Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau South constituency, Attorney-at-Law Joshua Francis, is dismissing claims of having interest in the top leadership position of the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP).
In recent times there have been speculations that Francis has developed an interest in taking up political leadership of the party, presently being held by Parliamentary Representative for the Marigot constituency, Lennox Linton.
However, Francis told Dominica News Online on Monday that he is not keen on challenging Linton for the top job but if it the voice of the people in the future, he will accept it.
“If it is the voice of the people and the will of God that I challenge the leadership sometime in the future then I will accept it,” he said. “I have absolutely no difficulty in being the leader of the UWP- Team Dominica.”
Francis, who is currently the Deputy Leader of the UWP, went up against Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidate, Ambrose George during the December 8th General Election and emerged victorious.
He noted that many party supporters as well as non party supporters are saying that he should take up the role as main leader of the UWP, but, according to him, everyone has thier own views.
“People will have views and will continue to have views and as far as leadership of any political party is concerned in any country, it is an issue of hot discussion and the leadership of the United Workers Party-Team Dominica is no exception,” he said. “A number of people will have views which would suggest that Mr. Linton should continue to be the leader of the United Workers Party and likewise you find people with the view that he should be replaced.”
He noted that it appears he has fans out there and there are people who believe in him.
“Some people seem to think that I should be the leader, but I respect those views,” Francis noted. “I just want to make it clear that I support Mr. Lennox Linton as the Leader of the United Workers Party … he has my unconditional and sincere support and as a member of Team Dominica I will do my outmost to ensure that the people of Dominica get a party which is better prepared to take up the affairs.”
Francis noted that when he entered the political arena, his interest was to be part of a team to make Dominica a better place.
“And as a candidate, of course, one’s aim would be to win, which I did. And now that I am the parliamentary representative of Roseau South a lot of people generated this notion that I would be a good leader, and that has opened my eyes to make me come to realization that probably I will be a good leader,” he noted. “I know who I am, I know what I am capable of and my leadership is required in Roseau South and that is where I am focused right now.”
He added, “My position is that he (Linton) is the leader and he should continue to be the leader and I will give him my full support…it is not something I am looking forward to do, neither something I am not looking forward to do.”
He pointed out that people must have the understanding that leadership can change and that it revolves.
“It is not Lennox’s estate, it is not my estate,” he remarked. “If people think that at one point Isaac should be the leader and Isaac is the one to lead us to the political mountain, I will support Isaac. It is about winning an election.”
He explained his role as parliamentary representative as one which is not lesser than being the leader of the party.
“I don’t see myself bigger than those guys who did not win,” he said. “They are part of the team and the team is responsible to put us in a position to win the next general election with the people in mind, because this is not about us, it is about the people of Dominica,”
He said being the Deputy leader of the UWP gives him special responsibility of supporting Linton.
“And that I will do and hoping that in the next general election we can in fact form the government of Dominica and make Dominica the best place to live, the best place to work and the best place to enjoy life,” he said.
There some who have stated that Francis is on the wrong side political fence and should cross over to the DLP but he has shot down that idea.
“I am not too sure about wrong side or right side,” he noted. “A political party is based on philosophy, ideology, vision, etc and the vision and ideology of Team Dominica- UWP is basically embedded in improving the quality of life for Dominicans…our vision is to make this place a better place to live. Of course the Dominica Labour Party has its own ideology and their ideology is rooted in a similar creed that is to make life better for the fellow Dominicans. But this thing about anyone in and around parties I don’t subscribe to that.”
Francis went on to say that he believes the UWP is the party of better ideology.
“It is a better party in terms of the competence of the men involved, it’s a party with version…one which is transparent, one which is energetic, one which is visionary, one which is futuristic,” he noted.
He believes that the DLP is exhausted.
“Clearly the Prime Minister of Dominica, Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, is politically exhausted and he needs to be replaced,” he argued. “And that is manifested in the lack of vision, in the lack of policies to turn around this stagnant economy. As I speak to you, the unemployment rate in Dominica continued to loom, social decadence continue to increase and we need a party in government that can turn the tides around to make Dominica the place it can be…”
Francis noted that when people suggest that he should be leader of the UWP, he hopes it is in the interest of the people of Dominica.
“And if I were to become the leader of the UWP Team Dominica and I cannot make life better, then it’s not worth it,” he said.
Elect Francis as leader and stand a chance to be the next Govt. Remain with Lennox Linton as leader in perpetual opposition talking “eloquent” nonsense. that’s all.
fracis if i was a dlp supporter its u i want for leader because inspite of how nice a gentleman u are sure victory for skero if u were to become leader in the next upcoming election
“the men involved” says it all really.
Who cares about UWPeee? Why put Labour Party in you all confusion? Since after elections, UWP don’t know if they’re coming or going.
