Prime Minister of Dominica dead

The late Pierre Charles 

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Prime Minister of Dominica Pierre Charles, 49, collapsed and died Tuesday evening after recently taking a doctor-ordered leave of absence. He is the second Dominican Prime Minister to have died in office, following the death of Rosie Douglas on Oct.1st.2000.

According to a government press release, the Dominican leader was taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital Accident and Emergency Department by his security at 6:55 pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2004 having collapsed in his vehicle. The Prime Minister was at the time travelling to his home from work. 

A statement issued by Hospital Medical Director, Dr Irving Pascal said: 

"Immediately upon his arrival cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated and a team of medical specialists and nurses led by Consultant Anaesthetist continued intensive efforts to save him. At 7.55 pm, the Prime Minister of Dominica was pronounced dead. 

"A post -mortem examination will be performed to ascertain the precise cause of death." 

In November, Charles was advised by his cardiologist to rest for three weeks in order to speed up his healing process after two coronary angioplasty procedures in Trinidad and the United States last year. 

Concern had been expressed in Dominica that the economic ailments of the country may be taking a toll on the Prime Minister's health. 

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Marketing Minister Osborne Riviere had been serving as acting Prime Minister during Charles' leave of absence. 

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