Describing his political journey as “very turbulent,” Member of Parliament for the Roseau South Constituency, Joshua Francis, has informed the United Workers Party (UWP) that he will not contest the next general election.
In a ‘resignation letter’ to the party, he said that he will serve his full term in office as a Member of Parliament.
“I release profound gratitude to the United Workers Party -Team Dominica- for accepting me within its family and I am grateful for the experience which I gathered in the political community,” Francis said in his letter.
He stated that his political journey has been turbulent and he has encountered unexpected results which need his attention.
“As you are fully aware, my political journey has been very turbulent and in the process, I encountered unexpected results which are deep and require my full attention,” Francis wrote.
He stated that he has decided to withdraw from the “political space to cure some issues, and as such it would be in the best interest of the United Workers Party -Team Dominica- to identify and work with a potential candidate for the next general election.”
Francis stated that he will serve his full term of office as MP for Roseau South.
“Please be guided accordingly, nonetheless, that I will complete the full term as a Parliamentarian as I vowed to serve the Roseau South Constituency for a full term and will not disregard the social and moral contract with my constituents,” he wrote.
A newcomer to the political arena, Francis first appeared on the political scene in August 2013, when he signaled his intention to unseat Ambrose George, a Dominica Labour Party (DLP) heavy weight.
At that time, it sounded like an impossible feat since George was MP for Roseau South since February 2000 and was part of the upper echelon of the DLP, serving as deputy leader. He also held many ministerial portfolios including minister for finance, agriculture, enterprise development and public works and infrastructural development, among others. He also acted as Prime Minister in the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration on several occasions.
George himself expressed great confidence of a fourth “big” win in the December 8, 2014, general election.
On November 27, 2013, Francis officially declared his candidacy for the UWP in Roseau South, describing himself as “a man of the people.”
In the 2014 general election, Francis triumphed over George in probably the biggest upset of the polls, gathering a total of 2,185 votes. George received 1,948.
In February 2015, Francis signaled his intention to run for the position of Deputy Leader of the UWP after Claudius Sanford, who held the post at that time, did not make himself available to contest at the party’s delegate’s conference.
The conference was held on March 1, 2015 and Francis was elected Deputy Leader, while Lennox Linton was elected leader.
By July 2015, there was talk of disunity in the UWP when members walked out of parliament during the 2015-2016 budget debate but Francis stayed. He subsequently dismissed the suggestions of disunity.
Soon after that rumors began circulating that Francis was interested in the top post of political leader of the UWP, but he dismissed them saying he was not keen on challenging Linton for the job. However, he did state that if it is the voice of the people in the future, he would accept it.
But the rumors persisted and it was said that a leadership struggle was emerging between Francis and Linton.
At a delegate’s conference of the UWP held on January 10, 2016 Linton stated that there was no leadership struggle since the party had a duly elected leader.
Soon after that Francis became embroiled in a controversy involving a court matter and on April 14, 2016, it was announced that a vote of no confidence would be tabled against him at a UWP delegates’ conference to be held in Mahaut on April 24. It was said all attempts by the party to meet Francis had failed.
During the conference, Francis walked out and he was booted out as Deputy Leader.
In June 2016, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, called on Francis to resign as MP to make way for a by-election in Roseau South.
You will be missed. I think you would have been a much better leader of the UWP than the present one. God speed and take care of yourself. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
he should have done this form the time his name was mentioned in this mess.
I sat in the same classroom with Joshua. I remember him outlining his future goals as a young man. Most, including myself thought that he was a bit crazy, back then but he wasn’t. He had a plan and he executed his plan, thereby accomplishing his goal including, marrying the woman of his dreams. Not many people can say that and do it. Good luck to you and your family in whatever endeavors that you decide to engage in. All the best.
Joshua only won that seat because of Freedom votes and campaign
I kept warning you my people. The Dominica Freedom Party is in very good shape to pull the biggest upset in Dominica’s election history.
If I was an advisor to the UWP, I would advice them to let the DLP go on one on one with the DFP.
The only chance the UWP have to be in Government is after the DFP form the Government.
UWP, CANNOT WIN ELECTIONS OVER THE DLP. That’s Facts.
