Edison James

Political figure Edison Chenfil James, a Marigot district member of parliament since 1990, served as Dominica's prime minister from 1995 to 2000.

He served as the chair of the committee that created the United Workers' Party in 1988 and was elected as its first political figurehead. Established parties have characterized the party since its formation as a bunch of "disgruntled businesspeople" or "greedy." James, however, was elected Leader of the Opposition in 1990 when the party secured six seats in the House of Commons with 21 members. Edison James condemned the Dominican Liberal Party, which was in power at the time, for implementing a citizenship economy scheme that allowed individuals to pay to become Dominicans.

Edison James led the party to victory in the 12 June 1995 election with 11 out of 21 seats and fewer votes than the Liberal Party, which was in power at the time, and was elected prime minister. He is credited with reviving the island's crucial banana sector after Hurricane David decimated it. The banana business had declined by the time James became president, therefore his administration launched an extensive program of economic diversification.

Numerous outstanding accomplishments were made under James's administration. There are many scholarships available for secondary and higher studies. With considerable success, the island's monoculture agriculture has expanded beyond bananas to include other crops. The economic impact of these initiatives is evident, and under his direction, the economy continues to expand. The opposition, however, contends that debt is the only source of funding for the growing economy. Six months prior to the scheduled election, James called a snap election to dispel the opposition's allegations because he was confident in his government's accomplishments.