EDITOR’S NOTE: In the run up to the general election, Dominica News Online will be publishing a brief profile or biography of each candidate from the two political political parties contesting the poll. The publications will be done in a random order. The material was provided by the both the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP).
Joshua Francis (UWP)
On November 27, 2013, I accepted the call to stand up and represent the people of the Roseau South Constituency in Dominica’s upcoming general election. I am a ‘man of the people,’ and will take it upon myself to ensure that the people of the constituency are empowered and will see “better” days.
I was born in Roseau and was raised by my paternal grandparents in very humble beginnings. I sold produce in the local markets and did odd jobs from a very early age to help provide for myself and my family. This economic hardship, compounded with the emotional pain of not having the direct presence of my parents in my life served as an inspiration for me to strive towards academic success.
I attended the Roseau Boys School, the Newtown Primary School and the St Luke’s Primary School before moving on to the Dominica Community High School. Following graduation I attended the Dominica State College, and embarked on a study of economics, geography and sociology.
I worked as a teacher at the Grand Bay Secondary School before moving overseas to further my education. Throughout my academic career I have received numerous academic awards, and also benefited from a UWI scholarship for indigenous people. I went on to graduate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, the University of the West Indies, University of Central Florida and the Keller Graduate School of Business. Today, I am an economist and attorney at law in private practice.
I am a devout Christian who finds joy in helping others and in making meaningful differences in their lives. I am driven by the basic Christian values of love for one another and the spirit of hard work and particularly concerned about the weak and marginalized. My legal practice has provided me with the opportunity to provide significant pro bono legal services to the less fortunate. As a proud Kalinago man, I am also committed to the upliftment of the Kalinago people.
Outside of my professional interests, I am an avid reader and writer. I have written a regular column for the Sun Newspaper and is a regular commentator on social issues on local radio.
Four top priorities for constituency
-Jobs, jobs, jobs
-New and improved sports facilities
-A booming agri and horticulture industry
-Investment in health and education
Ambrose George (DLP)
Ambrose Vincent George is an Agricultural Engineer by Profession and also holds a Diploma in Agriculture and several Management Certificates including Report Writing, Decision Making and Time Management.
He joined the DLP in 1994 as president and became a senator in 1995 until 2000 when he was elected as Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau South Constituency.
He has held several Ministerial Port Folios including Minister for Finance, Agriculture, Enterprise Development and Public Works and Infrastructural Development. He has also acted as Prime Minister in the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration on several occasions.
He said, “The time has come for me to seek a renewal of the mandate you gave me five years ago. I believe that together we made much progress in all areas of our community and I humbly submit that the record of the Dominica Labour Party and my own record as your Parliamentary Representative make me deserving ofyour trust and your support once again.
“As a servant of the people, nothing gave me greater pleasure than to be able to bring piped water to the residents of Eggleston.
It is the first time in over 100 years that our brothers and sisters from that community were able to enjoy what so many of us take for granted.
As we look towards the next five years, I want us to reach many more landmarks together. One of these will be to improve and increase the housing stock in the
Roseau South constituency. I have a major programme of repairs planned and a new housing development will be built in Newtown.
I am going to bring a new approach to the employment of people in our constituency, especially young people. Opportunities for self-employment will be high on my agenda either through the existing National Employment Programme or through technical training and support in fishing, agriculture and horticulture.
The cut flower industry is an area ripe for expansion and one which can generate employment. We will provide technical assistance and source export markets for those involved in this important activity.
Young people interested in fishing will be encouraged to join the Cooperative so that as a group they will be able to access greater funding and technical assistance for equipment, new methods and markets. The residents of Bath Estate, Eggleston and surrounding areas can look forward to the improvement of the football fields in their areas as we continue to promote good health through healthy exercise.
I have a sound plan for the people of Roseau South constituency over the next five years. I am therefore asking for your support and your vote as we continue to work for you.”
Some plans include:
-A housing development in Newtown will be a priority
-There will be a frontal approach to job creation through the National Employment Programme and the creation of new small enterprises owned and operated by young people
-Increase the resources available to floriculture as a means of providing jobs for women and young people
I commend the efforts by DNO to educate us voters on who the candidates actually are but their efforts will be in vain if the present fraudulent activities in this election continues without being stopped. The will of the people is being stifled through the acts of bribery, and importing of voters.
I appeal to right thinking people out there to do their part in prevent election fraud this time around. If you know something. SAY SOMETHING DO SOMETHING. Go through the electors list in your respective constituencies and report all those who don’t belong.
