Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, former Prime Minister of Dominica was laid to rest in her birthplace in Pointe Michel about 4 miles south of Roseau, on Wednesday September 12 th 2005. The funeral service that started promptly at 10:00 a.m. was held at the Pointe Michel Roman Catholic Church.

The Caribbean’s first female head of government was one of the signatories to the Treaty of Basseterre which formed the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States OECS in 1981. Mary Eugenia Charles was Leader of the Opposition from 1975-1980. On July 21st 1980, she led the Dominica Freedom Party to a landslide victory at the polls, capturing 17 of the 21 seats at stake.

Dame Mary Eugenia Charles served as Prime Minister until 1995, when she retired from active politics following the 1995 general elections. In October 1983, the Dominican leader, as Chairperson of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States requested the assistance of the United States Government, then under President Ronald Regan to lead an intervention force including troops from the Caribbean into Grenada in attempt restore order after the Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop and several other Cabinet colleagues, were assassinated.

Dame Mary Eugenia Charles died in Martinque on Tuesday September 5th 2005 after under going surgery for a damaged hip. Dominica ’s Prime Minister, was among several members of Cabinet at the Canefield Airport for the arrival of the body of former Prime Minister on September 9 th just before 1pm Eastern Caribbean time. Close friends, relatives and supporters of the Party she led for over 27 years also stood in silence at the Airport

President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Members of Cabinet, retired and active politicians from the Caribbean Region, diplomats from beyond the Caribbean, close relatives and friends and hundreds of Dominicans, defied the stifling heat to attend the funeral service of the legendary former Prime Minister of Dominica, the late Dame Eugenia Charles in Pointe Michel.

Several dignitaries, including Dame Eugenia’s former colleague Prime Ministers Sir John Compton of St. Lucia and Sir James Mitchel of St. Vincent and the Grenadines were at the funeral.

Long time friend of Dame Eugenia the President of the West Indies Cricket Board Ken Gordon was also in attendance. Marcelline Chitolie , Protocol & General Services Officer, represented OECS Secretariat at the funeral service. Bishop of Roseau, Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire was the main celebrant.

Monsignor Eustace Thomas parish priest of the Roman Catholic Church and long time friend of Ms. Charles delivered the homily. He described his long time friend as one who was outspoken, honest and against corruption.

Following the funeral service, the body of the late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles was laid to rest at the family grave of the Pointe Michel Roman Catholic Cemetery . The interment was attended by relatives and close friends of the deceased. Dame Mary Eugenia Charles was also a lawyer.

Photo’s and information by the OECS News Link. (www.oecs.org) and Sean Douglas Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Dominica.