Roseau South MP praises first Chief Minister as ‘foundation builder’ of modern Dominica

Frank Baron was Dominica's first Chief Minister
Frank Baron was Dominica’s first Chief Minister

My family and I together with my extended family of Roseau South Constituency convey our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of the late Hon. Franklyn Baron.

We join the Commonwealth of Dominica in mourning upon the sad news of the passing of our First Chief Minister, Hon. Franklyn Baron. The former parliamentarian, eminent statesman and businessman died at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Saturday 9th April 2016.

Hon. Baron can be considered to be one of the foundation builders for a modern Dominica. Like so many of his predecessors and successors, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for his unwavering and honest commitment to national development and to our Roseau South Constituency.

He did so within the context of the public service and private sector and did so with distinction and in varying capacities. Mr. Baron had an uncompromising dedication to liberate the masses of the poor from their current condition, whether through print media and/or Parliament. He demonstrated a leadership for us to emulate- one of genuine representation. The first Chief Minster took an unflinching stance against corruption and economic neglect, to name a few.

I am personally honoured to have served him as his lawyer during his last years. I will forever remember him calling me “Old Chappy”.

Franklyn Baron was the parliamentary Representative of the Roseau South Constituency on two occasions. He was the father of Hon. Francine Baron and ex- Member of Parliament of the Soufriere Constituency Mr. Frederick Baron. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the late Hon. Franklyn Baron.

May his soul rest in peace.

Joshua Francis is Member of Parliament of the Roseau South Constituency and Deputy Leader of the United Workers Party.

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39 Comments

  1. Tjebe Fort
    April 14, 2016

    Joshua I don’t know who advising you but it must be the devil because they are using you for their own purposes, believe me. How can you be so naive? Your career finished.

    • %
      April 14, 2016

      That’s my view from day one….He is encircled by the wrong set of people.

  2. April 14, 2016

    Joshua refusal to resign should come as no surprise, Joshua is part of a party that believes that the law or other acceptable social norms doesn’t apply to them. Remember the famous citizen case where the UWP tried to get rid of Skeritt and St. Jean because they were French citizens. At the same time buried in the bowels of the UWP was US citizen Ron Green former political leader and UWP representative for Laplaine, who contested many elections for the UWP as US CITIZEN. The former head of the UWP stated in court that he considered Ron a Dominican. So the double standard continues with Joshua the Messiah…..

  3. Sanguit
    April 14, 2016

    Really Joshua? Really?
    Nice try Joshua

  4. Marcus Hill
    April 14, 2016

    I wonder who is advising Mr. Francis. The basics tell you to lie low in such situations and sort yourself out quietly. Dominicans, we have “memoir poule” so all will soon be forgotten.

    See how Skeritt laid low and now nobody is talking about NG lap seng, Bin Bobol, Layou River Hotel Fiasco, the resignation of the Minister for inappropriate conduct, The Nigerian and other crooks with our diplomatic passports etc etc.?

  5. observer
    April 14, 2016

    Joshua is adding salt to the gaping wounds of the UWP. At a time when his resignation is demanded by his party. At a time when no one from the Central executive will communicate with him. At a time when the general membership of the party is split between north and south. At a time when Mr. Francis finds himself in great political limbo. At a time where weeks after his resignation was demanded by his former colleagues he is on the public record really antagonizing the UWP, its leader and founders alike by holding on to the position of Deputy Leader of the UWP. A position that he has virtually been lost in every conceivable way. That must be hard for the UWP. Joshua, if you are not good enough to be an executive member of the UWP, what then qualifies you to be a member of the parliamentary grouping in the highest court of the land? Think of it! I am sure the narrow minded UWP political strategists did not think of that.

  6. Dominican
    April 14, 2016

    Weasel words. All I can say is that Frank Baron was more honourable than you Joshua.

  7. Sesame
    April 13, 2016

    Jesus all them Blues too badd. I see nothing in what Joshua has said. I cannot be in that UWP again. Too much hate. I will stand by Joshua until the law speaks and he will find my forgiveness if he is found guilty. Mistah B May God take hold of the soul you have.

  8. DA citizen
    April 13, 2016

    Why did they name you at the bottom of the message ?????.