DNO people don’t just like my comment DO SOMETHING JOIN THE FIGHT
click on or copy and paste this link to join the Dominicans for Free and Fair Elections facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373581626138373/
Support this petition
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/free-and-fair-elections-for-the-commonwealth-of/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=button
Regardless of which party you support don’t allow the PM and his gang to trample on our democracy because of money and corruption
Let the man who wins on December 8th be the one ACTUALLY CHOSEN BY THE PEOPLE.
DO YOUR PART AND SHOW SUPPORT
#StopElectionFraud
Ambrose you should be ashamed of yourself. You have a young man like Joshua teaching you how to be a good leader? Look at you next to him. You can be his grandfather, and he and instead of being a role model to him, he is the role model to you. San honte!
All the way with Joshua, the God- fearing man; the honest man; the family man
Ambrose go and learn how to be all those qualities. Sorry Ambrose not this time; you are an embarrassment of a leader.
This seat is a tough one. I know for sure it will be a good fight. May the best man win.
All the way with Joushua. Ambrose what have u done for Newtown u and your Carbal that eating everything.
In keeping with my fair and unbiased analysis of all the candidates contesting the December 8th general election and I am have left color out of the equation. My analysis is based on the following: credential, performance and actual feasible quality of life in that general area of the island. In recognizing the recent changes in the business and development climate affecting communities across the island, the two candidates featured on DNO for the Roseau South Constituency should be one of a challenge in my view.
Therefore, from my professional standpoint, I am obligated to consider constituency individuality. By that, I mean that Roseau South and its own development which is severely lacking. Ladies and Gentlemen, if we are to look at Roseau our Capital City today, we will see that it is in much dire need of a facelift and subsequently, any constituencies immediately abutting the City should likewise, compliment the Capital.
As a result, if we are to vote intelligently and putting constituency first and then country, then UWP would be given the edge here. I am not impressed with Mr. Ambrose George work in his constituency as a Parliamentarian. Unfortunately, his constituency has not been reflective of what he said are his dreams for that community. Let’s not forget that Mr. George is not a Parliamentary Representative for a “rural area” of the island – he is for what I considered a “suburb” of Roseau – the City. In addition, as he Mr. George so proudly articulated he has held several Ministerial portfolios including Minister of Finance, Enterprise Development and Public Works and Infrastructural Development.
My fellow countrymen and women, Constituents (because you all are the one that matters here), Mr. George has held the portfolio of Public Works and Infrastructural Development and yet he did nothing of significance for his own constituency (you all) a suburb of Roseau – the City? In retrospect, one (you all) cannot overlook performance here as in my view, it is key between these two candidates. What is it that Mr. George stands on as his legacy for his own constituency? What is even more embarrassing, (to me), at least is, Mr. George has proudly acted as Prime Minister on several occasions.
Whereas, Mr. Joshua Francis (someone I don’t know folks), may possible be a representative with new visions and foresight for the constituency, if he doesn’t get caught up in the legal and political web but be true to his people. Based on that, I would give Mr. Francis the edge over Mr. George (thumbs up). Also, Mr. Francis and I, share very similar educational background in that, we attended almost every school on the island with the exception of St. Luke Primary School and the Dominica Community High School. However, I am no economist or attorney at law (lol). Mr. Joshua Francis would be my logical pick for the job in Roseau South.
God bless Dominica.
labourites don’t waste our time on DNO or FB defending our candidates leave that for UWPEEEE empty barrels makes the most noise. We have work to do campaigning on the ground being foot soldiers because we are winning. Ambrose have wisdom, also he’s got experience, qualified, loyal, a candidate that is there for the people in his constituency and the Government. Thanks Ambrose for your service. LABOUR KA TWAVAY
Do you have a veil over your eyes? Remove it or you will see yoursekf in the same spot you are now five years from now, you have been in that same spot for the past 15 years
“Ambrose have wisdom, also he’s got experience, qualified, loyal, a candidate that is there for the people in his constituency and the Government. Thanks Ambrose for your service. LABOUR KA TWAVAY”
Can you tell me how Mr. Ambrose has applied his experience and qualifications to uplift the people of Roseau South in the last 20 years? It is a shape to see the lack of development in Newtown which I have been driving through for the last 20 years. Since UWP fixed the sidewallk nothing more has been done.
yet all you shouting Labour Ka Twavay…
VOTE FOR PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT…NOT FOR PARTY!!!
