Tribute to late Prime Minister Pierre Charles

Late Prime Minister Pierre Charles,
Late Prime Minister Pierre Charles,

The Pierre Charles Foundation, and the Friends of Pierre Charles pay tribute to the memory of our esteemed brother, Comrade, and Prime Minister on the 10th Anniversary of his passing.

“It is our duty and obligation to honour the memory of the late Prime Minister who during his lifetime worked tirelessly for the education of the masses of Dominicans, cultural development, socio-economic development of Dominica, and solidarity with struggles for national liberation especially on the African continent”.

The contribution of Pierre Charles to Dominica must be viewed from a broad perspective given his involvement in many endeavours.  His contribution to political development in Dominica was only part of his larger contribution to his homeland.  Pierre, a man of great humility, was quintessentially a servant of the community throughout his life.  In his teenage years, he was an acolyte, a Scout, and a Cadet.  In his adult years, he was a teacher, a youth leader, a political activist, a farmer, a parliamentarian, a sportsman, a musician, a businessman, a Minister of Government, and finally a Prime Minister.

We pay tribute to his extraordinary leadership in all the arenas which became the focus of his life’s work.  He was a dynamic and visionary individual who demonstrated unwavering commitment to upliftment of the masses of Dominicans.  On an international level, he was a messenger of peace, who placed great importance on development and alleviation of poverty as the highest priorities for transformation of the developing countries.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, he laid the basis for the re-engineering of the economic structure of Dominica, pursued a progressive foreign policy which built enduring partnerships with other countries that continue to serve Dominica, stood steadfastly for transparency and good governance as evidenced by the Integrity in Public office Act which he championed, and promoted a vision for energy security for Dominica.

Pierre Charles will be remembered for his commitment to self-help and grassroots development, advancement of the Grand Bay District, civil society development, good governance and integrity, the principle of self-determination all over the world in particular in Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, and the embrace of Cuba as an important member of the Caribbean family of nations.

Pierre Charles was an outstanding son of Dominica whose legacy will live on.  May his memory be forever etched in the annals of Dominica’s history.

Long live his memory.

Government’s press secretary also issued the following statement on behalf of the government.

The late Hon. Pierre Charles is being remembered as having made a sterling contribution to national development.

This as today, Monday January 6, 2014, marks the tenth anniversary of his passing.

The late Pierre Charles, former Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay Constituency, served as
Prime Minister of Dominica from October 3, 2000 to January 6, 2004. He was buried at the Grand Bay
Roman Catholic Cemetery following a State Funeral Service on Saturday January 17, 2004.

Upon beginning his tenure as Prime Minister and later Minister for Finance, the late Pierre Charles was
faced with an ailing economy. He recognized the need to re-engineer the public sector and made the
difficult decision to undertake structural adjustments. He gained the confidence of international
financial institutions and governments around the world. This resulted in concessionary financing and
debt restructuring for Dominica, thus rescuing the country from financial crisis.

The late Pierre Charles is remembered by his wife, Hon. Justina Charles, Minister for Culture, Youth and
Sports, his three children, other members of his family, members and supporters of the Dominica
Labour Party, the people of the Grand Bay Constituency and the people of Dominica.

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68 Comments

  1. truthman
    January 9, 2014

    mac you talking about earl and woman in restaurant in town. that is a grain of sand compare to the boss who have woman touring round the world with him in very expensive hotels and eating expensive food and drinks expensive shopping sprees and how much thousands of pounds and euros in the purses of woman. ha ha big joke on you

  2. Toomatoe Tomato
    January 8, 2014

    May your soul R.I.P. Hon. Pierre Charles.

  3. Bata Pros
    January 8, 2014

    …..he remains alive in our hearts… :wink:

  4. Oh..........
    January 7, 2014

    It’s a good thing the dead can’t hear and see or else you would be disappointed in the wife she’s married to the men that led to your demise then again a woman have to do what she have to, to survive, it’s a hard knocks life.

  5. Shameless
    January 7, 2014

    Heart still aching from your sudden passing :( :( :( . You served with honesty, integrity and dignity and left us a legacy that all should have followed. Sadly, we missed the boat. Those who betrayed you continue to rape and insult the nation while wearing the said badge of ignorance on their chest. Continue to rest in peace soldier….But rest assured that Change Must Come..

