COMMENTARY: The DLP, DFP and UWP Coalition Government has been made stronger with the inclusion of Joseph Isaac.

Alex Bruno delivering the results of an election poll which he conducted in 2017

Joseph Isaac, a Dominican politician and entrepreneur, switched his allegiance from the opposition Dominica United Workers Party (UWP) and has taken a position in the Cabinet of Ministers of the Government of Dominica.

The Honourable Minister took the oath of office as Minister for the Environment, Climate Resilience, Disaster Management and Urban Renewal on April 13, 2018 following an appointment which was made by the leader of parliament and head of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), the Honourable Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, a couple days before.

While on the face of things, Isaac’s action is well within the statutes of the state, the new minister’s pathway to government provides the opportunity for a healthy political debate; a conversation which must be had in order to better understanding the concept of governance and power in democratic regimes. In the interest of full disclosure, I would like to state that I have apriori knowledge of the issue, as I have had a healthy rapport with Isaac. We actually spoke, by phone, a day or two before he announced his resignation from the UWP – to my greatest surprise of course.

Mr. Isaac and I routinely spoke about, among other things, electability of candidates especially in the Roseau Central Constituency and his legacy as a parliamentarian. It is the sort of discussion which I have had with several politicians, especially since the release of my latest electoral poll on May 29, 2017 with both opposition and governing MPs and their support base.

Seeing that Isaac’s case has arisen to the level of national significance, I believe that it is my duty to share some views on the issue. I do so to offer this and future generations of Dominica a different perspective when making reference to Dominica’s electoral politics because we are living through history and it is the spoken and written along with other literary and artistic forms of expression which document our actions. That is why I decided to write.

When Mr. Isaac announced his resignation from the UWP on April 10, he indicated that he was an independent member of the Dominica’s House of Representatives, and this could not have been the case as the parliamentary structure of the state does not allow for this. If Isaac had contested as an independent, he would have had to be seated as an independent, but he entered parliament on a party ticket so the parliament had no duty to seat him as an independent. Isaac consequently crossed the floor when he announced his resignation. Even before his crossing was confirmed with the appointment to government ministry, I had informed Isaac that he had essentially aligned himself with the governing party, the DLP.

The second and probably the most important point is what seems like Isaac’s failure to properly inform or consult with or convince his constituents of his intention to switch party allegiance and his placement in parliament. This is considered the # 1 political sin within the power structure of a democracy. Representatives simply cannot (or shall not) do anything with the people’s power, other than what it was requested for in the first instance. This is how it works in a democracy and Dominica is a democracy and this is how it should have happened this time and the times past and in the times to come; and there will be other political crossings.

The people should always be told the truth and those who hold the truth should share the truth with the people. My responsibility is to the people, and the people include politicians who may not themselves be aware of certain fundamental political truths, or I should probably say – democratic truths. It is left to the Roseau Constituency of the UWP and its national body of support to attempt to consolidate the party’s support in that area. But the nation at large is should recognize that such matters are not sectoral (or they should not be). The Joseph crossing is a symptom of a much wider national concern that could hurt the nation if the slide towards the consolidation of power by one group continues.

The UWP may need to reflect and make some much needed introspection, and the hurting UWP faithful supporters aught not be antagonized as the climate in Dominica could easily be inflamed. Isaac’s move must also be understood in the context of the times. It speaks to Dominica’s changing (or changed) political culture over the last two decades. Dominica’s governing majority is built on the strength of a coalition which was hammered out by the now President, His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin (former DFP Party Leader), ably supported by the deceased Dame Eugenia (former Prime Minister of Dominica) and the membership of the DFP. And yes, Dominica’s government is a bonafide coalition between the Labour, Freedom and Workers party. The UWP’s contribution to the coalition can be seen as a de facto arrangement, as the party did not officially participate in the agreement.

The majority of people of the Roseau North and Castle Bruce Constituencies have experienced a similar activity when Loreen Bannis and Julius Timothy, respectively, moved from UWP to the DLP / DFP coalition in the immediate aftermath of the 2000 Dominica general elections. At that time the government became a three-party coalition and this accounted for its oversized cabinet. It is a standard norm that all members of a governing coalition be rewarded for their cooperation with the blessings of state revenue and professional prestige.

