Charles, (Mary) Eugenia

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Dominican centre-right politician, prime minister 1980–95; cofounder and first leader of the cente-right Dominica Freedom Party (DFP). Two years after Dominica's independence the DFP won the 1980 general election and Charles became the Caribbean's first female prime minister. In 1993 she resigned the leadership of the DFP, but remained as prime minister until the 1995 elections, which were won by the opposition United Workers' Party (UNP). She then announced her retirement from politics.

As leader of the DFP, and as a member of parliament from 1975, she campaigned against the authoritarian government of Patrick John. This culminated in the ousting of John in February 1980, after strikes and demonstrations, and a landslide victory for the DFP the following July. In 1981 she survived two coup plots by supporters of John. She embarked on a free-market economic strategy, promoted land reform, and supported the USA in its anti-communist Caribbean policy. She also, unusually for the leader of a Caribbean Commonwealth country, developed closer links with France.

The stars represent the states of Pohnpei, Kosrae, Yap, and Chuuk. The blue field is said to represent the Pacific Ocean. Effective date: 30 November 1978. >>