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  6. January 7, 2014

    :-D :oops: there are three labor party leaders crying in there grave mike and rosie and pierre mike is crying for ian he is disappointed in him .

    • Psalm 23
      January 8, 2014

      When Roosy called him he ask a member of his home to tell Roosy he could not come to the phone because he is having a bath for church, when he came from church he understood Roosy was died, can that speak for its self, now if Skero and members of the dlp were a part of the cause of his demise why would his widow and the Grand Bay people be so supportive to Skero and the dlp like that.Can you answer me

      • January 11, 2014

        SKERIT AND THE LABOUR PARTY HAS EMPLOY A VERY EFICIENT PROPAGANDER AND BLINDFOLD THE ILLETERATES AND BLIND PEOPLE BUT NOT ME AND MANEY OTHER GRANDBAYRIANS WHO KNOW THE RIGHT FROM RONG AND AWARE OF THE REAL TRUE STORY BEHIND THE DEATH OF PIERRO AND ROSSIE AND THE PERPERTRATORS ARE ENJOYING WHAT THEY WORKED HAD TO ACHIEVE I KNOW THEY ARE NOT HAPPY WE ARE BRINGING THESE MEMORIES BACK THEY ARE VERY HAPPY THAT WE FORGET AND DOES NOT TALK ABOUT PIERRO AND ROSSIE BUT MAN MUST NOT LIVE ON A NOTHER MAN SWEAT PAY DAY IS ALMOST HERE CHANGE IS A MUST :twisted: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  7. Annon
    January 7, 2014

    Rest in Peace Pierro.
    2 things he didn’t have were: a degree, and over a billion dollars from the Chinese that never flowed to local Dominicans.
    What a shame! This current gov’t has received money like river flow but still poor.

    • January 12, 2014

      if I was in Dominica my brother I would shake your big toe,well said.

  8. I TOLD YOU
    January 7, 2014

    Skerro, Krazy and dem Chinese need to be investigated for Pierro’s demise. I hope it is done during the new (UWP) Administration.

  9. Tumble back kick
    January 7, 2014

    We never get a second chance to create the first and lasting impression. The first time I heard Pierro speak and a saw him is when Rosy was about to take the helm as leader of the Labour party after his brother Mike fell ill. Some time before that mamo was knighted as dame. Well my brother came to gwatanse on habour lane in the corner by Perry and he let off about mamo. He didn’t have nice things to say but the people liked it. So that was my impression.

  10. Too Late
    January 6, 2014

    Rosie and Pierro was labour. What they have there now is DAYBAH.

    Rest in peace

  11. Grand Bay Girl
    January 6, 2014

    He knew where he came from.He was Genunine Patriotic and he loved People regardless of their
    stature. His memory remains …Great Man. May his soul ever rest in Peace ….Our Pierrio

  12. fighter
    January 6, 2014

    What utter disrespect and undermining of Pierro’s leadership when he was PM?

    Remember the present PM travelled to Barbados and met with the Chinese? Who could deny that really happened? Dominica at the time had diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

    Today, on the 10th. Anniversary of his death, those in the same DLP Govt., not Minister, not PM, who gave him hard time, could say nothing about a fellow DLP politician and former PM.

    Remember the exclamation by the balded proctor, “Where were they when Pierre stretched out his hand?” The partner was referring to the Cabalists.

    Never forget those happenings.

    A fighter of and for the DLP. Most Dominicans think that comparing Skerritt and Pierro is like comparing Chalk and Cheese. Pierro was a man of honesty and would never get himself involved in all those corrupt practices.

  13. Shady Charles
    January 6, 2014

    R.I.P Hon. Pierre Charles

  14. Man on the Ground
    January 6, 2014

    when he stretch his hand for help while he was hurting inside they kick him stab him in the chest. and i quote i can take the blows from the opposition party but is them man in my party that hurting me . sacqaw modara ki sou yee.

