Minister McIntyre urges Roseau North voters to support Ashma McDougall

Dominica: Dr. Irving McIntyre has urged the citizens of Roseau North to support Ashma McDougall as their representative in the September 7 by-election. He said that the constituency is currently facing an important decision as the economic conditions are changing rapidly in the country and internationally.

McIntyre is the finance minister and the parliamentary representative for Roseau Valley. He was speaking at a Dominica Labour Party meeting in Tarish Pit, where speakers presented McDougall as a candidate. They said that she is capable of addressing the needs of residents, and she will also make sure to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities and benefit the citizens.

“Roseau North cannot take a chance,” McIntyre said as he was referring to the rapidly changing world, which is marked by higher prices, transportation costs, and insurance expenses. He urged the residents to carefully select their representative in the by-election, as Roseau North is a constituency with businesses, young people, and entrepreneurial activity.

McIntyre also said that McDougall is a young and energetic candidate with experience in economics, education, youth development, and community work. He also highlighted that she left her work as a lecturer to pursue public service. He said that she was not entering politics just for employment or a salary.

You have a candidate that sacrifices to come and work for the people of Roseau North, McIntyre said.

He also pointed towards McDougall's involvement with youth and business organisations. He said that her experience is what makes her a suitable representative for the constituency.

Supporting his argument, the finance minister talked about the recently presented 2026/27 budget. He said that Roseau North could benefit from the measures that support the businesses and economic activity because the youth and the citizens of the constituency are more inclined towards businesses and entrepreneurship.

“To me, the people of Roseau North, this is an excellent time for you to put yourself first,” he said. He urged the citizens to consider the opportunities that are available to them as the global economic environment is continuously changing.

He then highlighted the developments that were made by the administration, including the cable car project, geothermal energy, and the international airport project.

Mrs. Jenny Isaac, who is the president of the Roseau North Executive Association, described McDougall as an entrepreneur, economist, educator, and youth advocate. She said that Dougall prioritises enterprise and employment development, supporting young entrepreneurs and improving community spaces.

Natasha Joseph, who is a Tarish Pit resident, also urged the residents to support McDougall in the September 7 by-election.

McDougall was selected by the Dominica Labour Party after the resignation of former Roseau North parliamentary representative Miriam Blanchard.