Hon. Francis, I love you but I want you to know that it is a distraction by the DLP to put problem in the UWP camp. The UWP members must stay focus and dont allow there these talk to drift them ashore. UWP under the leadership of Hon Linton is doing good keep your work alive
Brother keep focus,nothing happens before it time. Those who are saying uwp will never win an election,I say to them they lack what they called common sense period.
Joshua don’t be distracted….don’t fall for the subtle pressure that is geared to distract and destroy. Focus on building the team and don’t be carried away by those who think yu should be leader. There is no rush. Linton is needed at this time Build your strength and await you turn.
Well Mr. Francis I dont think you are strong enough to go after Linton for leader of the party see what he did to Isidore.
He is obviously the better choice to lead the Party. Lennox Linton lacks the requisite skills, training, personality, diplomacy ,tact and charisma.
Jury I’m an outsider looking in, and I agree with you. In order for Dominica to become a contender on the international stage, it needs a leader that is diplomatic, and Mr. Linton comes across as gauche; crude, tactless; whereas Mr. Francis has demonstrated atticism, he appears elegant, his diction Is impeccable and he exudes leadership. These characteristics are of paramount importance for success in the political and international relations arena. Dominicans must be cognizant of the fact that Dominica is not a self reliant nation, and it must rely heavily on fostering relationships/partnerships with foreign nations to advance its development.
Stay in your lane. Do not cross over… You jave the ability to challenge anyone… When the time is right… Deliver!!!
Dominica is to small to be a nation divided by colors, your main focus must, and should always be the betterment of the country, thereby the betterment of your individual circumstance. To date the best alternative to Mr. Skerrit is Mr. Francis. Mr. Francis is the only person in Dominica’s political arena other than Skerrit who will be effective on the international front to champion the advancement of Dominica. The only way for Dominica to advance is to have a robust International Policy, and Mr. Linton is not the man for the job. He may be the man for local politics, but local politics serves no purpose in the advancement and development of Dominica. Too many Dominicans are of the opinion that being abrasive and argumentative is the way to get the economy moving. To date Dominica is not a self reliant nation and must depend on its International Policy/Relations to grow. With that being said, if the UWP is serious about leading the nation Lennox Linton is not the man for the job.
detractors, being devoured by TEAM DOMINICA’S development. the best party with the brightest minds.
I always keep saying as long as LENNOX LINTON is the leader of the UWP, they will NEVER, I say NEVER NEVER win the election. You see now, they are contemplating , strategically who should be the leader of the UWP party. Another note get rid of JOSEPH ISSACC, . With LENNOX and JOSEPH out of the picture. UWP will be in government for the NEAR FUTURE!!!!!!!!!
It’s your personal views so keep it to yourself, What this Island needs are the brightest minds their it to be able to turn things around and that is Team Dominica – UWP for sure.. The DLP team are a disgrace to the Island.
We need a bold face no face leader to clean up Dominica and restore law and order, aka we need a sheriff to JAIL some fellas, Francis to soft, Linton won the election if skerrit …….., but his time will come, nothing last forever and one day DEM FELLAS WILL PAY!!! ALL OF DEMmmmmm.
Mr Francis and i quote Mr is far better to manage the team as oppose to linton. He is like an uneducated fool that is why i say linton move over for Mr Francis you never know this may cause many people to switch colours
To win the next election Joshua Francis must be the leader. He is well liked by even labor party supporters who have said to me that if he is the leader they will vote for UWP. Please listen to the people. We are here to listen to the people and do what they want not what we want. People want Joshua so let us put him as the leader. It is that simple. Just plain common sense.
Jay Rich you all were there and he was trying his best to make the difference the Island needed, and what happened , so now Dominicans feeling the pinch they are reaching out, Well the older folks would say who cant hear will feel, So don’t try to put Mr.Francis on the spot because we believe in the UWP Team we knows all of our guys/ladies they can deliver we believe in them, The father above knew what they can do and they do it for all the people, Mr. Francis said it correctly when his time come the father above will lead him there in the mean time he will continue to support the present leadership and his party, We are very proud of you sir.
What other way to remove the minds of Dominicans from the current pressure that is being levied on the DLP and Skeritt, then to bring about a distraction. Leadership problem my foot. We are told about the prevention of wear and tear relating to Skeritt, jobs for the boys, red clinic closed, no more money for jobs, the economy is in a tail spin, man cannot attend major international meetings, hundreds of dollars spent on travels, which brought no serious returns to the country, a new hospital, Dominicans are not convinced will ever be built to replace the home of bed bugs and poul bouis, therefore, throw Mr. Francis in the mix, hopefully, he might say something anti Linton, which they hope will slow down the frustration of Dominicans.
