Seraphin became Prime Minister on June 25 1979, at the request of the "Committee of National Salvation." In August 1979, Dominica was hit by Hurricane David, which killed over 76 people, and devastated much of the island. Seraphin was preoccupied with rescue and rebuilding efforts. He traveled to Barbados, Canada, France, the United States, and Venezuela to seek financial aid for rebuilding his country's infrastructure, in which he did. He was known to also help and rebuild homes for the homeless financing it all from his own personal account. He restored the island and helped create jobs.