D-Day for UWP

Lennox Linton is widely expected to be confirmed as political leader of the UWP
Lennox Linton is widely expected to be confirmed as political leader of the UWP

The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) will be holding what has been described as a ‘historic’ delegates conference in Castle Bruce on Sunday during which major changes are expected to take place in the leadership hierachy.

The conference will be held under the theme “Change is a must.”

It is widely expected that Lennox Linton will be confirmed as political leader after he was nominated by the Nominations Committee of the UWP on August 16.

However, Ronnie Isidore will also be considered for the top post by the delegates since his name was also brought before the committee. It is reported that Claudius Sanford has dropped out of the race for that post.

Other persons recommended by the Nominations Committee for top leadership poste are: for President, Ezekiel Basil candidate for Wesley; Ms Alroy Williams; Deputy Political leader, Joseph Isaac, Candidate for Roseau Central; Vice President, Hector John, Parliamentary Representative for Salisbury; for treasurer, Jameson Johnson; Assistant Secretary, Clive Prosper and Glenroy Cuffy; Public Relations Officer.

Ron Green, Edison James and Norris Prevost were nominated as trustees.

Roseau MP, Norris Prevost said among resolutions expected to be presented to the conference will be one reaffirming the UWP commitment made at its first Convention at  Londonderry to amend the Constitution of Dominica to ensure that no one person is allowed to serve as Prime Minister for more than two consecutive terms.

“This Policy position of the United Workers Party, was in keeping with the advice given to Dominicans by Mr Edward Oliver Leblanc, first Premier of Dominica, in his outgoing address to the Labour  Party, when he resigned office after serving two and a half terms,” he said.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

65 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    September 1, 2013

    Wonder what happened to the comments I sent, “me dai ba wow wow wow me trois ca… may the best man win”

  2. Anonymous
    September 1, 2013

    Dominica need a man like Linton

  3. qualified?debate him
    September 1, 2013

    debate linton nuh skerro. pls debate him

  4. fed up
    August 31, 2013

    i think its high time that the U.W.P win election because thats the only party that will give Dominica an international airpot, CHANGE MUST COME!!!!!

    • lololol
      September 1, 2013

      Damn Dominicans don’t remember alot do they uwp was the same party that opposed an international airport when we had the free ride to get one in dame euginia Charles time , instead they wanted the money to go to agriculture see how far that brought us lolololol this is why they said history is important I swear I need to start writing a book about Dominica political history.lolololol

  5. St. John
    August 31, 2013

    Young annonymous! you are running a business and you have competion next door,your aim is to make profit.Would you not use any tricks to save your customers? We refer to it as technques.You don’t want to hurt anyone but you must come first.Just a rough idea you will get the point

  6. St. John
    August 31, 2013

    The leader of this country has set such a high standard that, there is no room to manuover.Oh! there is only one vacancy.The russians come here and build factories and create jobs,in returns you give them food because they are always starving lack of food to feed their people.That would be a change as you requested.Every other post is filled.What other change do you want to see

  7. August 31, 2013

    Has Lennox change where he has to vote now? I know he is registered in Roseau North. If Election comes tomorrow, a parl rep will not be able to vote where he going up.

  8. ROSEAU VALLEY
    August 31, 2013

    ROSEAU VALLEY IS SATISFIED THAT LENNOX LINTON POSSESSES THE REQUIRED QUALITIES AND SKILLS TO BE POLITICAL LEADER OF THE UWP AND THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER OF DOMINICA.

    The above-statement takes into account the lack of a university degree, which has been a major topic of discussion over the last few weeks. This is not the focus here and will be address in a separate contribution.

    PM Skerrit and the DLP have reason to be apprehensive. In spite of their loud utterances- they know what Lennox is capable of doing as they are all victims of his efficiency and effectiveness even in his highly criticized, lowly position as a Talk Show Host -not even a qualified and experienced journalist like Stan, Ken and Bonnie.

    On the eve of his election as leader of the UWP, Roseau Valley is proud to state why, in our opinion, Lennox qualifies for our support.

