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PIERRE CHARLES SACRIFICED HIS LIFE FOR DOMINICA, SAYS ST. KITTS AND NEVIS PM DOUGLAS

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (JANUARY 7^TH 2004) – “Dominica has lost another of its cherished sons who was not only a colleague in terms of Caribbean leadership, but a personal friend of mine and a friend of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas, Wednesday, reacting to the sudden death Tuesday night of his Dominica counterpart, the Hon. Pierre Charles.

“It is very unfortunate, because Prime Minister Charles was so young. He was only 49 years old and I am sure that this must have a devastating effect on his wife and family and of course, the people of Dominica, whom he led for the last three years,” said Dr. Douglas in an interview with VON Radio’s Marcellus Lee.

Dr. Douglas said the Caribbean Community leaders would miss Prime Minister Charles “mainly because he was so much of a gentleman.”

“If there was anyone of us who can be described as not capable of even killing a fly, that would go to him. He was very quiet, very reserved and a real gentleman and to see him pass in this way is really sad,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister in the telephone interview from his residence in St. Paul’s, St. Kitts.

“When after the September 11^th crisis triggered by the terrorist attack and we met to look at the effects of the terrorist activity on the economies of the Caribbean, and we looked specifically at the situation in Dominica, when he said then and openly that he was prepared to put in place the necessary adjustment mechanisms and structures in Dominica that would reverse the economy, even though it meant being out of power,” responded Prime Minister Douglas, when asked of the fond memories he would recall at CARICOM Meetings.

“I myself at that time challenged him and he meant what he said. He put the Country first. And really his life has been a sacrifice, because despite his own physical limitations, despite the ailments which were obvious, he still persevered in carrying out his public tasks,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who stressed the need for leaders to “look after ourselves as well in the sense that we must make sure that we do not sacrifice our own lives.”

“He definitely put that country first and even if it meant losing power. And here it is, not even losing power, it is losing his life and I have the utmost respect for him,” said Prime Minister Douglas, whose St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party and Charles' Dominica Labour Party are fraternal parties.

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