God bless you Mr. Francis, you are an honorable man.
Josh all the way Workerssssssssssssss
I mean i will never ,never understand how grown people think , people who are raising the children of the future . They are trying their best to raise their children with morals , telling their children , do not lie , do not steal , do not, do not ,.but they will and are continuously voting for a man who has been demonstrating all those bad characteristic years after years , I will never get it with these people . My brother met me and tell me the reason he voting for Ambrose is because he like skerrit , he told me he knows all what Ambrose did and doing , he said he did not see anyone one else that can be prime minister . I just laugh . i ask himto explain what he meat to me , he could not answer and that’s typical Labourite for you . Well i have been voting Labour for years , but i am a realistic person so i don’t see see myself voting Labour this election. Now about all that cry for a manifesto , i have a Labour manifesto and believe me their is no way i will read this whole book i will watch the pictures and read bits and pieces , so i hope all those Labourites take their precious time to read their manifesto , because they are so eager for UWP manifesto .Good luck Joshua i am with you , one vote can make a difference.
Mr. George..what school or university did you attend. I noticed you said that,”You’ve got a diploma” Where did you get it from?
Give the people all the facts…
I do not know how long Mr. George has represented Roseau south, of which my village of Giraudel belongs, but he mentioned a lot of development in our village of Giraudel/Eggliston, which I witnessed to be factual. My people there would be foolish not to reelect him–especially that some of his work there is now in progress.
We now have roads all through the village, for that reason new houses are built everywhere, even up to Morne Anglais–which stands above Giraudel, where I was told that someone owns cottages by the name of Exortica. Everyone home has pipe water for their kitchen use, bath and toilet flushing access, washing machine–there is more, to the point that I can truly say Giraudel is more like a small city than a rural area.
My aunt told me that she never goes to Roseau because she has everything she need for food in her own shop. That kind of lifestyle and necessity was not even in my dreams when I lived in Dominica from birth to 1974. Any person of Giraudel and Eggliston who is even in their 30’s and younger, today, would not know the difference between now and then. And that is the reason for the unfair complaints of the people of Dominica.
All I can say is that, I wouldn’t vote for a person whom I am not sure how he or she is going to contribute on my behalf, when I already have one who has contributing ands still has the authority to continue contribution for my benefit–I would be making a dreadful mistake.
In other words, why sit around with hope through another person’s service, when hope has already manifested through a present serviceman? There is no way a new government is going to show any difference in development of its Nation through a term of 5 years or even 10 years, Mr. Skerrit and government may have just started and our Dominica is on its way to great blossom.
The problem with Dominica, her development, and the mentality of her people is that we are not educated enough to know the facts about choosing a government–we want to see the difference in less than one year much more for 5 years, but that is not possible. Time flies by like drinking a glass of water the mind and the body of man cannot compete with the flying of time
And so I pray that whatever happens on December 8, it will be by God’s will, for whatever reason. I trust in Him alone–He who does His work through His chosen person/people in this world. And this work will be done to His satisfaction, only through the trust, humility, and obedience of that chosen person or group. And yes! I pray that we already have that group in authority in my homeland, lead by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. I rest my case! So go ahead people and rate me–I have spoken my mind.
But darling dlp has had 15 years. No one can doubt that there have not been infrastructural developments. It happened under the DFP too and all other administration. What is sad and disappointing now is the fact that there is a lot of poverty and destitution plaguing the island. All governments have a responsibility to build roads, build schools etc what we need is empowerment. As a Christian have you asked yourself why are you participating in this sewo campaign and not getting to the real issues. As a christian if would really worry me at the utterances of all politicians and especially those who are to be leaders. Why is so much cash being given in the communities? Something must be wrong? please go to the poorer communities, please take a ride. Its not right to boast of helping people on tv and on platforms. You know that as a Christian. Any christian should be worried about the trend. As scriptures say, many will be called but few are chosen
Since nanay chuisine you leave Dominica and go you want to stay in your metropolis and say the roads good and your aunty have everything in her shop so vote him again? your aunty did not tell you that she selling one pound of back and neck for $5.00? did she not tell you that their are no jobs for the young people?
@Lizavier4Jesus
You don’t live in Dominca, you’ve been residing in Canada for many years now, stay out of our politics. We now what we are going through, we want a change of Government. Joshua Francis all the way!
This lady is annoying. When was the last time you visited home? You are in Canada sitting writing idly…..please don’t interfere in our politics souplay!