    • John Paul
      January 8, 2014

      Tony Astaphan said almost the samething !
      You want to see what He supporting now? Go to http://www.domembassy.com click “translate page” You will see what crooks have done with Skeritt’s idea of Foreign Policy

  15. Jbfox
    January 6, 2014

    He was a great Dominican may he continue to rest in eternal peace.

  16. out of south city
    January 6, 2014

    Long lives the memory of one of the greatest individuals from south city.

  17. mac
    January 6, 2014

    And one more thing,Piere charles would not turn in his grave ,you guys seem to forget that he spent his time in office paying back financial debts that was created by the same uwp party ,you guys are boasting now.I will not vote the uwp but really want them to win for the sake of a few all you.If i were to listen to some uwp supporters,dominica will be a paradise if uwp get into office.BIG JOKE.

  18. mac
    January 6, 2014

    uwp supporters can only c the left side.their leaders are not even in power and they already using their supporters donations to tour the world,wonder what they will do if they get into office with the larger sum.

    • January 11, 2014

      THT WHY WE ALWAYS NOCK OUR FEET AND TUMBLE DOWN BECAUSE WE ALWAY SEE OUR NEGHBOURS TOE IS GOING T JAM BUT WE NEVER SEE OUR TOE IS GOING TO JAM IN 200O THE THEN OPPOSITION SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CUROPT ALL THIER SUPPORTERS SAY IT WAS TRUE NOW THE SAME SUPPORTERS ARE SEEING CORUPTION IS MORE OPEN THAN IN 2000 THIER STRATIGY IS SAYING ALL GOVERNMENT IS THE SAME SHAME ON PEOPLE WITH DOUBLE STANDERD THIS VERY DANGEROUS WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER CHANGE IS A MUST

      Admin: In the future please avoid using all caps to make your comment.

  19. Ohhh Dominica!
    January 6, 2014

    Pierro gone but will always live on in our hearts. Those who persecuted you to your grave has to remain here and suffer for every second of grief they caused you.

    We are waiting on The Lord, for vengeance is mine saith The Lord.

  20. River Street
    January 6, 2014

    RIP schoolmate and comrade.

  21. %
    January 6, 2014

    Well as I have stated on this medium on several occasions, during the days of Pierre Charles I WAS A STUNGE LABOURITE.I followed him from Grandbay, to the north, South, East and West of Dominica. The man epitomized what a Labourite should be. The man held firm to the biblical tenets: THOU SHALL NOT CHEAT AND STEAL. HE WAS NOT INSULTIVE, DECIEPTFUL AND CORRUPT EITHER. HE WAS NOT GREEDY AND ARROGANT EITHER.
    If Pierro could come back to Dominica today to see what Labour Party has become, in rage he would turn the tables of the greedy and corrupt men/women who have shamelessly infested this once mighty party upside down, and would fire/dismiss 98% of the GREEDIES.
    FINALLY AFTER PIERRO’S DEATH I QUIT BEING A LABOUR SUPPORTER. I never saw in Skerrit the qualities of being a good Prime Minister. I am proud to say that I am indeed vindicated today. Dominica has been taken to the cleaners by mismanagement, and bad leadership, corruption, and greediness.
    REST IN PEACE PIERRO.
    YOUR MEMORY LIVES ON!,

  22. January 6, 2014

    bUT BUT WHERE IS THE MEMORIAL MASS TO BE HELD OR THE TRIBUTE VENUE?

    – COMRADE PIERRE CHARLES REST IN PEACE.

  23. Anonymous
    January 6, 2014

    Now that was leadership wit his no degree. A man of the people. labourites bring one back like him

  24. Concerned
    January 6, 2014

    Continue to rest in peace brother

  25. helloooooo
    January 6, 2014

    Pierro Loved you then and Love you still. n this the anniversary of your death I figure you and Rossie must be holding hands crying at what you all beloved labor party has come to. You all sacrificed your lives but this little boy is sucking the life out of us. RIP soldier

  26. ST.LUCIAN IN DOMINIC
    January 6, 2014

    ” AILING ECONOMY?” I wonder what it is right now?
    A dead economy? NO WORK, Chinesse take over while our truck driver,carpenters, Engineers, Architect, Masons, Equipment Operators sit back and cannot say a word!!! What about contributions to Dominica Social Security? I am waiting for my next project when they will come and hassel me!!!!D.S.S go talk to the Government!!!!

