Condolences to all Dominicans

THE EDITOR: Condolences and a feeling of sadness are extended to the President, government and peoples of the Commonwealth of Dominica on the sudden passing of yet another dynamic Caribbean leader in the person of Prime Minister, Pierre Charles, aged 49. According to news reports coming from Dominica Mr Charles had just attended a cabinet meeting, and had been complaining of chest pains earlier that day (January 06). As he entered his vehicle he collapsed and was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital, where he died. Mr Charles had been previously hospitalised for similar complaints, he even had to be rushed to Port-of-Spain on one occasion for similar attacks of chest pains.

His predecessor, the former Prime Minister, Mr Rosevelt Douglas, also died in office of similar complaints, three years before Mr Charles. Mr Charles comes from a humble background. He started his life career as a teacher, he then entered politics in the 1980s, and his elevation to Prime Ministership came about as Prime Minister Douglas died of a heart problem. At 49, Charles was in the prime of his political life. He was a well respected member of the Caribbean community. Dominica is presently in the grip of economic hardships, and now suddenly plunged into mourning and shock over the sudden and untimely death of Mr Charles. In the past ten years Dominica has gone through several changes of leadership. The most colourful of all Dame Eugenia Charles “the Iron Lady of the Caribbean,” a term taken from then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. His successor is the youthful 31-year-old Mr Skeritt, Education, Youth and Sports Minister. What changes will come about under his tenure in office? For one thing, he has youth on his side, no health problems, and is ready, able, capable and also qualified for the job. In this period of mourning, I hope that a smooth transition from one leader to the next is possible. Best wishes now go out to our “sister island” of Dominica.

KEN SMITH
Woodbrook