    We understand that a good leader is not necessarily an effective politician and a good politician is not necessarily an effective leader. The role of Political Leader is complex, difficult and requires a variety of skills. However, at this juncture of our development as a young nation, we need politicians who can lead.

    Lennox’s position on issues of national interest is always clear and principled. His clarity of though and expression is a source of his confidence- not arrogance. He acknowledges his weaknesses and effectively utilizes his strengths for the betterment of himself and others. He is at ease with himself as a person, who did not pursue a university degree but who has repeatedly demonstrated that he can successfully take on anyone with two or more degrees.

    Lennox is a genuine patriot, who is clear about his values and stands firmly on principle, without compromise, even when his livelihood is on the line, which has brought him personal setbacks. He has always been very consistent in applying his principles. This requires one to be courageous in holding true to his values and beliefs.

    Lennox has very good communication, oratory and debating skills: He is skilled in capturing and sustaining the interest of an audience. He is an excellent at what he does, particularly in sharing a bigger vision or strategy with his audience. In that regard, we look forward to the employment of these skills in debating issues of national interest as an elected member of the parliament of Dominica- hopefully in the absence of the present speaker.

    Lennox is confident- not arrogant, He believes in himself and his abilities but he does not dismiss people and their contributions. Added to this is the virtue of self-awareness, which makes him clear on what his strengths are and what complementary strengths are required from others in his team for overall success.

    Respectfully
    Roseau Valley

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      August 31, 2013

      As part of Lennox’s overall awareness is having the expectation that everyone will not be a fan. Some people will be critical and nothing will change they feel about him. He understands that he cannot become all things to all people. He accepts that he can’t be liked by everyone and as Matt would say some will love to love him while others will love to hate him. However, it is his clarity and principled position that challenge him to say “yes” to the right things and to keep up the fight against the wrong things.

      To that end, he understands that as a leader, his job is to understand, appreciate, manage and harness the varying strengths of this solid team of United Workers Party patriots and to avoid placing square pegs in round holds as the DLP takes pleasure in so doing.

      Lennox has an appetite for truth in politics (Yes, Dr. Aaron-it does exist). He has always been committed to good accountable and transparent governance, combined with a deep sense of honesty and integrity in dealing with people. For that reason alone, we are confident that Lennox shall always be motivated to do the honest and honorable thing, as he continues to earn the respect of his followers as he manifests the ointment of his appointment as leader of the UWP.

      Lennox is a very focus individual with pretty good common sense of where we are heading and where we ought to be as a country. He is fueled by the strong desire to achieve the mission with a strong sense of professional confidence, personal commitment and demonstrated passion for what whatever he is involved in.

      Lennox has a deep respect for fairness and a strong desire for justice. Therefore, we are confident that he will not be involved in playing favorites. He shall always endeavour to treat everyone fairly and according to the dictates of his moral compass and the mandate of the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

      Through his experiences, in particular the hardship of his period of unemployment, he has been forced him to exercise tremendous care, which in itself is a signal of his strong and effective leadership qualities. It is this same fearlessness of taking reasonable risks or making honest mistakes that distinguishes him as a true leader. Those who know him know that he is not business all the time. He is very social and makes time for people, cognizant of the impact of his words and actions on them. Never mind what the Tony’s may say, Lennox is compassionate and can employ diplomatic skills when necessary to resolve issues.

      In light of the above, We at the ROSEAU VALLEY sees Lennox as a team builder, who will continue to share his thoughts and vision in devising solutions for Dominica’s development.

      Roseau Valley wishes Lennox the best at the delegates convention and looks forward to the rebuilding of the UWP.

      Respectfully
      Roseau valley

  9. Jbfox
    August 30, 2013

    Pierro was better educated than Lennox yet he wasn’t educated enough for the uwp,why do they think Lennox has enough education to run the country.In theses difficult times we need a leader who is week prepare to lead us.