  9. DA citizen
    April 13, 2016

    Can this man just man up and say why he is no longer acting as member of the UWP . Thank you . SMH

  10. Face the Facts
    April 13, 2016

    Some of you projected no sense and are narrow minded idle people with idle words. You give D/ca and this Website a bad name. In fact, you are bad eggs and haters. You spoil everything. Shame on you!
    You act as if you are from Heaven. Not even anyone in Heaven would make such unbecoming comments. God knows you and your sins. He detests your comments.
    Our Lord never reproaches. He said: “The reproaches of those who reproach you fall on Me.” You have gravely sinned first against Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Commands. Go and study the Holy Bible!
    Our Lord also said: Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah say: “These people honor Me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me. In vain do they worship Me.”
    The Deputy stated nothing which warranted your ignorant and hypocritical comments. He simply paid honor to the first Chief Minister, Franklyn Baron and his accomplishments. I see nothing wrong in that and everything good. It was fitting, just and right.

  11. opo
    April 13, 2016

    Stop Being low and look not at the messenger but the message. Mr Baron was once a MP for the constituency Joshua is now incharge of so free up on Hon. Joshua Francis , why are there so many Judas in this place

    • Face the Facts
      April 13, 2016

      Their words give them away. Too many of them who lack love and understanding among other godly virtues and graces. They lack God’s blessing and graces.
      If they are Christians and practicing ones I wonder what type they are? Some of them do not realize that they will pay for every idle/careless word.

  12. still vex and disappointed
    April 13, 2016

    Joshua you testing the waters man?
    Well I still think that you should resign asap…like yesterday.
    You are not fit to be my Parl Rep

    Still upset
    don’t test the waters anytime some
    go work on your self

    • Face the Facts
      April 13, 2016

      Freedom of speech could be a hater and a killer. No one is perfect including those who spew hatred and create discord. Some of you love to hurt others, to push the dagger into their skin.
      If God would punish you and all others in the world for that matter, every time they sin, there would be no human beings on this earth. The world would end. Therefore, cease your judging and condemnation. Let it be. Let the Court decide when the case is heard. Let him perform his work which he has every right to do.

  13. Roseau South
    April 13, 2016

    I refuse to even read this because of who wrote it.
    MP you are dead to me
    For you to have the gull….
    I do not care if you guilty or not, but for you to have put yourself it that position, tells that you are not up to hold any public office, and that tells that you are not the man you portrayed yourself to be to the voting public
    BE GONE….

    • No one's perfect
      April 14, 2016

      What if they were all not the men they potray themselves to be? Ever thaught of that? What would you do? Make them all dead to you?

      • ROSEAU SOUTH
        April 14, 2016

        I can only speak of what I know now. and what I know is that I voted this man, against my own party, based on the so called honourable way her portrayed himself. He called himself as a family man and a God fearing man. A family man with two young children, including a girl. A married family man. We all have sinned and needs forgiveness, but that comes after repentance. He has not repented, I forgive him. Part of his repentance should be he giving up his public position.

  14. Thomas
    April 13, 2016

    But wait a while na… so is only the UWP members the UWP Deputy Leader not talking to? I wonder why the Deputy Leader of UWP is acting like that when he know such actions will do so much harm to his own party? There must be something “stinky” concerning UWP that we do not know about. Hmm what a party! What have you done Lenox?

  15. just being objective
    April 13, 2016

    man to man is so unjust dont attack the messenger attack the message joshua has already repented

  16. Human
    April 13, 2016

    I see nothing wrong with Joshua paying his respects to the late chief minister. It’s something positive; leave the negative out of that.

    • Dominican
      April 14, 2016

      Sometimes silence is golden. Apparently Joshua has not learned that lesson yet.

  17. Dominica_Is_Ours
    April 13, 2016

    Quos Deus vult perdere prius dementat. 8-O

    • Sanguit
      April 14, 2016

      Very true indeed, and I think this is the case here.

  18. April 13, 2016

    The article is about the late and Honourable Franklyn Baron NOT Joshua Francis. Please appreciate and embrace the message and refrain from shooting the messenger. Mr. Baron was an iconic, patriotic, honest and great Dominican Citizen. May his soul rest in eternal peace and may his memory remain in the hearts and minds of all Dominicans forever. To the family and close friends of the deceased, on behalf of the grateful Citizens of Dominica, I would like to express our deepest condolences and pray that you will find comfort and peace in the fact that the legacy left behind by this great man is one that we all can be proud of!

  19. Fed Up
    April 13, 2016

    My dear Joshua, For your information you are not the only one Mr Baron called ‘ole chappy’ . I wonder what he would call you now?

