Dame Mary Eugenia Charles (born May 15, 1919 in Pointe Michel, Dominica) was the prime minister of Dominica from July 21, 1980 until June 14, 1995. She began campaigning in politics during the 1960s against restrictions on press freedom. She helped to found the Dominica Freedom Party of which she served as leader from the early 1970s until 1995. She was elected to Parliament in 1970 and became opposition leader in 1975. Though she and her party were characterized as conservative, this was partially in comparison to socialist leaders in the Caribbean, as she did support some soicial welfare programs. Other issues that were important to her were anti-corruption measures and individual freedom. May 15 is the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (136th in leap years). ... The Commonwealth of Dominica is an island nation and borderless country in the Caribbean. ... Alternative meaning: Prime Minister (band) A prime minister is the leading member of the cabinet of the top level government in a parliamentary system of government of a country, alternatively A prime minister is an official in a presidential system or semi-presidential system whose duty is to execute the... July 21 is the 202nd day (203rd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 163 days remaining. ... June 14 is the 165th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (166th in leap years), with 200 days remaining. ...

Charles became prime minister when her party won elections shortly after Dominica gained full independence in 1979. She was the first female prime minister in the Caribbean. She resigned when her party lost elections. She also served as foreign minister of Dominica from 1980 to 1990. She was created a dame in 1992. A foreign minister is a cabinet minister that helps to form foreign policy for sovereign nations. ...