OK time to change Ambrose is past his sell by date. he no longer serves the interests of the people of Roseau south
Joshua Francis, UWP
I am no supporter of any particular politician or political party, but in a case such as this, based on character and integrity alone, the choice should be simple…
The scales are not balanced here at all…
The people we vote for should be a reflection of us as a society…. I watchin’ still!!!
D N O You guys sure do not want positive comments.
I am a laborite but Ambrose you don’t deserve my vote, and anyone elses v, and not even your own self should vote for yourself, Ambrose my advice to you is vote against yourself, vote For Mr. Joshua Francis!!!! The Labor party of today in the Commonwealth of Dominica is DLP it is the DMCP Dominica Most C Party, everybody knows what the C stands for.
Ambrose the N E P is a fast, failed, fraudulent programme, that came on stream to respond to 5000 jobs in three years, and there is no planning other than vote winning plans;, no vision, no benefit to the nation, no production; and is that your strength?
What happened to the agricultural processing plant that you said was sitting in Layou park? wouldn’t that create some meaningful employment instead of n e p .
You are lucky guy the Diplomatic passport saved you from jail in the u s together with Julian
Change is a must!!!
Before I vote I need some clear honest answers from both candidates but especially from Ambrose since he is in cabinet for 14.5 years now.
1. Mr. George, in the 2000 election I voted for you and you won. Later you were made the Minister of Finance. However, in 2002 you were fired by late PM Pierre Charles and we were not told why. Since Pierro is dead now, can you please tell us WHY you were fired? Please be honest!
2. After the death of Pierre Charles, Roosevelt Skerrit reinstated you as a minister by making you Minister of Public Works and Infrastructural Development. However, in 2008 you were again fired this time by Roosevelt Skerrit, and up to this day we never got to know why. Can you please tell us WHY you were fired? Please be honest with us.
3. Were you present when FBI agents in Puerto Rico, arrested his your friend Julian Giraud on money laundering charges for which your friend Giraud was eventually convicted in a Miami court and sentenced to prison? Did you know anything about that and can you tell us why you were not charged as well? Please be honest with us
4. In case you were present during the arrest of Mr. Giraud, did that have any effect upon your life as it relates to honesty in public office? please give honest answers
5. In November 2014, we heard of the closure of Big Bang which was operating under a license, Eagle Sports Wagering, which was issued to convicted money launderer, Julian Giraud. The license was one of two issued to him in 2004 for internet gaming according to DNO. Can you please tell us if you had any part to play in the issuance or of the said license or any other license? Please give us honest answers.
6. In your profile you said “I humbly submit that the record of the Dominica Labour Party and my own record as your Parliamentary Representative make me deserving of your trust and your support once again.” Sir, do you really, really, really believe that you deserve my trust and support? Please give honest answers sir
Based on honest answers to these questions I shall decide for myself if you really deserve my trust.
The MOMENT of TRUTH is approaching for the people of ROSEAU SOUTH.
Ambrose is the big tree, Joshua is the small axe. I know Joshua will cut him down on Dece
For 15 years Ambrose de bobolist and his party are in power and he cannot list one significant development he has made in Roseau South. What a bleddy shame!!!! Is that what we are voting for? Every election year they promise jobs jobs jobs and as soon as election is over you don’t hear anything for the next 4.5 years. I don’t know Joshua but he sounds like he is a change from what Ambrose has to offer. That to me is enough to remove this man from sucking the country’s resources. I would vote for a boat by the bay in New Town rather than put Ambrose de bin bobolist back in there.
I am going with Joshusa Francis, all the way.
AmbruisetiwEen Couwee is one of Dominicas biggest political failures in terms of representation. I live in Roseau South, and I know that Joshua will MARSH YOU UP this is your ti
Agricultural engineer? From what educational institution I want to know. lets have it. why are the labour candidates being so evasive of their qualifications huh?
Joshua Francis ! Sikiri for all a we.
Well I was an undecided voter and after I heard what the pm told Monelle Jah must burn my hand if I vote for a person that can be so disrespectful to women. Joshua Francis all the Way!!
That area is the biggest indicator of backwardness in Dominica.
People managed to elect Ambrose with the strongest majority even after it was well known he was a bobolist who was protected from jail ONLY because of his ministerial status.
That tell you the challenge we face in this here country.
Ambrose has been the MP for however long and he can barely say what he has done in the area. Instead Roseau South has some of the highest unemployment of young men in Dominica.
