Member of Parliament for Roseau South and newly elected Deputy Political Leader of the United Workers Part (UWP),Joshua Francis, says he is ready and willing to serve with distinction.
Francis, who was elected unopposed at the UWP’s 27th annual delegates’ conference last Sunday, also pledged that his tenure as Deputy Leader will be one of implementing effective change.
“I say so on the backdrop of what we have already achieved as a party and family at the recently concluded general election,” he said. “We made many gains and attracted new followers due to our enlightened, progressive, and uplifting approach to campaigning. We have continued this approach as recently evidenced by the first parliamentary session since the 2014 general election.”
According to him, the progress would not have been possible without the cooperative, unified and mutually respectful approach to leadership and team work.
He noted that he is humbled and honored to have been selected and believed as deputy Leader, with the support of leader Lennox Linton, the team, families and supporters, the UWP will continue on the “path of integrity, honesty, hard work, discipline, moral fiber, transparency, respect, patience, self-control, kindness and most importantly love for self and others, and love for country.”
He reminded party faithful that “unity must continue to be in the foundation of our movement.”
“We must be united and resolute in our vision for Dominica and that is to make Dominica the best place to live, the best place to work, and the best place to enjoy life,” Francis said. “The principle of unity must remain our focus on our journey, not only in our party but in Dominica as a whole. For too long we have hurt our brothers and sisters over petty and unproductive politics; for too long this country has been divided along party lines whilst forgetting that we are all Dominicans with a common goal of enjoying a better life.”
He said the UWP will continue its quest for electoral reform.
“We must also continue to press for electoral reform, ladies and gentleman,” he said. “I know that you would agree with me, legislative amendments for voters’ re-registration, campaign finance reform, and upgraded campaign practices. We also advocate for a system to allow our diaspora brothers and sisters to participate in our electoral system on a level playing field, for all political parties. We must do what is best in the interest of our constituencies, our party and our country. In this regard, I am committed to ensuring that our tenure in opposition for the next five years will be meaningful, dynamic, innovative, uplifting, unifying, constructive and visionary, free of the politics of division, deception, lies, bitterness and destructive practices.”
He stated that as opposition, the UWP’s participation in parliament will be reasonable and responsible in examining the proposals of the government to ensure that parliament works in the best interest of all Dominicans.
“We will fight for jobs, the best economy, we fight for the respect for our women, protection of our children, empowerment of our men and women, a reverse in the worrying trend of marginalization of our young men and boys, we fight for the improvement of our physical infrastructure, transparency, higher wages, better medical care, better housing, environmental protection and a better educational system, just to name a few,” he said.
The UWP, he noted, has demonstrated to all that it is a party of great minds and democratic ideals.
“Our party is ready to form government but to get there, we have a lot more work to do, so let us stay together, work together and grow our family of dedicated and hardworking members to win the next general election,” Francis said. “And moving forward, we have a shared responsibility to serve Dominica with love, pride and unity. So, let us put aside the disappointments of yesterday and embrace the opportunities of today. Not forgetting that the future begins today. And we must never forget that the future of our party, constituencies and Dominica is bigger than our individual political aspirations.”
Is it me or is there apparently no one from the UWP side that a UWP can emulate. For the past year I am hearing of people to look up to are Rosie, Pierro and the Dame even from the UWP. At first I thought it was a gimmick to get labour and freedom votes but it is becoming clearer and clearer the UWP by their own omission has no one Dominicans can look up too.
That in itself is very telling. So why on earth would anyone want the UWP as a government when the only examples are the Labour Party in the Persons of our Late Prime Ministers and The Late Eugenia Charles of the DFP. And we all know what the Late Dame told Freedomites about the UWP. And we know how they admire our PM.
So Labourites we are on the right track. Even die hard UWPites are finally beginning to realize that. See what pedro wrote. Francis has a touch of Rosie Douglas, Pierre Charles and Dame Eugenia Charles. Interesting. All the people UWP criticized and has been criticizing over the years.
If ever UWP has to win an Election they have to follow our comments and take note,they must increase their standards and lead by example. A LORRY driver jumped from his card and fetch a bottle of water,what are these bottles doing on the table in an office,what become of glasses. I noticed some long face and unhappy people. We must improve to do it,five years is not a long time but we have a mountain to climb
Dominica was the first island in the Caribbean to have a woman prime minister, if i am not mistaken Dominica was the first island to have a legislative consul some one can correct me on that .so now Dominica might well be the first island to have a kalinago as our leader great move
team work let us keep it so team work
Love you sis! Diane …Make us proud!!!! KUDOS to you !!! Congratulations
It is quite evident to me after hearing mr. Francis and mr. Lennon on sunday, that one is very humble and one is too arrogant and angry. I think mr. Francis leads and everyone else is following in his dust including the leader. Mr lennox needs to relax, be less angry. He can speak and is a good talker but his actions say otherwise. To convince or attract the opposition you need to show love and respect. Sikiri is tge only one doing that.