  10. hotstuff
    August 30, 2013

    Workers go to hell all u cannot run that country p m all the way who is Linton a man from Margot go and plant banana

  11. bowdell
    August 30, 2013

    Hey hey workers I voting I have a family or eleven people and is workers we voting for betterment in the country vote laubour out ………a patat potato

  12. Anonymous
    August 30, 2013

    Hey hey look story if labour believe they getting my votes I have a large family of eleven people and workers we voting for better ment in the country …….. vote labour out

  13. Queen
    August 30, 2013

    WHERE ARE THE WOMEN???? Doreen Paul and Vernice Bellony and Gertrude Roberts era doesn’t seem like it is coming back again under this party. what message of CHANGE is that Workers??? A set of old and grey men club!

    • WE VOTING UWP
      September 1, 2013

      The UWP has always been home for women in Dominican politics. We encourage and welcome the involvement and contribution of competent, dedicated, qualified women in the UWP.

      We call on women to come forward. Join the UWP and make a difference. Be part of the change that is a must not an option.

  14. Nous la
    August 30, 2013

    I want UWP to tell me if it is ok to come down from foreign and vote for Lennox; because is UWP I want to give my vote…please advise.

  15. Overseas
    August 30, 2013

    This is madness! Why does not LL stick with doing what he does best, Talk Show Host.

  16. Jbfox
    August 30, 2013

    Edison was much better than Lennox yet his chances were slim maybe Isidore can give them a fighting chance.

  17. yes papa
    August 30, 2013

    Hector should jump ship wth his vote last election.he stayed on a sinking ship.I always know uwp had no future for a young man like dat.most dominican love d works skeritt doing,so why uwp dont promis to do more..not say wat labour do is not good.say u can do more..alss bfor skeritt I was ashamed of dominica,old road,trafic in roseau,no stadium like everybdy else…uwp need to promis day would reducr d customs on autos,an stuff like dat ..

  18. young Dominican
    August 30, 2013

    people I need some help here can any one name any order country where you have from the PM down to his boys names called in somany out law things to do with the courts in Dominica and thay are still in Government ill say in my years its only in Dominica if any one know about any where please let me know

    • Toomatoe Tomato
      August 30, 2013

      I think your first question should be who has the PM name in whatever you call it and for what reason.

      If your same neighbor has your name every morning noon and night slandering because really your neighbor wants what you have, you can do one of two things, if you do not care to go to the courts. You can move or you can ignore your neighbor until the time is right.

      In the PM case – on the Campaign trail and the 18 and more seats will be the answer.

  19. I DIE NU
    August 30, 2013

    Mr.Prevost;Does that resolution applies to the UWP?…”No one person is allowed to serve as LEADER of the UWP for more than two consecutive terms?”Hope that is amongst your CHANGES… Seems UWP want to change voting style in Dominica to suit them.No one person allowed to serve as PM for more than two consecutive terms;what about the other ministers in the Government?How long will they be allowed to serve for,Mr.Prevost?Are we going to vote for a PM and vote for ministers seperately?Anyway by the time UWP will implement that the man you all hate so much and want to get rid of will have retired.

    • hmm
      August 30, 2013

      You don’t seem to understand. Two terms for the PM and I think that is more than enough. When they go beyond two terms they tend to think the country was bequeathed to them by their grandfather. As a Pm you should be able to develop your vision and deliver it within 10 years.

      • Toomatoe Tomato
        August 30, 2013

        Why didn’t the UWP change it when they formed the Government? They had the chance didn’t they?

        Okay when the UWP get elected, whenever that maybe in the much distance future they can change it.

        Maybe while at it, you should also ask England and the other countries whose laws are like ours to change their laws too.

    • Asterix
      August 30, 2013

      @ I Die Nuh: It’s either you are dead (pun intended re, I die nuh?) and you don’t realize it or you are as dumb as a door nail. Can’t you read? “amend the Constitution of Dominica to ensure that no one person is allowed to serve as Prime Minister for more than two consecutive terms.” The key words there are “PRIME MINISTER” and not “LEADER” as you insinuate.

      • I DIE NU
        August 30, 2013

        Did u read and overstand my comment?Maybe not.Read again.I refered to two seperate situantions in one topic.Read and overstand not understand.