I dont know this Francis padna but I can tell you this. Anyone who votes Ambrose again deserves every misery that another 5 years can wreak on them and their family finances.
With the UWP fella you can at least see he is eager to represent and to change things. AMbrose is saying more of the same unemployment and red clinic.
But Noke, you miss these, he was fired twice, once by Pierre Charles and second by Roosevelt Skerrit.
You are one if the smart ones, I applaud u .
One word MANIFESTO! If you cannot deliver a manifesto two weeks before an election what can you possibly deliver after the election? seriously! I know there are some team foux people that just cannot see the light but at least at this point the flashlight must be flashing in your eyes… save your constituency and vote for a winning party, don’t let your personal problems bring you and your fellow constituency down. you want a parl rep that is part of a winning party.
Since u brought up manifesto what percentage of the project listed in the Labour Party manifesto for the last 14years have they completed?
you saying never mind he not doing a patat anyway vote for him because his party winning? No wonder Ambrose won the last three times. with people like you voting who needs pappy?
I wonder what you will write after Wednesday night when the UWP presents its manifesto…u have been writing about it in all post like you cannot read or comprehend simple English that the UWP said it would present its manifesto on the 26th. Wait until that time, and if it doesn’t present it then you are free to bray like the donkey that you are.
You are quite right. Team fou because we embrace even the mentally challenged. Team fou because we have taken time out to produce a manifesto for the people and created by the people not a vite pwesay manifesto like the one presented by your government. All that we do is done throughly unlike the vite pwesay billboards like Roro north. Change is a must
@UDOHREADYET stop copy and paste your comments all over the place. lol. Since when everybody talking about manifesto nuh. I remember in 1995,2000,2005,2009 manifesto did not come out that early. Though I agree a manifesto is important it seems to much emphasis is based on that. Look back at the 2000 manifesto under Rosie. How many pages are unfulfilled? How many programs that was promised under the DLP 2005 elections manifesto that just got accomplished this term?
For Ambrose to talk about NEP as a medium for creating jobs in a new term speaks volumes of his inability to be creative. NEP is not jobs Sir! It is welfare! Intelligent and visionary Joshua Francis & UWP Team Dominica have solid plans and programs to grow the economy and create sustainable jobs. Step aside Ambrose ! Skerrit called Ron Green tired & weary but he not seeing you and hearing Ambrose? The people of Roseau South be forward looking, remove the red eyes and political glaucoma from your eyes and vote for real and genuine progress and development with Joshua Francis and his formidable energized team! Labour is working? Are you?
The Manifesto coming on Wednesday 26th November, CHILL OUT!
Ambrose George you should be ashamed of himself. After all of those years he is still talking about creating jobs. You should have already created jobs. You had enough opportunity to do so. Your are a waste of time, you only keep eating the country money and not doing anything for the country. 1995 to 2014 only now you want to create jobs? But the bad thing is the people will still go head and vote you because they don’t understand that you have failed them so they cling to your empty promises.
I pray that the people will finalky open their eyes and break those chains. It is high time
I will try and give you my vote Ambrose! Waiting for the refund. Code xyv666zxclabournn5steve.
Joshua Francis!!!!
Joshua all the way
You know why Ambrose George cannot list his accomplishments for the last five years? Because there were none. Last election he was re-elected for the sake of the prime minister, at least that is what Roseau South people said. Lets wait and see if they will vote him again for Skerrit sake or Vote for Joshua for development. Now he know the cut flower industry ripe for expansion? how many elections ago did he promise housing for Newtown? I see he forget the resource center he promise Kingshill since 2005. See what he offering in the area of Jobs? the NEP program we all know can only go on for so long.
Garcon-little man- Go home eh. You have a proven track record of doing nothing! and Felix tired beg and make excuses for Ambrose. Join team Dominica.
DNO you forgot to add that Armbrose have a degree in sourcing phantom banks.
This political fight reminds me of the boxing match between young Casius Clay and the brutal old man, Sonny Linton.
All the way with Joshua he seems more genuine and wanting to make a difference to me… Plus he is a better example and a man of character
Ambrose George should not be on any election ballot. Only in Dominica you will see the likes of Ambruse George, Skerrit and Austrie on a ballot. Joshua Francis all the way!
Is that all you have to say?
The truth hurts. JOSHUA ALL THE WAY. He is a good example.One I would like my children to model on. HOW LONG? Not Long!
Do you want more details, put on your Labour shirt and look at yourself in a mirror.