Member of Parliament for Roseau South, Joshua Francis, has expressed interest in running for the position of Deputy Leader of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP).
The UWP will be holding its annual delegate’s convention in Salisbury on Sunday (March 1) and leader, Lennox Linton, has indicated that “all positions are up for grabs” in the party.
Claudius Sanford, the man who holds the post of deputy political leader, will not be contesting that post and a new person is expected to be elected.
There are talks that Francis is the “front runner” for the position and he will be “the only person who will be vying for that post” and is expected to be elected “unopposed.”
Francis has not confirmed directly that he actually contesting the post, only saying he has expressed interest and “it will all be left to the delegates to decide.”
“I have expressed my interest and that is where it is,” he said.
Francis defeated Ambrose George, of the Dominica Labour Party, who was running for a fourth term in office in the December 8, 2014 general election.
Francis amassed 2,185 votes while George received 1,948.
He has since been given the responsibility of attorney general, legal affairs, immigration, labour and Kalinago affairs in the UWP’s ‘alternative cabinet.’
ALA wat about spaggs not even a mention of his name? P
I endorse Hon Joshua Francis anytime whether he is leader or deputy leader of the United Worker’s Party. He is a man of principle, knowing Mr. Francis personally for over a decade, this man is real.
If Workers is thinking of winning the next election Lennox would stand down as Leader and let their be a vote for leader, Personally I think Francis as leader with any of the other candidates as Deputy Bazil woud be a winning ticket for the next election, not Thompson as deputy he does not have the charisma, Lennox is not a popular person in Dominica, he has to many factors against him like being expelled from school for violence. not completing hsi education, Lennox will make for a good PR for the party but he was not the best person for the leadership,not against Skerrit. Thompson will really be a good permanent secretary in the Ministry of finance.
Thompson Fountain for leader and Joshua Francis Deputy. Put that in place and am sure the next five year UWP would take government. We always say the best candidate for the job when being interviewed. We have two qualify individuals with the ability to stand with any world leader. Lennox Linton can take the party only to a party of being a strong opposition. That is his strength. Linton should be the minister of opposition and quotes. First day of on the job and all you do is quote. I sat down and listen to Thompson and Joshua and felt good knowing that we have quality and qualify minds to oppose. CHANGE THE LEADERSHIP. Thompson Fountain for leader or Joshua for leadership.
Question!! Where does “Spaggs” John fit into the present format of the UWP?
On Sunday you all might have a big rude awakening.
No, you should contest for leader of the party.I think you would make a perfect leader of the United Workers Party. Your presentation and personal charisma was demonstrated for all to see last Friday when you made the best presentation in the entire House in support for the change of name for the Carib people. You definitely made the most eloquent presentation. Keep up your good work; your future is bright. I can see you being the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Your personality and charm will get you there.
Mr Francis is a great choice for the leader. He is very charismatic, and intelligent. I look forward to him moving the UWP forward. They got good everything, but winning skills. Bazil and Francis have a lot of potential. I really want them to work together to build a winning party and move Dominica forward. Amen Francis, VIVA!
Uwp alternative cabinet???? What the hell is that? And yes Joshua should go after the leadership, not deputy. Maybe them uwp might stand a chance of winning an election in Dominica.
Thompson for Deputy
What happened to Sanford?
@ best of country and true……………… Prove me wrong. At the end of the day Linton will be nominated as leader and Francis will be deputy unopposed. Nomination will be closed before anyone else is nominated.
And I will be saying “I told you so”
You have the capabalities sikiri go for it.
This is wonderful, good for the Party. think he is just the person….
Team Dominica. keep doing what is right for the Country…
While i have nothing against the UWP’s leader and Opposition Leader Lennox Linton, I personally felt that UWP would have gotten more undecided voters over to their side had Joshua Francis been at the helm of the UWP.
But, according to Daddy Chess, ‘It is what it is”.
Why so many labourites want the uWP leader replaced, you all should check your party.
I think Lenox is good leader for the UWP and next PM, Joshua would do well as a deputy and possible succeed Lenox at a future point in time.