@Dominican for LIFE – The premise of your argument suggests that the UWP is not strong enough to win an election. Therefore, could you answer the follow-up questions:
1. How did a newly formed UWP enter and defeat both the DLP and DFP in the 1995 general elections to form the government?
2. Why did the DFP & DLP have to form a coalition to defeat the UWP in the 2000 general elections?
3. Why has this government been so heavily reliant on overseas voters & freedom votes to keep it power since the 2000 elections?
4. Why haven’t you not yet realized that the United Workers Party is & continues to be the strongest SINGLE political party in Dominica?
If you chockeé TROUBLE you will get it. Doh make me talk cuz I’ll say all the truth I kw concerning your talk on over LAMER VOTERS. Rester TRANQUILLE ce on BON REMEDE.
They said the same about David fighting Goliath!
Man, I have never rad such rubbish in my life. The fear of the UWP toppling over the corrupt Labour government is real and therefore use the UWP as an excuse to promote the ailing DFP. The DFP is reduced to few members, let alone those who wish to run, but the overall party. This is a distraction to hide away from the truth of the power of the Hon Linton and the UWP. A formidable, honest and focused UWP. That is fear People like this guy who penned this nonsense talk has among other feared DLP blind supporters.
Hon Linton will prevail and the UWP will be the next government.
The corrupt Labour Government under its inept failed Prime Minister Skerrit will fall. We Scare it!! Skerrit must Go
I pray to God that UWP will be dismantled and it be announced that there exist no opposition party in Dominica…..
THEN SIT DOWN AND WAIT FOR ALL WHO REJOICED, CLAPPED THEIR HANDS AND SHOUTED UWP FINISH AND YESSSSSS LABOUR ALL THE WAY, to come to terms that now Skerrit is completely in charge. That there stands NO ONE in his way…he can now pass which ever law he sees fit……he does what he wants with absolutely NO OPPOSITION…..PEOPLE ALREADY STAY SILENT BECAUSE THEY FEAR VICTIMIZATION, much-less for when this occurs
I can say many of Skerrit’s supporters will run from Dominica and those who cannot leave will bow their heads and live in fear of saying one word against Skerrit….let DOMINICA TURN INTO A CUBA, the late RUSSIA, or VENEZUELA
LORD THIS IS MY PRAYER! please hear my prayer!
Garcon , ou sort. No wonder that is why your mother gave you this name, Zor Sot. It matches well with you associate4s in the corrupt Labour government. Zor tot sort.
Joshua, It is sad to hear that you are bowing out. I think your intentions in the political arena was good and we will miss you.
I know that you said that you had some medical challenges , during the hurricane with your sick leg. I hope your recovery is going well. I hope you got support from the party during that time. But as you know we are all in the same boat and we could not move about to help you as much as we wanted to.
All the best Bro!
Thanks for the statistics DNO.
You mean he, a newcomer, won that seat against the stalwart incumbent Mr. George free and fair with the same electoral list and same electoral conditions that everyone else won? Good to know that!
Sorry Mr. Francis but I guess you experienced how toxic this game has become and you stepped out. All the best to you Sir!
I chose to keep my comments out of the political debate. However, I say to the Honorable minister, best wishes to him and his family, and may the Almighty Father bless, guide and comfort him throughout… Dominica is very unique in every aspect of the political landscape. We learn as we grow older. Take heed my fellow countrymen!!!
hypocrite your comment celebrating that he wanted to overtake Lennox Linton some of us on here remember it. you are not even a friend of the uwp yiu are a pretend friend. toneh!!!
two faced people. this comment is hypocritical. Long before politics he is a pratiot he loves dominica unlike you “leech what is in it for you type”. now that i got that off my chest. People like you killing the UWP. when last you voted Ragador tell us. self serving. I can put your comment up it is on DNO somewhere.
do you know what dominica ballot looks like. i bet it has been more than 40 years you last voted if at all. stop hijacking the united workers party. Cha!!
DNO i rest my case. Take heed also whatever name you have. les barb karmaward ou pwi difer wose sa ou.
labour power all the way
labour voleur bobol power all the way. Thanks for the reminder …your blind loyalty latitude has been expanded to 100% ignorance
First, no democracy can exist without opposition, That is an axiom, regardless which party is in power. Secondly, Mr. Francis has made it clear that he is not quitting his party and wii serve out his term as an MP till the next election. I have no idea what prompted his decision and any speculation is just that. Meanwhile let’s respect Mr.Francis’ decision. I’m sure the opposition will field another candidate comes next election.