    • WE VOTING UWP
      September 1, 2013

      Yes brother/Sister, you DIe wi. You have committed political suicide but the UWP is here to resurrect your political hopes, aspirations and belief in what is best for Dominica.

      We hope that you are feeling the winds of change and soon you will be joining us in preaching the good news the we are sure with the SAW.

      Change is a must, not an option.

  20. youth speaking
    August 30, 2013

    In my opinion it’s just the same old guys going into power not realise how the modern society is moving forard what we need is some young blood in this government not a set of old bigots that are stuck in they’re sterotypical ways who don’t understand twat about society today.

    • afan
      August 31, 2013

      well you should be happy that at least one of the parties are showing an almost clean break with the past. that party has identified 4 new names to the game so far and have a slate full of youth, so you have more choice this time around

  21. Onlooker
    August 30, 2013

    Why should you have a nomination committee? I believe people should vote on the day. But anyway…I feel election fever man. Good going.
    I still think Labour will win since it would be quite difficult for UWP to win the majority of seats….remember they only have three now….it will be very hard to get more seats than Labour right now…maybe the 2020 or whatever elections…Lennox would be well settled by then and Dominicans would then decide if they want him.

  22. Anonymous
    August 30, 2013

    While we’re at it why don’t we nominate Pat Aaron for the leadership post? After all he meets the criteria since he is another top mouth piece for the UWP during Carnival time. The only difference is that he may have a subject or two whereas Lennox has not ONE. This is just political suicide.

    As for Ronnie, this man should definitely be regarded as the top choice. Unlike some, he has a graduate degree, experience in managerial positions, community oriented, a people’s person, spiritual and experience in the political field. While it is true, he faces the top working politician in the Mahaut Constituency a number of Laborites including myself, as well as those workers and some undecided can identify with him and his values and the possibility of Mahaut having it’s Prime Minister can elevate him to defeat Mr Blackmore.

    If the UWP slogan is change must come like the Bobb’s Calypso in 2004, let’s start with a change in policy from just handing over power to who the former leader likes.

    • Anonymous
      August 30, 2013

      Go give your advice to Labour party and Ronnie can follow you there too.

    • Mahaut
      August 30, 2013

      Looking forward to you campaigning and voting for Ronnie in Mahaut

  23. UDOHREADYET
    August 30, 2013

    Hmmmmn

  24. Pedro
    August 30, 2013

    Thank God that Dominicans have realized that we cannot build a country on deals and favors. We need men and women that will use the resources of the country to create opportunities for all the people. We do not need a Ruler or a King, we need a leader who will build a team of Good men and women to take this country forward.

    • Dcamassive
      August 30, 2013

      He not yet reach you touting horn?

    • Anonymous
      August 30, 2013

      good point. we already have such a leader in the Hon. Skerrit

  25. Fly boy
    August 30, 2013

    The united workers party was there for 41/2 years and did not change the constitution they found them selves in all other things which brought hard ship to the country, what’s going to change with the new leader that has his focus on making the presant administration pay for the wrongs he feel they may have done.

    • afan
      August 31, 2013

      do you know that to change the constitution without the aid of the opposition the government needs to have at least a 2/3 majority in parliament? that would mean having 14 or more seats.And again, what is wrong with making those who have broken the law and who are corrupt pay for their crimes? in the region, it seems that we dont hold our leaders to the same level of responsibility we hold common citizens, a politician could be openly corrupt but can rest assure that he/she will face no court much less face jail time if they guilty of corruption or any other illegal acts. i am not for wasting money on a witch hunt but i do think that the wealth accumulated by this current crop of politicians be investigated and those found wanting be prosecuted the same way we investigate, prosecute and jail the common man/woman who commit crimes. our constitution also needs to be modernised to allow for freedoms universally recognised by progressive nations and to allow for more interaction of the common people in formulating and enacting laws. Though the US has many many flaws i admire the way that common folks can bring forward laws and allow for a vote to dictate whether a law is enacted or rescinded.

  26. PoKeSa
    August 30, 2013

    Lennox Linton – I would say he’s the right choice for leader of the opposition (UWP)! Why, because he possess a general mental capability that, among other things, involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly and learn from experience.