On a point of note, the UWP has since reclaimed the Roseau North seat, and based on the results of my national opinion survey of electors in the Castle Bruce constituency just under a year ago, the UWP has the support to reclaim that Caste Bruce parliamentary seat in a fair election. But dynamics may have since changed and one never knows what the picture is unless the area is scientifically polled.

Isaac is just the latest – and some say the weakest – link in the dismantling of the opposition. Such undoing rests on the conscience of those elected political players who cannot be said to be operating, or have operated in the interest of the country’s democracy nor for the good of constituents and the nation. There is little evidence, especially in Castle Bruce and Roseau North to support such a claim that crossing of the floor had indeed assisted the people. The jury is still out on the Roseau move, although I have received unsubstantiated claims which suggest the underlining and undisclosed reason(s) for Isaac’s decision, but what these sorts of action do is to degrade people’s confidence in politicians and the system.

My confidence in Isaac has not waded. Peoples’ actions very seldom surprise me at juncture of my life. However he provides several clues for political analysis which questions his forthrightness. Isaac’s personal denial to me of his intention, his public remarks and swift sequence of political activities which propelled him to the post of government minister after being vilified by the very member of the governing entity, suggest that all may not be well with the move.

Isaac (and his representatives) who publicly and privately stated that he had never spoken with Skerrit about his decision, seem to have fit in so neatly into the picture. Isaac announced his resignation from UWP on April 04, Skerrit announced a Cabinet reshuffle which included Isaac on April 10, and Isaac was sworn in as minister on April 13. This could hardly be coincidental knowing all bureaucratic machinations which drive the machinery of state. Or probably it is so, but if it is, this hints to political desperation somewhere.

Dominica’s (DLP – DFP – UWP) Coalition Government has been made stronger with the inclusion Joseph Isaac. The opposition struggles on. The nation must now take stock and determine whether they wish to exist in a one-party state because this is where we are heading, rapidly, if the status quo remains. The matters of national or sovereign rights are much more significant than matters of state players’ interest, and/or legacy. So the people should not let the state regime pitch one against the other because at the end of the day, we only have each other upon whom to depend.

The state is powerless without the people and the people must know that and act accordingly to adjust and rotate state powers. It is never a good a thing to have one set of people in power for lengthy periods at a time – nothing about this is healthy in and for any democracy.

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27 Comments

  1. Africo
    April 18, 2018

    The UWP looks like it is the spare gas tank for the governing DLP. Any time the government needs a minister or another member of the House, they pull out a member from the UWP. Shows that the UWP under Lennox’s leadership is a joke!

  2. Anonymous
    April 18, 2018

    Has anybody reported about Roosevelt Skerrit’s visit
    to London this week with his sidekick Francine Baron to attend the bi-annual Commonwelth meeting? I have not heard him questoning the British government about the shameful treatment of the commonwealth, British citizens, particularly from the Caribbean who came to settle in the U.K. Legally after the second world war and now find themselves excluded.

  3. winston warrington
    April 18, 2018

    A robust opposition probably is an attractive feature of a New Democratic State, but is it mandatory for proper representation of the people? In decisive electoral victories such as recently occurred in Grenada, the people spoke with one voice. Is that a mandate for Dictatorship or a rally for unity? A loyal opposition has the welfare of the people as its first objective and collaboration of the ruling government next.
    We need to separate slogan from substance.”Government of the people for and by the people “ never existed and never will. Mere fascination with the expression does not lend pragmatism to the ideal. The people do not rule; by voting they give up their rights to representatives and essential freedoms to those most capable of protecting them.

  4. Anonymous
    April 18, 2018

    Of course Joe,, that is the wat we are going, one-party state, the government controlling the media, now even the church and one man sitting on top of everything. Just like China. Democracy is being suffocated, squeezed to death in Dominica.

  5. “the new minister’s pathway to government provides the opportunity for a healthy political debate; ”

    Guy are you crazy?