  27. system
    January 6, 2014

    But for so long Christmas past, where all u PM?

  28. James
    January 6, 2014

    It’s too bad your leadership skills didn’t rub off on your wife. She was a great nurse but a bad politician. They don’t make them like you anymore Mr. Charles. Rest In Peace…you memory will live on.

    • James
      January 6, 2014

      “your memory”

    • Standing strong
      January 6, 2014

      You won’t do any betterat no ti

      • Standing strong
        January 6, 2014

        At no time you won’t do better so stop your no sense talk

    • mac
      January 6, 2014

      so now u forget all de good she did as a nurse.for u she is a devel because u doh get what u want james.

  29. Bee
    January 6, 2014

    I wonder if a certain minister turncoat is spearheading the foundation?

  30. Dr. Sam
    January 6, 2014

    Hon. Pierre Charles was a classmate of mine and fellow cadet.

    While away from the struggle, I was always proud knowing that he was carrying out the ideals of the Labour Party. He made the tough decisions that began lifting us from those truly difficult days.

    I was pleased that my brothers were rock solid in representing the Christian family at his farewell ceremony. Congratulations to Hon. Justina Charles for so splendidly carrying on his legacy.

    Long live Pierro!

    • Ann Derass
      January 6, 2014

      Dr. Sam, are you Mad? Justina carrying on Pierro’s legacy? Please Doc no need to pamper, Justina has been a betrayal to everything Pierro died for. You know it.

    • Jay
      January 7, 2014

      It is sad to see a once distinguished man sucking up to a regime he once opposed. I still vividly remember the Dominica International Conference, held in New York, in 2009. At the time Roosevelt Skerrit publicly expressed regret that his Govt. and the Dominica Labour Party had not been invited to that event. A case of “needs make must”??

  31. Doc. Love
    January 6, 2014

    I wonder what is going through Krazy’s mind today. I will never forget on that dreadful day, while Mr. Pierre Charles laid on a bed in the hospital dying, the man was mocking Mr. Charles braying like a donkey on a radio station. Today, who loves the Skeritt Labor Party more then the Krazy man.

    • >>>>>>>>>>>
      January 6, 2014

      Well my friend Krazy says he is now a Labourite Skerrit’s mess called a Labour Party.

  32. Jay
    January 6, 2014

    Why the disparity between “supporters of the Dominica Labour Party” and “the people of Dominica”? Are they not one and the same, despite political differences? Even in eulogizing a man, ten years after his parting this divide & rule tactic of your paymaster has to be brought to bear? Very sad indeed, espcially coming from the spokesman of a leadership that professes unity.

  33. Ann Derass
    January 6, 2014

    And he was betrayed by those who now hold power.

    • T
      January 6, 2014

      And this is the gospel truth. It is said by the man who has authority to speak on Skerrit’s behalf anytime he wants, that when Pierro stretched his hands asking for help, everyone turned a blind eyes. NOW THEY ARE MASQUERADING AS POLITICIANS WHO CARE. Care my foot!

  34. Riverside
    January 6, 2014

    You are quick to take cheap Political shots.
    You were one that were disrespecting him and the Office of the Prime Minister. Just keep your comments to yourself. Dominicans are not interesting, go back under the stone.

  35. January 6, 2014

    May he continue to rest in peace. You did your duty here in Dominica and now God is using you in his kingdom.

  36. Anonymous
    January 6, 2014

    rest in peace my brother

    • Standing strong
      January 6, 2014

      RIP your words of advise to me will live on within me and keep me strong you was so right again RIP

  37. Love I
    January 6, 2014

    R.I.P…You would like what is going on now, but you were an Honorable Prime Minister..

  38. Grandbay
    January 6, 2014

    There still needs to be a real inquest to find out the true cause of your death.

  39. grell
    January 6, 2014

    May your soul continue to rest in peace,i took one of my sadest trip with you the year before,our friend Casimir traveled with us from Antigua to Dominica and 3 days later he was dead.You said some nice words to me that has guided me and thank you so much.Rest in Peace my friend.

