Charlesworth Theophilus Samuel was an Antiguan politician and Cabinet Minister.

Early life and education

Charlesworth Theophilus Samuel was born on 27 December 1944 in Swetes, Antigua. There he attended the Swetes Government Primary School and later went on to the All Saint’s Government School.

After graduating he worked as a surveyor trainee for the Public Works Department. He began teaching in 1957 at the Swetes Government School and, in 1964, was appointed headmaster at the John Hughes Primary School and also Jennings Secondary School. He married on 20 December 1962.

In 1972, he received a Bachelor's degree in physics from the University of the West Indies. He became president of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers in 1974 and served in that capacity until 1976.

He later worked as an underwriter for the Life of Barbados Insurance Company. After graduating from the Holborn Law School in England with a LLB and training at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, he established a legal practice. He was also a president of the Antigua Chapter of Gideons International.

Career

Samuel was elected to the House of Representatives for the Progressive Labour Movement in the 1976 general election, and was reelected in 1980. After losing his seat in the 1984 election, he became the opposition leader in the Senate. He was victorious in the 1994 general election and represented the All Saints East and St. Luke constituency for the United Progressive Party, becoming Minister of Agriculture following the 2004 election, from then until his death. He had announced prior to his death that he would not contest the next election.

At the time of his death, Samuel was one of only two sitting Members of Parliament (the other being Robin Yearwood) who were present at the first session of the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda in 1981. He was also a member of the independence delegation that visited London in December 1980 to discuss Antigua and Barbuda's constitution.

Death

Samuel was reported missing by his family on 30 January 2008, having left home the previous day and failed to return. His body was found on the morning of 31 January on Shell Beach, near St. John's. He was survived by his wife, five children, and ten grandchildren - Lindsay, Chaz, Yannick, Tiffany, Tiana, Fletcher, Noah, Aaron, Genesis and Gabrielle.

At the time of his death, Samuel was one of only two sitting Members of Parliament (the other being Robin Yearwood) who were present at the first session of the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda in 1981. He was also a member of the independence delegation that visited London in December 1980 to discuss Antigua and Barbuda's constitution

In response to Samuel's death, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer ordered national flags to be displayed at half-staff and announced an "official period of mourning" starting on 1 February. Samuel was laid to rest on Tuesday, 19 February 2008 with a state funeral at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.

ELECTION TIMELINE

Year District Party Votes % votes Result Notes6 2004 All Saints East & St. Luke United Progressive Party 1,754 64.44% 5th term 1999 All Saints East & St. Luke United Progressive Party 1,461 60.00% 4th term 1994 All Saints East & St. Luke United Progressive Party 1,144 53.63% 3rd term 1984 All Saints East & St. Luke Independent 717 48.32% Lost to Eustace Cochrane (ALP) 1980 St. Lukes Progressive Labour Movement 722 62.56% 2nd term 1976 St. Lukes Progressive Labour Movement 818 59.88% 1st term

PARLIAMENTARY TIMELINE

Post Chamber Party Date MP for St. Mary's South House of Representatives UPP 1994 - 2008 Senate Minority Leader Senate PLM 1984 - 189 MP for St. Lukes House of Representatives PLM 1976 - 1984

PORTFOLIOS

Post Date Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Marine Resources and Food Production 1 January 2007 - 30 January 2008  Minister of Agriculture, Lands, The Environment, Marine Resources and Food Production 26 March 2004 - 31 December 2006