    Man stop been a hypocrite; all Isaac has done is plot with Roosevelt Skerrit  change side for a fist full of a few dollars more. His bakery failed, and the few dollars he gets as an opposition member of the house cannot take care of his debts; so his survival depended on becoming a puppet to Roosevelt.

    What sort of healthy political debate are you talking about: stop your carp and shut up!

    Any form of healthy political debate should only involve a strategy to develop the nation industrially, creating jobs  (work) for the the natives to do in order for them not to depend on Roosevelt handouts!

    The debate should be the country’s economy should not be based on the sale of passports; all you are doing is playing into Roosevelt’s hands!

    Don’t he wants every parliamentary seat in the country that is his healthy debate: no opposition, are you “sot?”

  6. da for real
    April 17, 2018

    Alex Bruno what ever wp have for you tell them give it to you now before you die

  7. Roseau Girl
    April 17, 2018

    In a nutshell …”nothing about this is healthy in and for any democracy” The majority will see it when it too late. Unfortunate but true.

  8. Dominican for LIFE
    April 17, 2018

    The DFP should be putting themselves together now and capture this moment.
    It is clear to me now what was said in the 2014/15 General elections. “The UWP cannot beat the DLP.”

    As a regular caller said on DBS one time ” The DFP can easily pull the biggest upset in Dominica’s political history to win the next elections.”
    The caller is correct, Dominican’s want change but fear the UWP.
    DFP if I was in your shoes I would have already started making my presence felt. You already have the best political program on air.

  9. Chess game
    April 17, 2018

    Just be strategic to win some seats, not just mepwi on one guy because you think he stole money. That’s why your party isn’t winning. After selling Domlec, starting your political campaign the day of the most devastating storm in Dominica’so history that’s another thing voters will not forgive you for. The rules are straight forward, anyone can cross the Isle without holding meetings with constituents to ask whether they should cross the isle. Be more strategice and convince one Dlp guy to cross over. Don’t try to burn Roseau nor sing song to encourage Salisbury ppl to sen stone. No one said it was easy.

  10. Tom Brown
    April 17, 2018

    St. Vincent government have all the seats and the people are satisfied. They did it again this year vote the party in again for 5 more years and winning all seats.

  11. Faceup
    April 17, 2018

    Man you are DEEP INTO THE UWP who cares? If you are true to your party..I SAY GET RID OF LINTON. You feel me.. :-D :-D :-D

  12. mine
    April 17, 2018

    As for you, UWP what else to expect from you.

  13. Yes I!
    April 17, 2018

    That pawal just think he can fool Dominicans with his writing. He must be working for SCL. What is a coalition government? This guy is only fooling himself and UWP with those mind games he is playing..

  14. Ibo France
    April 17, 2018

    This article, in my humble opinion, is fair and gives thought for food. Politicians should be honest, courageous and empathetic(feel people’s pain). Mr. Isaac’s action reveals a dishonest, cowardly, insensitive and opportunistic politrick-cian. He will gain a few dollars but his reputation and his character have been irreparably damaged. Certainly, he has lost his soul. Mr. Isaac’s betrayal of his constituents gives credence to the statement that every man has a price. He was cheaply bought by a conniving, mendacious, aristocratic, and ultra selfish leader, Mr. Skerrit. This, to me, amounts to political prostitution. The Roseau Central parliamentary representative has politically prostituted himself. His constituents should vociferously demand that he steps down as their representative since they did not vote for him as a candidate of the DLP. This is subterfuge.

    • Man bites dogs
      April 17, 2018

      Who’s this Ibo France, That guy need to get a Life, every day he is Grovelling and Grovelling like a little puppy about Prime minister Skerrit, and Joseph Isaac, Now this is on about Coalition government, well i tell you what a plunker he don’t even know the meaning of a Coalition government. :lol: :lol:

  15. Lady
    April 17, 2018

    The dfp, dlp, uwp coalition government? Waw, that is news

  16. Looking
    April 17, 2018

    Well said and well articulated Alex. Its political desperation indeed to target the weak and it has been the Modus Operandi of the ruling administration to thrive on the weakness and vulnerability of people. Many people have had to switch allegiance to feed themselves and their families. This administration has been able to to use states resources, enabled by many within the system, to its advantage. It is very difficult for any opposition to become any political force to be reckoned with (they simply don’t have to resources plywood and galvanize, huge political rallies etc). It was our Prime Minister who said, “Maria has taken all what money can buy”, but we did not learn. Its the same as usual. In spite all indicators showing a downward spiral in the economy in all sectors, the poor still believe in the dreams of their savior. As with everything it must come to an end, the people will soon realize that progress and development comes from each and everyone. God bless.

