DFP leader calls for greater involvement of Dominican women in politics

DFP leader, Judith Pestaina

Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) Judith Pestaina  wants to see more women involved in Dominican politics.

Pestaina, who is one of nine women who contested the general elections, said not enough women are involved in the decision-making process in Dominica.

“Given the history of women in politics in Dominica, it’s very challenging and it’s a big decision to make. Women in particular are very afraid and intimidated by the verbal abuse that occurs especially during a campaign,”
she said.

Pestaina said she recalled being called names and criticized on the political platforms in the campaign leading up to the December 18th poll.

But she said this did not deter her, and said other women should not be deterred.

“I believe that you don’t have to be afraid especially when the allegations are unfounded. If you are confident and believe in yourself, I don’t think you should be deterred by that kind of politicking,” she advised.

According to Pestaina, women are the ones who do all the work but allow men to take the credit.

“I think it’s time to put their fear aside and come forward so we can have a platform of women involved in the political area” the DFP leader said.

Two of the nine women who contested the December 18 general elections emerged successful. Justina Charles and Gloria Shillingford won the Grand Bay and Wesley seats respectively. Both women contested the elections on a Dominica Labour Party ticket.

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9 Comments

  1. The Facts
    December 30, 2009

    .Some interesting observations about the elections and the spin doctors, clowns and jesters that continue to raise their heads to suit their own personal agendas:
    1) 32 thousand votes were counted in the 2009 Dominican elections
    2) DLP got 61% of the popular vote, over 9 thousand more than UWP who got 35% of the vote
    3) 13 of DLP’s 18 seats were won by a margin greater than 250
    4) UWP alledges that 600 voters were imported

    Some questions:
    1) Assuming UWP is correct; does this change the outcome of the election? The people have spoken sorry SHOUTED but a minority is of the opinion that they know better.
    2) Who selected/voted for the MRD? We just had an election and did not see them.
    3) Who do they represent?
    4) Who is financing them?
    5) What is their agenda?
    6) Do we advance Dominica by launching a pathetic campaign to discredit, distract, disrupt?

    I have also discovered that there is nothing honest about the honestdominica website. They only publish articles that are favorable to their agenda or articles that can easily be refuted. ..
    -The Facts

  2. Dominican lover
    December 29, 2009

    A sensible intelligent observation. As others have observed keep away from the MRD and build something positive for Dominica. You dont have to be in power to participate in the government process.

  3. winston warrington
    December 29, 2009

    I strongly support the involvement of younger people too.

  4. December 29, 2009

    I dont remember allegations being made against her except the family land and lipstick jokes. Did her tongue slip on this one? Interesting…

    “I believe that you don’t have to be afraid especially when the allegations are unfounded. If you are confident and believe in yourself, I don’t think you should be deterred by that kind of politicking,” she advised

  5. December 29, 2009

    Yes Pestaina. even if I did not support you but I can go with this one. Get serious .. stay clear of the MRD as one person observed and do or say something constructive and if you do love Dominica as you profess, try to stop the hate thing from spreading around. don’t get involved in the hate thing. People are not daft anymore and a hero can emerge from any of the homes in Dominica especially if the Lord has annointed that person to be someone to lead. Remember the Supreme Father is the one in control at all times.

    Good luck to you.

  6. Dominican in the Disapora
    December 29, 2009

    Unlike UWP I think you did a good job organizing the DFP for the last election. Stay away from MRD they are a bucnch of sour losers who have no interest in the country’s development!

    please realize that role as an opposition is not just to critize the government but to support when it is credible . You can help create jobs while in opposition.

    Please accept the victory of the DLP and of course push for electoral reform using the appropriate protocal.

    Again great call and please stay away fro the … of Edo, Ron and d unfortumnately Sprags

  7. Sheldon
    December 29, 2009

    I think this is one of the more sensible things you have said all year. I agree with you. Cudoes.

  8. Prettyface
    December 29, 2009

    That is so true. Women need to speak out cause trust me we have alot to say. No matter what names you are called just move forward and speak for what you know is right.

  9. Observer
    December 29, 2009

    You are my woman of the year. You kept your kool in a classy way.

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