Roseau, Dominica: Dominica Labour Party launched its new candidate named Cassani Laville from the Mahaut constituency at Zaman Park on Thursday for the snap general elections of December 6, 2022. During the rally, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit took a dig at United Workers Party and talked about their failed rally held at Bayfront.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the Dominicans listened to them, thought of the ramifications and decided to stay away from them and their damn nonsense. The fact that the United Workers party and its followers did not muster any more than the usual faithful from two constituencies, in particular, tells observers that the country is not behind them.
He said that they decided to boycott the elections, and the people of Dominica boycotted them. The takeaway from today’s fizzling out of the planned march and rally is that Opposition forces in this country do not have the backing or support of the mass people of this country.
“They have not captured the minds or imagination of the people of Dominica. Dominican people want peace. They want to progress, and they want prosperity. None of these Lennox Linton and that bunch offers right now, “said the prime minister.
While condemning the UWP, PM Skerrit cited that any political party in such disarray would be frowned upon by enlightened voters anywhere in the world. A party that has no policies, no programs, no presence on the ground, no money and no political leader is not a party that well-meaning and clear-thinking Dominicans can follow.
UWP invited all of Dominica to come to Roseau this afternoon, and a mere handful of people showed up.
Speaking on Lennon Linton, he added that he resigned in September and today, the 17th day of November, he is back at the helm, in the chair and on the air, as the face and voice of the United Workers Party. Lennox Linton’s resurgence speaks to the confusion that exists among them, Ladies and Gentlemen.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit pointed out that One month ago, UWP had six candidates for leadership of the party going into the next general elections. Tonight, that number is whittled down to three. But of the three, they say Marcellin is too young to lead. They say Thompson Fontaine cannot connect with ordinary people, and he can’t win the Grand Fond seat.
He continued that so is Dr Benjamin; the oldsters are pushing. But yet, with Dr Benjamin as their nominee, Lennox Linton still has to be their voice and their face in this current campaign.
Outlining the position of the UWP, PM Skerrit added, “Then they get vex when we say they are not ready. They are offended when we say we caught them with their pants OFF. Three of the six persons they had vying for leadership have since stepped back and run away from the party. They say they have never seen such confusion in their lives. The UWP is not nominating candidates tomorrow,
He stated that Lennox Linton is making a mad grab for leadership all over again. Because come the 7th day of December, Gregory Rivière shall be representing the Marigot constituency.
PM Skerrit said, “We are here to endorse the candidacy of Cassanni Laville. Cassanni may be a new candidate, but he is not a new face to the leadership of the party. Cassanni has served, with distinction, as Minister of Public Works, over the last three years. I am asking the people of the Mahaut constituency to elect Cassanni Laville as their new Parliamentary Representative, so he can continue to serve the government and people of this country at the executive level.”
In the same breath, he would like to thank Rayburn Blackmore for many years of selfless service and hard work for and on behalf of the people of the Mahaut constituency. Rayburn was a solid minister in every sector assigned. PM Roosevelt Skerrit cited served notice to Rayburn tonight that though his tour of duty as a Parl Rep may have come to an end, he has plenty more work to do as a servant of the people of this country.
He added that the Dominica Labour Party had compiled an impressive slate of candidates. They have assembled what they now refer to as “The Team For These Times”. It’s a mixture of youth, talent, energy, foresight and experience.
PM Roosevelt Skerrit added to all the stress and strain of the Covid-19 Pandemic and the global food and fuel supply chain, which has seen drastic increases in the price of every single consumer item this government has had to deal in the last two weeks with significant erosion in the southeast of the country.
He stressed that Labour is preparing itself for 2023, 2033 and 2040. It doesn’t look as if they shall have serious opposition any time soon, so they have to be prepared for the long haul. They have to embark in January 2023, on a marathon, and not a sprint.
“I look at this new platform of candidates, Comrades and Friends, and I see a team that Rosie Douglas would be proud of. I see a team that Pierre Charles would be proud of. I am dedicating the compilation of this team to the memory of our most recent fallen stalwart, Comrade Ed Registe! Ed, we know you are up there looking on, “PM Skerrit stated.
Taking a dig at UWP, he added that the United Workers Party is not interested in these sorts of issues. They are too busy dirtying our name on the international stage. They are too busy fighting among themselves.
He saw poll results yesterday which said Dominica was wayyyy above the Caribbean average in its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. They did not need a poll to tell them this.
He added, “We all know that Dr. Irving McIntyre was the perfect man to be at the helm of that battle when it surfaced in early 2020. We know that our front-line workers in this country did a fantastic job. Dominica punches above its weight. While our detractors plot and plan their next attack upon the good name and image of this country, we are forging ahead to make Dominica shine in every sphere of human endeavor. I visited the folks of the southeast yesterday. And they are not stressing.”
Dominica Friendship Hospital said a housing revolution in this country could not happen. They said the new international airport could not happen. Indeed, if they give them the 21 seats, he shall move with despatch to have the necessary laws amended to provide for the appointment of four independent senators to the parliament of Dominica.
He added that opposition forces called on citizens of this country to do nonsense, and the people resisted. The people boycotted them. “At 4 30 this evening, someone reported to me that the near six dozen people gathered at the bay front were afraid to gather as one.”
“The UWP has stood out of this campaign and everyone has been happy and at peace with themselves. They attempted to get their campaign off the ground and all of a sudden, atmosphere has changed. The air is heavy. The decision of the UWP to mount a platform in this country now has everyone on edge, because they all know what they are capable of, “said the prime minister.