Ask Skerrit who is he grooming to be leader? Who will replace Ambrose as Deputy?
its called succession planning
Not sure it is Labourites who want the UWP Leader to change; I more believe it is the UWP people who want their Leader to change but it is better it looks like it is the DLP. I am a DLP supporter and I do not want the UWP Leader to change; it is far better for the DLP for the present UWP leader to remain as we the Dominica people and other countries leaders see and hear him in parliament and not as the host of a talk show. I want him to stay where he is. That way the UWP will have a very hard time ever being the Government of Dominica. Do you really believe any UWP member would want the present Opposition Leader as the Prime Minister of Dominica instead of our current PM ? Not on your life. Yes, they would like to win the elections but they know the Honourable PM & the DLP are better for them and Dominica.
So leave the UWP Leader where he is; vote for him to continue as the leader of the UWP he is on the right track, do not steer him off in any different direction.
I believe about 17,000+ Dominicans were and are ready for Lennox Linton to be the Prime Minister of Dominica. Would be great if DLP supporters on island were as numerous, instead Skerritt and crew needs to rely on those who don’t “live the reality” under his regime to keep him in power.
Lennox Linton has revitalized a party and developed a new movement in Dominica, he has energized Dominicans who want their island to be on par, if not the leader in the Caribbean, instead of simply a “backwater.” and he has made it clear just how he can get there.
Lets not pretend that the minute Sikiri or anyone else takes leadership of any other party besides DLP that Skerrit & Co. will not be launching a rally in Lagoon to discredit him/her.
@A Doubting Thomas February 27, 2015
I always read your post and I always thumbs you up–but this time I gave you none because I disagree with you.
I love our Prime Minister Skerrit and I know that he is working for our Dominica–but he cannot stay forever–unless he resigns–I think that it would be good to have a man like Mr. Joshua Francis as Prime Minister of Dominica; I am even perceiving that Mr. Skerrit would be glad to give in to him.
Why do I think that? It is because of my ability of perception–and the last time I read from Mr. Francis, he said that he wants to work with the “government”–that is the kind of attitude that will bring victory to anyone who wants it–and so time will tell.
well said great choice……………………becauseskerrit cant have his way with Lennox they want him out, also lennox have alot of intelligence and they are threatened…………..Lennox is the way forward………………………..
This shows that the UWP is very rich in their human resource.
Do you really expect Basil,,Fountain and F,Francis to take orders from the present leader we have a serious problem work on it .Five YEARS is not a long time
Why not leader? The other members should nominate Francis.
Joshua Francis and all those other guys on the Uwp are just a bunch of pretenders,looking for fame and glorification and we are just not interested in them any more. Up for grabs because no one really cares and they are just wasting their time and bored as opposition. Skerrit is in power and let’s go forward to build the country….Lenox,Monelle and all the other are just power hungry and looking for fame and fortune….
In Like manner, can you all laborites in particular, tell me one single person within the DLP that could sincerely step in as a true deputy leader of the corrupt team, should Skerrit go to bed? That’s the dilemma, the Daba, the twaka, the mess Dominica is in. Sure not Blackmoore, nor Reggie, not Collin, McIntyre, not Justina Charles, cannot be Ian Douglas, not Petter Saint-Jean. In all honesty, Kenneth Darroux is by far the only one they might have but hell know! Bye the way, who is the deputy leader nou? Boy DA in serious problem cause I know something and can see something all you don’t know.
@The Evangelist February 26, 2015
First of all we should not speak against a person’s Life–words are powerful.
Secondly, there is no dilemma, for God the Supreme remains in control–whatever happens goes by His commands first and foremost–He will deal with the situation accordingly.
Thirdly Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is a very young man–he is a very important person to our Dominica, right now. Therefore God ain’t calling him to go nowhere–not until some moons has gone by.
He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Jn. 1:11.
I really loved the idea of Mr. Claudius Sandford as deputy leader because he is a bright young man and it is time to have a real Kalinago holding top political position in Dominica. However, with the Kalinago people being who they are they had two opportunities to raise their standard and image, but unfortunately they allowed themselves to be bought cheap by Skerrit and the DLP and rejected Claudius. So his own rejected him and were tricked in believing in a name change they really needed.