The first Kalinago PM of the Caribbean !!
Your time has come sir.
The next election will be one for the books.
A man of true integrity Dominica is gonna love this Man trus.Linton and Francis wow what a dynamic combination . Francis to me has a touch of Rosie Douglas, touch of Pierre Charles and a touch of Dame Eugina Charles. In other words he has the lot and the X FACTOR, the road is long in time we will see.
Is it me or is there apparently no one from the UWP side that a UWP can emulate. For the past year I am hearing of people to look up to are Rosie, Pierro and the Dame even from the UWP. At first I thought it was a gimmick to get labour and freedom votes but it is becoming clearer and clearer the UWP by their own omission has no one Dominicans can look up too.
That in itself is very telling. So why on earth would anyone want the UWP as a government when the only examples are the Labour Party in the Persons of our Late Prime Ministers and The Late Eugenia Charles of the DFP. And we all know what the Late Dame told Freedomites about the UWP. And we know how they admire our PM.
So Labourites we are on the right track. Even die hard UWPites are finally beginning to realize that. See what pedro wrote. Francis has a touch of Rosie Douglas, Pierre Charles and Dame Eugenia Charles. Interesting. All the people UWP criticized and has been criticizing over the years.
It is a very long time since I’ve heard a UWP supporter or member of the executive say something I can understand and even appreciate. It has been a while.
But again I understood he wanted to run for the DLP in Roseau South. So his mindset is far different from that of the UWP operatives. He joining the UWP is maybe because he did not get the opportunity with the DLP It is possible he does not see things the way the UWP does and he rather the policies of the DLP. Just maybe he can convert the UWP and let them see the errors of their ways. so the UWP must cherish him because as Bob sang, You Never Know.
Everyone is free join any party he or she wants. If only the UWP would understand when a UWP supporter moves to another Party it is also their choice.. When it is good say it is good This is a diplomatic speech. The UWP Leader should learn from him.
UWP is a powerful team with many potential honest leaders. However, had it not been for the brilliant leadership of Honorable Lennox Linton, I am not sure they would win Roseau Central, Roseau South, Roseau North and maybe Wesley. Linton is the one Skerrit and laborites are afraid of and all of us who support UWP should realize that. Laborites can call him arrogant and all names under the sun but they know they afraid of. Linton is the man for the hour who is well able to enter the Bee hive unmasked and bite those angry bees. While we all love the likes of Mr. Francis, Joseph Isaac, and others, let us not buy into the plots of DLP to destroy our party. As I have always said Sammy was not the best batsman, best bowler, best wicket-keeper in the west indies. However, he was the best captain we had since Viv. Richards. Linton is more than our Sammy and the election result of 2014, proves that point.
We go SEE! It is what IT is.
Joshua, I am very proud of you! You sound like a gentleman. I see potential in you and I would not be surprised at all if one day you become the Prime Minister of Dominica. However, Lennox Linton is by far the best man for the job now and I encourage you to continue to work with him and don’t give in to the wishes and desires of the DLP. I also want Joseph Isaac to understand that his turn will come and he just need to patient and humble. Though I see leadership potential in him too, he needs to understand that with time, humility and patience he will get there. I DO NOT like the rumors I am hearing and I want him to know that I did not vote for him because of him. I voted for him because first of: I love and respect Mr. Prevost and #2, because of the UWP team Dominica of 2014. So tell him to follow your example and be humble. We cannot afford to have another of the former Roseau North candidate in Roseau Central. So tell him to behave himself and shut it up
CONGRATS TO YOU MY SISTER DIANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— We know you can do what you do WELL!!! . By the grace of GOD.
Leave Lennox alone, he is not a pushover, he don’t have to smile, he is about business, he’s real and he is the best man for the job, he is not afraid of skerrit he will bring dominica out of the begging state to a working state. God bless uwp God bless Lennox Linton may God guide and protect him he answered his fathers call.when God said whom shall I send he answered and said here I am Lord send me
I am a Labourite but I must confess that from its inception up to this day that’s the best speech that has ever been delivered by a UWP leader. This gentleman is by far better suited to be leader of the party. This man through his words has exhibited the true meaning of country before self. Now I will adopt a wait and see attitude. Why, Because action speaks louder than words. Great speech. Now match your words with your actions. We are looking forward to a fruitful parliamentary term.