    All the necessary attributes of a Prime Minister in waiting.

    • Mali
      August 30, 2013

      For now it’s only on radio,

    • Anonymous
      August 30, 2013

      Hahaha. Biggest joke of the century!!! On thing you are right about is that he is a PM in waiting, bacause he is most certainly going to have to wait for a very long time; maybe eternity before this ever gets to happen!!!!!!

  27. Me Again
    August 30, 2013

    No PM shall serve for more than two terms consecutively.

    That is the constitutional policy for Presidents in the USA. This does not apply to the Party because their political set up calls for an elected President, separate from an elected Congress.

    Does the proposed UWP amendment apply to the Party as well? Of course not. So, if we change the PM after two terms and not the party, what would be the advantage if his/her party is returned to power?

    Absolutely no difference. It’s like the DLP replacing Skerrit with ???? (your pick) after his two terms expired.

    • Asterix
      August 30, 2013

      @ Me Again: How do the democrats and republicans replace their leaders? A primary is held on a party level every four years by each party and the incumbent leader of the party in government may be returned for a shot at a second four year term on the national level. The primaries are held before the general elections so if the incumbent loses the new leader selected will therefore contest at the national level. The party out of government will be represented by whoever wins their own primaries. If the incumbent party loses at the national level it simply means a new man/woman will become president. There should be no question of advantage or disadvantage to any party because the governance of the country is not about party politics but about which team is best suited at the point in time for advancing the country and the life of its citizens. This system shows the level of maturity of the electorate and not the blind party allegiance that we display in our local politics, where if the party we support takes us to HELL, we think it’s Ok because it’s the party we support anyway. The heralding of a new leader be it from whichever party, can mean new visions and ideas and a new spirit for nation building. In the American system if the party in office does not serve your interest you simply vote them out.

  28. smh
    August 30, 2013

    sounds like hector got demoted…

    • Toomatoe Tomato
      August 30, 2013

      So when is the by-election in Marigot? Or which Opposition Senator is being forced to vacate their seat in Parliament to make room or to say vamoose.

  29. DC
    August 30, 2013

    UWP will be adding the final nails to the coffin by making Lennox leader. The only hope to keep the Party from under the ground would be Joshua joining camp. He understands human nature and knows what it takes to win people over. UWP has turned a deaf ear to their opponents and fail to realize that in order to be at the helm, they need to reach out to everyone. Joshua knows that, Lennox, on the other hand in his fairytale mind thinks Marigot and Salisbury can make him PM. Time to wisen up and stop the division.

    • Banana
      August 30, 2013

      It is not about Lennox. It is about getting rid of that corrupt regime. Lennox is not the issue. The country is hurting and instead of you playing your part like Lennox to bring an end the pain you are making Lennox the issue. Something is wrong with you.

  30. Aye
    August 30, 2013

    Change is coming….

    • Men of Faith
      August 30, 2013

      Change is coming, from radio talkshow host to prime minister??? The new leader of UWP as the man of such high repute that he has made himself appear, must publish his academic qualifications in all the local newspapers for all to see!!

      • Everybody Peeping
        August 30, 2013

        And publish the PM degree in English. And explain to me why you accept him as Minister of Finance.

        Give me the PM job history, did he manage a bar? or rumshop?..a hotel?…a store? A bag of stones? What did he manage before 2004? what did he manage in his life before taking up Prime Minister and Minister of Finance roll?

        Publish that in the newspaper ….

      • Asterix
        August 30, 2013

        Is that the only finger that you can point at Lennox? His lack of a degree is nothing but a red herring. I would like to ask you and skerrit et al how does skerrit’s degree in “English” help him in his everyday job functions as minister of finance? How much does ambrose georges’ degree in agronomy help him as minister of constituency affairs and information (whatever it is)? How does kenneth darrouxs’ degree in “Medicine” help him as minister of the environment? I applaud all those with degrees of any kind. From my own experience without a degree, I executed job functions that engineers in similar companies in the region were assigned. You see at the end of the day while having a degree is an accomplishment, the lack of one doesn’t mean that you can’t perform at the highest level once you have the ability, experience and skill. Further, having the opportunity and ability to using the said degree in your daily job functions and personal development is another. It’s pointless having a degree that can’t put to use. Where can mr. skerrit use his degree in “English” other than in teaching, if he were to be removed from government? While ambrose and the like can go into private practice, where can skerrit’s degree in “English” take him? Oh and that crap about psychology doesn’t cut it, that was not his major.

