Charles Savarin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Savarin DAH
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 an important politician from Dominica. He served as the President of Dominica from 2013 to 2023. Savarin is a member of the Dominica Labour Party. Before becoming President, he was a minister, handling areas like national security and public service.

Political Career

Charles Savarin has had a long and active career in Dominican politics. He has held many important roles.

Early Political Roles

After the government led by Patrick John ended, Charles Savarin became the leader of the Committee for National Salvation (CNS). This group helped guide Dominica to a new temporary government. In 1980, Savarin ran for election with the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP). He did not win, losing to Michael Douglas.

From 1983 to 1985, Savarin was a special minister in the Prime Minister's Office. He focused on trade, industry, and tourism. Later, he worked for Dominica in the United Kingdom from 1985 to 1986.

Ambassador and Party Leadership

In 1986, Savarin became Dominica's Ambassador to the European Union. He also spoke for African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries about banana trade. This job ended in 1993. He then returned to Dominica to become the General Manager of the National Development Corporation (NDC).

When Dame Eugenia Charles, a former Prime Minister, decided to leave politics, Savarin ran for the leadership of the Dominica Freedom Party. He did not win, but he took over her seat in the Roseau Central Constituency. Savarin won this election with 1013 votes.

In 1996, when Brian Alleyne resigned as the DFP leader, Savarin ran for leadership again. He won with 86 out of 107 votes. He led the DFP until 2007, when he resigned due to criticism.

Serving as a Minister

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

Savarin then joined a coalition government with the Dominica Labour Party, led by Rosie Douglas. He was appointed Minister for Tourism. After Douglas passed away, Pierre Charles became Prime Minister. He added Enterprise Development and Public Service to Savarin's duties.

Savarin was a strong supporter of the Pierre Charles government. He often acted as Prime Minister when Charles was away. He also led a cabinet committee that discussed the economy. This put him at the center of talks with groups like the International Monetary Fund.

After Pierre Charles passed away in 2004, Savarin remained as Tourism Minister under Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. The Freedom Party lost all its seats in the May 2005 General Elections. However, Savarin was rewarded for his loyalty. He became Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Labour from 2005 to 2007. In a cabinet change, he became Minister of Public Utilities, Ports, and the Public Service from 2007 to 2009.

Savarin later joined the Labour Party. He played a key role in their public campaign for the 2009 General Elections. He was known for his strong speaking skills at political events. From 2010 to 2013, he served as Minister of Public Service.

Trade Union Work

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

During a protest in 2003 about a salary cut, Savarin supported the government's actions. This caused some disagreement within the union. Savarin gained national recognition for leading two major CSA strikes. One was in 1973 and another in 1977, which almost stopped the island's activities. He became the most notable trade union leader 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 it involves official duties and representing the country. 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

• Two Sicilian Royal Family: Knight Grand Cross of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George (2014).

National Honour

• Dominica Award of Honour (DAH)

See also

In Spanish: Charles Savarin para niños