Lawyer, politician, and journalist. Born May 15, 1919 at Pointe Michel village, southern Dominica. Educated at the Convent High School, Roseau, and St. Joseph's Convent, Grenada. Read law at University of Toronto and called to the Bar at Inner Temple, London in 1949.

Began private practice in Dominica that year. Wrote anonymously for the Herald and later the Star newspapers. Founded the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) in 1968. Entered the House of Assembly as Nominated Member 1970.

Was elected and became Leader of Opposition in 1975. Became first Caribbean woman Prime Minister when the DFP won the 1980 general elections. Was re-elected in 1985 and 1990. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Harare, Zimbabwe in 1991.

Retired from the House of Assembly in 1995. Best known outside of Dominica for her anti-communism during the last years of the Cold War in the Caribbean and, as Chairman of the OECS, for leading the invitation to the US to invade Grenada in October 1983.