I was the first one to post my observation that Josh was the best of the UWP team ( boy! look thumbs down); he has the temperament and congeniality of a good politician and it matters not that I am a Labor supporter. DLP will not always be in power, and when we are replaced, I would sincerely hope it would be by a party comprised of the likes of Joshua Francis.
Say it as it is…Say you are a UWPite and that’s the first time you ever heard a good speech coming from an official member of your party..Don’t use labourite as a cover up!
I am not an angry man. I do not hate!
@Ti Shikah “Because action speaks louder than words”
That idea above, is a philosophy of man–the world accepts–but is it factual? For once the “word” is spoken the action is executed; it comes into form at the appointed time.
You confirmed my understanding with: “I am a Laborite but I must confess that from its inception up to this day that’s the best speech that has ever been delivered by a UWP leader”—me too!
So you see, by his words, Mr. Francis is projecting the man within him, and we are becoming attracted to him; our attraction will build him up more than he already is–that is the power of “words”!
Most importantly, the power of “words” is known through God Almighty, Eternal Spirit, who. by His words of mouth He called for Life to a barren and dark Earth with just 4 simple words: “Let there be Light”.
Today we know that “Jesus” is the “Word”. And through Him, God, Eternal Spirit, created the Heaven and the Earth through simple words
Mr. Deputy PL of the UWP Joshua Francis – this statement by you – I appreciate – “For too long we have hurt our brothers and sisters over petty and unproductive politics” – it sounds like the tenner of radio talk show your Leader Lennox Linton practiced for years; – please pass on the advise to your Leader whom is now demanding respect – “insisting that my position in that regard will be respected by all and sundry” and whom now warns that he will not tolerate any defamation of his character from anyone stating “don’t believe that you will say what you want, do what you want with the honorable name of Lennox Linton – well – this victim of his radio brodcasted character assination without facts or foundation believes in the Old Testament. An eye for eye. Weclome to public life. I will continue to write about LL and exposed his soft underbelly of zero integrity, lack of character, questionable morals, his no education or ambition to acomplish anything hard. His hyprocracy is…
i am proud of these guys how they serve Dominica regardless of the outcome of the general election. this tells me that in their minds is the country and not their pockets… we have lost our senses… by refusing to put them to lead
Love I, Lovely dominica and Truth and Justice your attempts to try to cause chaos and division amongst us will only lead to your demise. We know who we are, where we are heading to and how we are going to get there. Unlike your corrupt DLP, the UWP has a vision and a plan to move Dominica forward. You all need to join the progressive train else you will be left behind.
“legislative amendments for voters’ re-registration”. This is where Joshua Francis stands head and shoulder above his more confrontational style leader. As an Attorney he has realized that the legislation which governs the electoral process from registration to voting exists and has been in existence for a period of time spanning an age much older than PM Skerrit. So rather than hold PM Skerrit responsible for the problems and short comings of the law, he has recognized and come clean with the public with the assertion that he and his party must carry the argument forward seeking after a REVISION OF THE existing LEGISLATION FOR VOTER REGISTRATION. There are merits and demerits in that argument. he must understand that where government sees a distinct advantage they will be weary to make any such alterations. That is OK too. No one wants to shoot themselves in the face. But the argument can go forward. Boots on the ground, just like that? Sa pa ca twavail.
Leave Lennox alone….best man for the job now…he is a no nonsense man, and
I like him for that…..Joshua God Bless, know you will do your best….Team Dominica, the best
That’s a much better approach than the irresponsible talk from Lennox Linton. Wonder why DNO had not published more of Lennox garbage speech as they now did for Joshua
If only the poor that fell for all the tablet promises and the bribes,continue the strive uwp god is in control,skerro and his corrrupt boys and girls and the witch speaker will not be in power forever.
Dominicas future. I pray that the UWP will not allow petty jealousies to distroy the promising future. Stay together and with humility the UWP have the potential to win the next election, but a lot of work remains to be done. Lennox be the best leader the party has by concedding that you are not the best man for the leadership and resign, u have a part to play but not as leader.
Your comments are none and void Mr. Linton is the leader and he run unopposed, all positions were open to all interested including you . I believe it they didn’t want him today we would have another new Leader , you as well as others may not like Mr.Linton but remember they didn’t like JESUS CHRIST and what happened they (your sins )crucified him.
By the way he is doing the job the people of Marigot and Dominica elected him to do so accept it and lets all of us work towards rebuilding the Island for our children sake .
One thing allu fraid Lennox eh! Jump high jump low he is there to stay and DLP will NOT dictate who should be thw UWP Leader. Is lennox you all afraid of so he will remain……….
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
It is incorrect to say that Dominicans are afraid of Linton–he is not a monster. However we have to express our concern about his leadership–his mentality all in all is bad for the rule of our country.