Mr. Francis please do not let self interest cloud your vision. This is a team. I believe in the concept and that’s why I switched from the DLP in the last election. I witnessed the togetherness of the team and it convinced me to throw my support behind Mr. Linton and team Dominica. Do what is right for the country not for self. Do not allow the very people who were against you to dictate what they believe would be better for a party that’s beginning to transform politics in Dominica. Please my brother, remain focused. Dominica needs good leadership and it will not begin if there is confusion in the camp.
The modus operandi of Skerrit has always been the old classic of “divide & Rule”, to play one off against the other. Unfortunately he has applied the same tactic amongst his own followers. The switching, and unpredictable appointment of acting M.P. when he is away, for instance. Nobody should get the idea that they can actually replace him but in the mean time they all yearn for the favour to occupy the hot seat for a while, with a delusion of power, leaving his own party divided , all clamouring to be teacher’s pet and so called “confidant or confidante”. They know they are being used, yet can’t stop it in the hope that they are being used less than the other. Sad, very sad! Make your own way in life and ignore a person like that and that is exactly what Team Dominica should do.
you may not be interested in it now mr francis but we are definitely interested in seeing you at the helm.
The man(Francis) speaks his mind and technically you(UWPites) are not seeing where he is coming from. He is just trying to tell you that Lennox as a Leader can’t and will not lead the UWP to victory at any election because of his ego. Read and understand what Francis has said properly. DLP has nothing to do with your Party problem. Lennox is no good leader ……..individual who just likes observance.
How about you affix your “Real” name to your comment before you go about bashing Mr. Linton. Stop hiding behind a computer damn fool
Is that really your comment? Almost everyone in here is using an alias. Because you choose to put a name doesn’t mean that everyone has to do it. Additionally, how do we know that this is your real name anyway? So even if this person used a name that sounded authentic how would you know whether it is a real name or not? Your argument is not grounded and you would have been more sensible to comment on the real issues discussed in the article.
LawieBawie. I may not be of your political persuasion but your logic on this is impeccable.
I am not interested in the UWP Leadership at the moment. Elections are 5 years down the road. The UWP in house fighting is their own problems, they have enough time to fix whatever problems they may have. We have a government in power doing what we elected them to do and I am happy with our choice.
What I would be interested in is for DNO to let us know as a reputable news media house; what is happening at Lindo Park. The whole and transparency happening at Lindo Park, that is of interest for the country. Think you can get us the true story DNO. From what I have heard so far something seems very wrong; so I would like to know what is really going on.
9:44 AM April 21st.
He did not dismiss claims. He said he is prepared to wait his turn. The fact that he is deputy leader means he must take over if and when the leader is not able to or won’t lead effectively. But in every party there is a time and a process. And when that process is over, stories like these are just PR stunts. These stories could also backfire and destroy a party if people are not sure where to look for leadership. At the end of the day, the real leader leads his party, leads in every constituency (not just his own), leads in the media and leads in the mind of the people
you right he did not dismiss the claim…. he has all these labourites happy like pappy he did not. I tell yah you just never know with people do?
good mr sikiri. now let us hear any labour party minister make a statement like this
“If it is the voice of the people and the will of God that I challenge the leadership sometime in the future then I will accept it,” he said. “I have absolutely no difficulty in being the leader of the UWP- Team Dominica.”
DLP have no such problem, they are with what they want.
Or they don’t have a choice? Which one?
DLP agents stirring the pot too much to divert attention from their own problems like the fact that their party has been appropriated as a vehicle for the enrichment of just a few and they are treated like little children if not disregarded by their own leadership. Well, you all chose what you chose for so get on with it. Worry about your own issues and don’t fabricate stories for the opposition.
Propaganda being spread by the DLP and some UWP voters are falling for it. UWP supporters, do not allow DLP to distract you and weaken your party. Please be smart
Please be smart you say? How can that happen when 99.999% of the people who support UWP are illiterate fools
I’m guessing that “My 2cents” is a 100% retard. #mythoughts
You serious. The illiterate fools are the ones who put on their blue shirts and go to the blue clinic every Wednesday. The DLP are so literate, why couldn’t they get literate representatives for each constituency? How many DLP candidates had “High School Diploma”? I mean actually graduated high school?
This trancends DLP supporters. This is Dominicans CRAVING for a viable alternative to Roosevelt Skerritt. And they see potential in Joshua. This is bigger than UWP or DLP. This is about Dominica. It’s time we unwrap ourselves from the blue and red cloaks and see things objectively in a NATIONALISTIC manner.
I am one who is repulsed by the present state of red/blue tribal politics . And like many others I like what Im seeing and hearing from Mr. Francis. Dude is A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.