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Charles Savarin
DAH
Swearing in of His Excellency Charles A Savarin, DAH, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica (44464022734).jpg
Savarin in 2014
8th President of Dominica
In office
2 October 2013 – 2 October 2023
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
Preceded by Eliud Williams
Succeeded by Sylvanie Burton
Personal details
Born (1943-10-02) 2 October 1943 (age 81)
Portsmouth, Dominica
Political party Labour Party since 2008
Dominica Freedom Party before 2008
Spouse Clara Josephine Savarin
Alma mater Ruskin College

Charles Angelo Savarin, who holds the DAH, was born on October 2, 1943. He is a well-known politician from Dominica. From 2013 to 2023, he served as the President of Dominica. Mr. Savarin is a member of the Dominica Labour Party. He also held important roles like Minister for National Security and Labour.

Charles Savarin's Political Journey

Charles Savarin has had a long career in Dominican politics. He played a key role in different governments and political parties.

Early Political Roles

After the government led by Patrick John ended, Charles Savarin became the Chairman of the Committee for National Salvation (CNS). This group included many people from Dominica. Their job was to help the country move towards a new temporary government.

In 1980, Savarin ran in the General Elections for the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP). He did not win that election.

Working for Dominica Abroad

From 1983 to 1985, Savarin worked as a Minister without a specific department in the Prime Minister's Office. He focused on Trade, Industry, and Tourism.

He then worked at the Dominica High Commission in the United Kingdom from 1985 to 1986. This office represents Dominica in the UK.

In 1986, Savarin became Dominica's Ambassador to the European Union. He also spoke for African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries on issues related to bananas. This important job ended in 1993. He then returned to Dominica to lead the National Development Corporation (NDC).

Leading the Freedom Party

When Dame Eugenia Charles, a former Prime Minister, decided to leave politics, Savarin sought to become the leader of the Dominica Freedom Party. He did not win the leadership race but took over her seat in the Roseau Central Constituency.

Savarin won the election for this seat. He served as the leader of the DFP until 2007.

Joining a Coalition Government

During his first time as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Roseau Central, Savarin worked hard for "equal educational opportunities" for children. He was re-elected as MP for Roseau in the 2000 General Elections.

After this election, Savarin's party joined a coalition government with the Dominica Labour Party, led by Rosie Douglas. Savarin was appointed Minister for Tourism.

When Rosie Douglas passed away, Pierre Charles became Prime Minister. He added more responsibilities to Savarin's role, including Enterprise Development and Public Service.

Defending the Government

Savarin was a strong supporter of the Pierre Charles government. He often acted as Prime Minister when Charles was away. He also led a special committee on the economy. This meant he was involved in important talks with groups like the International Monetary Fund.

He helped explain to the public the economic challenges the country faced. In 2003, while acting as Prime Minister, Savarin announced plans for a large oil refinery. However, this plan did not go forward.

After Pierre Charles passed away in 2004, Savarin remained as Tourism Minister under the new Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit. The Freedom Party's influence decreased, and they did not win any seats in the 2005 General Elections. However, Savarin was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Labour from 2005 to 2007. Later, he became Minister of Public Utilities, Ports, and Public Service from 2007 to 2009.

Joining the Labour Party

Savarin officially joined the Labour Party. He played a big part in their public campaign for the 2009 General Elections. He was known for his strong speaking skills and was a key figure in the party's political events. From 2010 to 2013, he served as Minister of Public Service.

Charles Savarin as a Trade Union Leader

Before his political career, Charles Savarin was a powerful trade union leader. He served as the General Secretary of the Civil Service Association (CSA) for almost 20 years. He helped organize public service employees into a very strong union in Dominica.

During a protest in 2003 about a salary cut, Savarin defended the government's actions. This caused some disagreement with other union leaders.

Savarin gained national recognition for leading two major strikes by the CSA. One was in 1973, and another in 1977, which significantly impacted the island. He became one of the most important trade union leaders in Dominica.

President of Dominica

Charles Savarin held the role of President of Dominica from 2013 to 2023. The President's role in Dominica is mostly ceremonial, meaning they represent the country but do not have direct power over daily government decisions. President Savarin was re-elected in 2018 for another five-year term.

Honours and Awards

Charles Savarin has received several honours for his service.

Foreign Honours

  • Flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1738).svg Two Sicilian Royal Family: Knight Grand Cross of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (awarded on November 5, 2014).

National Honour

  • Dominica Award of Honour (DAH)

See also

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