Dominica's Melville Hall Airport has been renamed to the Douglas-Charles Airport in order to celebrate and recognise two of the island's most outstanding compatriots.

Prime Minister Roosevelt 'Roosie' Douglas died in October 2000, while former Prime Minister Pierre 'Pierro' Charles died in January 2004 but both dedicated their lives to improving the financial and economic situation in the country.

The current Prime Minster, Roosevelt Skerrit, said: “These two Dominicans demonstrated clearly what hard work, honesty, integrity, patriotism, dedication to a cause and love of a people regardless of their class race or political affiliation could do to transform a society.”

“Let the memory of their dedication and sacrifice live on whenever we mention their names. Let us explain to our visitors the role that these two men played in our nation building and let us recall for our children and those yet unborn that these two men blazed a trail for others to follow and to achieve down the ages. Above all, let their names inspire us to do all we can to make our country prosperous, peaceful and just,” Mr Skerrit concluded.

For tourist information on Dominica visit www.DiscoverDominica.com.

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For more information or high res images:

The Brighter Group: Steele Paulich or Tryphena Greenwood

Tel: 020 7326 9880/ Email: steele.paulich@brightergroup.com / Tryphena.greenwood@brightergroup.com

Notes to editors:

Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Dominica offers lush, breathtaking natural beauty with tropical forest that covers two thirds of the island as well as an abundance of rivers, lakes and waterfalls fed by the high annual rainfall.

Dominica is a haven for adventuresome travellers with activities that include: hiking, diving, water sports, whale watching and canyoning.  www.DiscoverDominica.com