Dominica: PM Skerrit expresses grief on passing of former Senator Vanoulst Jno Charles

Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit has expressed his deep grief on the death of Vanoulst Jno Charles, who served as a Senator in the Dominica Parliament from November 3, 1978, to June 21, 1979.

The entire Dominica Labour Party is saddened as they lost a party stalwart who gave yeoman service to the agriculture sector. Jno Charles contributed to the country’s development initially as a school teacher and later as a full-time citrus and banana farmer.

PM Skerrit and the executive and members of the Dominica Labour Party have extended their heartfelt condolences to the family of Vanoulst Jno Charles on this huge loss. The Prime Minister said, “May his soul be granted everlasting peace and eternal rest.”

While appreciating him for his dedication to Dominica, PM Skerrit said that he had an impressive career in agriculture and was the Chairman of the DBMC – Dominica Banana Marketing Corporation and the President of the WINBAN - Windward Islands Banana Growers Association.

PM Skerrit noted that under Charles’ leadership, benefits for Windward Islands farmers were increased with a huge growth in Dominican growers. It is to be noted that Jno Charles also served the country as the Chairman of the PSC – Police Service Commission and Commissioner of the Integrity Commission. He was also the recipient of Dominica’s 2nd highest national honour – the Sisserou Award of Honour in 2008.

Furthermore, as a member of the Dominica Labour Party, Jno Charles was a significant organiser who helped boost the party’s base in the St Joseph Constituency and nationally.

Dr Skerrit said that the party is grateful for his several years of commitment to Labour and for the valuable guidance and insight provided on various matters, including politics, governance and community engagement.

In addition to this, the Prime Minister also announced that The Government of Dominica will accord the late Vanoulst Jno Charles an Official Funeral in recognition of his outstanding contribution to national development.

The citizens and residents of Dominica have also flooded the social media with condolence messages and are calling Jno Charles as a renowned farmer of the country.

A user named Philbert said, “Vanoulst gave me great insight into two Dominica Heads of Government, E. O. Le Blanc and Mary Eugenia Charles, for which I am eternally grateful. May he rest in peace.”

Another user, Clayton Felix, remembered him and said, “As a kid, Vanoulst always encouraged me to get an education. I looked up to this man at a time where our Village St Joseph was considered as a great place to grow up. It takes a Village to grow a child, as the saying goes, and it was men like Vanoulst, amongst others, who were the primary stalwarts of progress. Rest in Peace, and may the good lord bless your soul, Mr Vanoulst John Charles.”