Mr. Joshua Francis is a tremendous young man and has all the making of a great future leader; As a result I support his candidacy 1000%. UWP is really loaded with bright, honest, and dedicated men and women that could step up at any given time. I feel Dr. Thompson (though he was robbed) , Mr. Bazil, Mr. Isaac and others all fit this category. If they really don’t challenge Mr. Francis, it would only show the humility and unity in UWP.
UWP rejected Sanford tthe he was promised the party leader it was given to Linton and see what linton did he took the senate post form him. They really treated bad.
Deputy leader Francis? You have all what it takes to be the leader … You’ve got my support.
Joshua is God sent and if the UWP is wise in their decision making, they will elect him as leader. He is the most suitable persons with qualities to lead this country.
A great choice if chosen by the party,I strongly support his nomination and selection by the party. what does he bring to the table, intelligence, wisdom and vision to take Dominica into the next century while preserving our heritage, he is also a unifying factor f all Dominicans as he is both African and Kalinago and i could say more. If he can unseat Ambrose he can unseat Skerrit even in Vielle Case.
Is Emile telling us the labor party disaster that occurred at Point Michelle last year during the DLP delegate meeting was fixed. Fixed or no fixed, the UWP will be having an election, the DLP never had an election.
Dear Mr. Linton,
Where were you for our carnival?
It was rather POOR.
Now the election is over, Please continue to visit us. It is a while since we have seen you.
I am pleading with you Sir, please give us a check now and now.
Take what you all get that’s what you all voted for it is what it is.
Francis should lead the party wi. Much better mannerism, for the people with the people.
Honorable Joshua Francis,
Indeed you are well qualified and proved that you’ll do a superb job @ any level and position. You are an inspiration and model of how lawyers, politicians should act. May the Almighty continue to guide and protect you.
Thank You Sir, we love and wish you well throughout….
What about the President? Bazil
Bazil for Deputy.
Bazil is a great guy but I think that joshua Francis is more appropriate for that post at this time. Anyway, the party will come to a democratic decision on that.
Francis is a great choice for deputy leader and a future political leader and Prime Minister
I fully endorse your recommendation. Even Ambrose George would support Mr. Francis.
Go for it Joshua!
O k. Mr. Francis, come tell us why you want to be deputy leader, what are you bring to the table that will make UWP a better org 2. Tell us why are you not going for the leader of party position? As a delegate why should someone nominate you? waiting for an answer.
You see? The man simply expressed a view. Now his very own is asking him why should they vote for him. What has happened to Joseph Isaac they say did a better job winning the election than Sikiri did in “widening the margin of victory in Roseau Central?
I don’t see the reason for all of those thumb downs.
The questions seem legitimate to me!
Put him as leader!
I think Francis and\or Monelle would make great political leaders.
But the election is already rigged and the result is fixed.
why you so?
why are you like that? why do you think so? please let the meeting take place.
@Emile Zapatos, check your closet. skeletons want to get out .
This is a fait acompli. Mr Francis, they going to treat you the same way the man from Mahaut was treated. The big man doesn’t like it when people challenge him! Regardless of what he said on talking point this morning.
I guess you will know, because that’s how the people you support handle their election….haha
election is not rigged ur moron. It still is one man/woman one vote. It’s just that enough persons are not too welcoming of Lennox to vote workers. If he would give Joshua the leadership in the next campaign Workers must become the government………JOSHUA FOR PM!!!!!!!
I dont agree with your comment. Monelle is not fully mature to be a deputy leader nor leader. She needs to mature. Joshua Francis on the other hand is well liked and focussed. He will make a good deputy and in time leader and PM. We love Josh.!!!
Zappos, if you think Monelle will be a good leader, you dont know anything about politics. Monnel sounds mature on the platform, but truly not the type for Leader. She loves too much attention.
yes i believe Mr Joshua francis will be a good deputy leader
great choice, he is a gentleman and a man of vision…