  17. viewsexpressed
    April 17, 2018

    “It`s not a good thing to have these set of people in power for lengthy period Nothing about this is healthy in and for any democracy.”
    My conclusion and I guess that of the public and wholly the same sentiments of the writer of this article is that, Skerrit must Go and his Corrupt worthless and failed corrupt Labour Party Government must Go. They have killed the development of our country, make a mockery of our democracy and constitution, by placing a weak leader, who is young, immature and very inexperience man (Skerrit) in office.
    We need to know that our states money s well expensed and accounted for. We do not trust this Labour Government.
    “They use the riches of the poor make a mockery of the law and have the Lord protect them sametime…” (Sparrow – These so called “Good Citizens”)…are the architects of economic slavery…..(Bobol big time)
    when they should be arrested, the are respected and protected in Society”…and in a million different ways they violate the…

  18. LifeandDeath
    April 17, 2018

    Thanks for your Opinion Alex. Actually I was waiting for your take on the issue because unlike many others you let the chips fall where they may, and that is objective. However, based on the topic “…. made stonger…inclusion of Joseph Isaac” you have not given any reason to support or convince anyone of how Government has been made stronger..I appreciate the commentary but you missed the mark in fulfilling purpose based on the topic outlined. If at all this was to insinuate another seat going to government, then chances are that will not happen as you aptly stated “what these sorts of action do is to degrade people’s confidence in politicians and the system” (paragraph.12). … It’s sad that Politics seem to be a game of win and lose in a little country with failing economy. No real focus is brought to authentic development from the Government except to try and stay in power by any means. The people and country are the ones who suffer and remain undeveloped..

    • JOE
      April 17, 2018

      So what is uwp plan/strategy to get in power??? Burn Roseau??

      • LifeandDeath
        April 17, 2018

        I wish more of us Dominicans would see past “getting in power” and more of what Governments do while they have the mandate to make the Country a better place.
        UWP will decide what strategy they use to get in power, and if they do get in, let’s keep them in check to do good for the Country and it’s people.
        Usually helping people see long term is enough. Burning Roseau will be setting ourselves back as a nation, see the effects of looting after Maria.

      • Anonymous
        April 18, 2018

        Why bother Joe, it is already a dung hesp, unfit for human habitation.

      • viewsexpressed
        April 18, 2018

        you are an insinuating Jack A…..(fil in the blanks)

  19. Melly Mel
    April 17, 2018

    ” The nation must now take stock and determine whether they wish to exist in a one-party state because this is where we are heading, rapidly, if the status quo remains. The matters of national or sovereign rights are much more significant than matters of state players’ interest, and/or legacy. So the people should not let the state regime pitch one against the other because at the end of the day, we only have each other upon whom to depend.

    The state is powerless without the people and the people must know that and act accordingly to adjust and rotate state powers. It is never a good a thing to have one set of people in power for lengthy periods at a time – nothing about this is healthy in and for any democracy.”

    Interesting piece Alex! The part quoted above is of significant importance and a great deal to ponder on.

    • JOE
      April 17, 2018

      What so significant about that Bull Crap? are you and Alex saying there will no longer be political parties on island if the DLP controls all seats in Parliament?????? how narrow can you people be?????

    • viewsexpressed
      April 18, 2018

      There shall be no one party state. We already have a corrupt labour Party bobol team, killing our nature island softly, we need to have more open discussion as to how we will take back our island form these voleur and bobolist of labour that other decent parties, for example UWP can exists and us because they have a great professional and mature leader supported by highly trained and exposed professionals decent in the field. No one can say that Skerrit and his blind disloyal folloust Go. Skerrit just go.

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