All i can do is laugh out loud.
Lol! Last nail in all you coffin! All you finish! That next election is an easy win for skerro.
@Kermit – ….(yawn)……………….well that Workers party taking long to dead boy. Since 2000 the delusional were saying that the UWP is finished.
Since 2000 the delusional in their deluded state of mind say they building coffin for the UWP. Wha happen, y’all cyah finish build the UWP coffin or wha? I just dere hearing about final nail dis and dat. How much FINAL nail it going to have before UWP coffin finish build dere nuh?
We in 2017 and the UWP still cyah finish dead. Well that UWP is something else.
P.S. – Aye Kermit, some words of advice – Go read a book. Phew!!!
Its the same thing with you guys saying SKERRIT MUST GO NOW. UWP FENI BAT
Well that’s it for Dominica the dictator sKerite and his bunch of wicked incompetents will remain there forever and ever … adios Dominica we finish!
Rats on a sinking ship eh
Who gives a rats tail? Everybody tired with Mr. Dem. . Let down people. I used to defend him when people said he was selfish and arrogant. I checking I doh care once he can lead us in the right direction. What direction? stuuuuuuupz. Mr. Doh have no leadership skills, just a set of talk talk showing off his self. Dapway him he that have more vocabulary. Vocab cannot lead us ,and who cannot feed us. Go back to reporting news. I vex we boy. Stuuuuuupz. Not me again with workers, once Lennox in it. Sikiri take time before he jump ship. All dem man just sort!
A bunch of losers, all dem man know is losing
What in the hell did you just say???? Can translate the into English??
Now if only the entire party resign, leave skerrit and Dominicans in their business, since 2012 allu was suppose to come out there
Perhaps not a bad idea. The opposition have done their best but get very little appreciation because on election day Dominicans rather take Skerrits envelopes. I say, let them all get on with their business in supporting Skerrit and his gang and turning a blind eye to the things this government keeps doing. In about 10 years time they will all start crying ‘if only…’. It’s gonna be too late then, Dominica bankrupt and Skerrit playing Robert Mugabe in Dominica. You all mark my words.
Well workers party finish! …One more seat for labour.. look coshony!!
Hello Joshua….Thanks for your contribution to the political arena and helping to coin some level of political maturity in the Dominican voters.
You will be miss but your decision has to respected. As this happens in political lanscape all the time.
I admire your courage Mr Francis, Dominica needs more men of principle and levels of morality. You have shown that your preparedness for DOG eat DOG UWP politics, is not resting nicely on your table. Good travels Joshua, keep your ears to the ground, and continue serving in which ever form your spirit takes you.
Good luck Josh in all future endeavors. I know that you need the time to focus on the “court matter” and keep your family together. God is good so when the time is right your re-entry in the political fray will be welcomed regardless of which party you decide to join. Stay focused and hopefully this hiatus from politics will help you and the family tremendously.
Assertive like Mama Eugenia!
In as much as I don’t care for the DLP Government , I can’t see UWP ever getting into power ?Dominican want and really need a change but UWP can’t cut it. There really need to be a new movement in DA. I think Pee-M is right. He’ll be there for another 50yrs? Sad but true ?He have Dominican where he really wants them.
Hurray hurray, that is all I have to say. Clear the way let freedom come. This is the kind of leadership the UWP is offering.
The ladder steps just now start falling out.
And what was he accused of AGAIN?
What about the court case I wonder.
Vague. Is he going to serve out the rest of his term as an in dependent. I can’t see anyone resigning from a political party to take effect in two years.
Where in the article did it indicate that he is resigning “from the party”? The article states that he will not be contesting the next election and he is getting out of the “political space to cure some issues”! The article states that he is going to serve out his full term as a parliamentarian – how does that equate to “resigning from political party to take effect in two years”? Isn’t this plain English? Folks need to learn to read and comprehend!
Only in Dominica that looks at things up side down.
So what has he resigned from? Read the article to understand.
Mate see he leader like to much roro
Hahaha they just start
Good Move my boy.