Dominican Prime Minister. She served as Prime Minister of the sovereign island Commonwealth of Dominica from July 21, 1980 until June 14, 1995. She began campaigning in politics during the 1960s against restrictions on press freedom, and helped to found the Dominica Freedom Party of which she served as leader from the early 1970s until 1995. She was elected to Parliament in 1970 and became opposition leader in 1975. Though she and her party were characterized as conservative, this was partially in comparison to socialist leaders in the Caribbean, as she did support some social welfare programs. Other issues that were important to her were anti-corruption measures and individual freedom. Charles became Prime Minister when her party won elections shortly after Dominica gained full independence from British rule in 1979, and was first female prime minister in the Caribbean. Shortly after retiring from politics her party lost the 1995 elections. She also served as foreign minister of Dominica from 1980 to 1990. She was created a dame in 1992.
Dominican Prime Minister. She served as Prime Minister of the sovereign island Commonwealth of Dominica from July 21, 1980 until June 14, 1995. She began campaigning in politics during the 1960s against restrictions on press freedom, and helped to found the Dominica Freedom Party of which she served as leader from the early 1970s until 1995. She was elected to Parliament in 1970 and became opposition leader in 1975. Though she and her party were characterized as conservative, this was partially in comparison to socialist leaders in the Caribbean, as she did support some social welfare programs. Other issues that were important to her were anti-corruption measures and individual freedom. Charles became Prime Minister when her party won elections shortly after Dominica gained full independence from British rule in 1979, and was first female prime minister in the Caribbean. Shortly after retiring from politics her party lost the 1995 elections. She also served as foreign minister of Dominica from 1980 to 1990. She was created a dame in 1992.
Bio by: Erik Lander
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