    • April 13, 2016

      Shut the Off, you sinless …….., no one is Perfect we all make mistakes, I am sure you did something in the past, not because some of you did not get caught to be harassing and criticizing everything Joshua is saying, Joshua is entitled to his constitutional rights just like all of us, You Fed up knowing Mr Baron he would not condon what too place, but would surely forgive, he would not be displaying hate and envy towards the young guy as you are displaying, Joshua talked about how he was called, here it is you saying oh Joshua was not the only one, he never said he was the only one, come on give the man a damn break, Joshua God will see you through, he will not let your enemies triumph over you

      • Face the Facts
        April 13, 2016

        You know the saying: “A thief is not a thief until he is caught.” God knows the sins of everyone. Some are worst than others. This is why Our Lord told us: “Judge not. Let he who is without sin caste the first stone.”
        These people who judge and condemn others, imperfect themselves for even doing that, will be judged by God. They will do well to keep quiet for they are building sin upon sin on their heads as they assume they are better than their neighbor/fellow person.

  20. Michael Davis
    April 13, 2016

    Respect … Mr. Baron served with distinction … best wishes to his family … respect to Joshua … remember in this time – Bob’s words ….. your worse enemy could be your best friend and your best friend your worse enemy ….. Some will hate you, pretend they love you now …. Then behind they try to eliminate you. But who jah bless, no one curse; Thank god, we’re past the worse …. Hypocrites and parasites …. Will come up and take a bite ….. And if your night should turn to day …. A lot of people would run away ….. And who the stock fit let them wear it! ….. Who the (cap fit) let them (wear it)! Throw your corn, no call no fowl ….
    A-saying: “cook-cook-cook, cluk-cluk-cluk.”
    … : “cook-cook-cook, cluk-cluk-cluk.”
    Throw me corn (cook-cook-cook);
    Me call no fowl (cluk-cluk-cluk)

    • Too Strange
      April 13, 2016

      Sorry Michael, but no matter how desperately you want it to be so, “…” is not a full stop!

    • Viewsexpressed
      April 13, 2016

      When Jesus roamed the valleys he established and maintained a standard that we should follow. It was Judas he said who would have betrayed him. Hon. The Late Baron served Dominica well in politics, business and social life. He was a model that we should follow and it must come and show its face at all times. We honour and respect his work and we must not honour and recognise it but put in in practice. Let us all those who wish to be in public life and serve the poor and vulnerable and our children in particular remember Hon Frank Baron. His works and what he stood for must be practiced more than it is spoken.
      I sincerely hope our current leaders in government take heed and attempt to emulate Hon. Baron
      May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family

  21. Criminal Enterprise
    April 13, 2016

    I am not a politician and DO NOT support any of the parties we have in Dominica. Maybe I will try the new party that is about to be birthed, though they don’t seem to have a father (leader). My point is, Joshua’s letter clearly tells me that he is a heartless politician that is ONLY concerned about himself and power, which is very contrary to the person I once thought he was. If you cannot take care of problems in your own house (party), what sense you try to tell us about a former good politician like Frank Baron, who was so humble and transparent.

    • Face the Facts
      April 13, 2016

      God knows the hypocrites. You are not exempt. Therefore, leave the man alone.

  22. Pure Possie
    April 13, 2016

    Wow! The MP wrote such a lovely letter and yet he was ashamed to identify and had to take DNO to tell us, in bold letters, that it was from Hon. Joshua Francis? Man if that’s what politics can do to us, I sill not vote for anyone again.

    • Aloes
      April 13, 2016

      you is an for real Pure Possie… You see DNO write the man name in bold letters anywhere and you blind not to have seen the man’s name at the top of the post… U R ah Real Jack :mrgreen:

  23. %
    April 13, 2016

    Stuppesssssssssss!!! Man go and rest…!!!! I refuse to read it!

  24. Zandoli
    April 13, 2016

    DNO, can you please do us all a favor and give this man a rest?

    Full disclosure: Since I saw this was written by Joshua Francis, I did not read the article. I have no interest in anything that man has to say.

    • Face the Facts
      April 13, 2016

      What are you implying that you are one perfect person? How sinless do you stand before the Lord? :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  25. AAGabriel
    April 13, 2016

    Joshua, I am disappointed. I thought you might want to lay low for a bit .

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