  31. Baby Girl
    August 30, 2013

    I am not too interested in house keeping matters for that too shall past and the next generation will revisit based on their circumstances and realities of their day.

    All I know is that I will be coming home to vote and want to know from this Sunday the UWPs program for the first 100 days when they get into government.

    All you better declare that work on the International Airport will resume and urge all people than on the lands for the Airport to voulantary get out in the first 30 days or face force eviction.

    That our local Doctor will receive permission to open a medical school.

    That All Saints be encouraged to construct their own teaching facilities within two years so that the present facilities can be given to the youth of Roseau to operate their little vending, hair branding and so on.

    That Sat and Marpin will merge.

    The price for Internet services will drop by 60%.

    Duty free on vehicles for farmers

    Duty free on building materials

    100% concessions for international hotels to establish in dominica.

    That utility companies give up to sixty days for bill settlements.

    Everybody will have a water meter.

    Privatize geothermal

    Allow UWI to manage tha facilities of the college and make it Dominica Campus and let the Kids after fifth form take four years to do a BSc in social sciences. Parents will be encouraged to finance 1/3 the cost of their children university education right here in Dominica while government finance the balance.

    Based on financial performance government will grant concessions to mid-size business for expansion and employment.

    Primary school kids to have tablet computers and there will be no duties on tablet computers.

    That there will be commission of inquires into the police, economic citizenship program, failed government programs, and violence against above average citizens.

    Peace

    • Mali
      August 30, 2013

      In light of worsening economic realities, you coming and plant plenty fig for DA to export man..

    • Amused
      August 30, 2013

      This must be the condensed version of manifesto which the UWP said was “online” during the last election. I would suggest that they (UWP) employ this writer to develop a hardcopy version as there are still a number of persons who have not been able to find the full version online.

    • smh
      August 30, 2013

      all i can say is dream on baby girl

    • IPO
      August 30, 2013

      Was this a stand up comic show?

  32. Doc. Love
    August 30, 2013

    During an interview on the Heng show this morning, Skerrit was questioned about Mr.Lennox Linton. He said, as far as he is concerned, Lennox is no problem to him and can take him on head to head.I wondered what he was talking about. It couldn’t be in a debate or a press conference where he could be questioned by the press. All I will say at this time, big black dogs always bark light and all the barking is done at the master’s house.

    • I DIE NU
      August 30, 2013

      Big black PITBULL dogs do bark.Do you have eyes to see?Look and you shall see.

    • I DIE NU
      August 30, 2013

      Biasness is easily seen and proven,DNO.Review DOC.LOVE comment again.What is the difference between what he/she has written and my two previous comments you did not publish?Big,black,ugly,dogs bark at the masters house were the very same words I used.Was it because I added…Look above?

    • IPO
      August 30, 2013

      Who has been barking most of his life?

    • Toomatoe Tomato
      August 30, 2013

      I would dare say, to run the country; The PM is doing a very good job, and we all know that, regardless what party we support. To have and maintain foreign relationship; to get financial aid and so much more. You have tunnel vision my friend. Think more deeply.

  33. Anonymous
    August 30, 2013

    I am very much interested in hearing the plans the U.W.P has for Dominica. I am a young person who in times gone by loved politics. But along the way I have lost my interest due to the “dirty gutter politics” being played here in Dominica. I listen and weigh everything in the balance I am not bias to one party and speak the truth. I am not looking forward to hearing personal bashing I am looking forward to development plans to bring our Country forward. #Rise above

  34. mama
    August 30, 2013

    Sandford step down and no mention of Ronnie :?:

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available