  40. Happy
    January 6, 2014

    We all miss u presently is only Koshoni in the camp guess u turning blue in your grave

  41. Malgraysa
    January 6, 2014

    Respect to the late Mr. Charles. Although no follower of his political line of thinking he had my respect as a man of integrity, sincerity and humility.
    Ten year on I can see that he was an obstacle to the personal ambitions of the current regime. He was a decent, good man. May his soul continue to rest in peace.

  42. forreal
    January 6, 2014

    wow i had to wow at this one,when i read all what this man had accomplished throughout his life time,because it seem like just yesterday i played basketball against this man,bata pros,of which he was a member,hats of to this man,it just shows,that you can accomplish any goals,or be what you want to be throughout your life,god bless dominica,with remarkable people,isle of beauty isle splendor.

  43. Not Me Alone
    January 6, 2014

    Boy though dead, Piero must be crying in his grave to see how his DLP comrades turned Dominica around for the worse. Although I know he is not surprised by virtue of the fact that one of the key guys on the team vowed to not contest another election with Piero as head of the DLP. When one reads the dreams and vision of Piero especially for the poor, he must be asking to die again to see how his successor has used the poor and the good platform of the DLP, to literally oppress the poor and fight against everything Piero and Rosie stood for. Yes, we miss you Piero, but most of us true laborites are relieved that you are not physically present to see the greed, corruption, oppression, misery the DLP has inflicted on the nation, while they and they alone have become billionaires.

  44. Bala Junior
    January 6, 2014

    From out of SOUTH-CITY came that grate leader,sometimes I wander why he has to be just another NUMBER!BLESSED BE THOW MY BROTHER FOR JAH IS OUR RULER.

  45. verniceI
    January 6, 2014

    May the Late honorable Pierre Charles Soul rest in peace, I remember Mr Charles when I was just a little girl, wish I could turn back the hands of time…Mr. Charles was a very good man, Prime Minister ,Husband and Father…May his soul in peace…..Mrs. Charles is a very strong woman and I think the Late Hon Made her a strong woman, My heart felt Condolences goes out to the People of Grand Bay an d environs, and The People Commonwealth of Dominica. We really loose a Man of Integrity and passion

  46. Skerrit_Bashing_Crew
    January 6, 2014

    Pierro, Pierro Justina join them, after all the complaints u shared with her, & & your biggest critic is not the pm of Dominica, yes the one that always disrespecting u and walking out on you. :lol: :lol: :lol:

  47. on deployment.
    January 6, 2014

    You would be turning in your grave to see what went on the last 10 years.

    • WARRINGTON
      January 6, 2014

      :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • power house wesley
      January 6, 2014

      while i did not support him because of something he told me in new york a few months before his death, i agree with you and could not have said it better

    • D/can to De bone(F
      January 6, 2014

      What went wrong in the last 10 yrs? hope you not a political boom boom fly with negative vibs

      • ST.LUCIAN IN DOMINIC
        January 6, 2014

        Dear ” D/an to De bone” THERE IS NON SO BLIND AS HE WHO WILL NOT SEE.” JOBS FOR THE BOYS AND CHINESSE!!!!

      • ????????
        January 6, 2014

        @ Dcan/ To the bone You must be an alien to ask what went wrong during the past 10 years. If not you are one of the GREEDY ONES GETTING ALL AT THE EXPENSE OF THE POOR. Shame on you. Your darn accomplice of evil.

    • mac
      January 6, 2014

      He would not cause he spent all his time in office repaying all you financial debts,you forget the one that uwp left us in while earl williams was just going in every restaurant in town with different woman and leaving the bill on charge.all u just wicked but god knows best.

      • Anonymous
        January 8, 2014

        When Roosy called him he ask a member of his home to tell Roosy he could not come to the phone because he is having a bath for church, when he came from church he understood Roosy was died, can that speak for its self, now if Skero and members of the dlp were a part of the cause of his demise why would his widow and the Grand Bay people be so supportive to Skero and the dlp like that.Can you answer me

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