Chief Minister of Montserrat 2001–2006 |
Succeeded by Lowell Lewis |
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|---|---|
| W. H. Bramble • P. A. Bramble • J. Osborne • Meade • B. Osborne • Brandt • J. Osborne • Lewis |  |
