The United Workers Party (UWP) will know who its new political leader will be on September 1.
Outgoing leader of the party, Edison James, has announced that a delegates conference will be held in Castle Bruce which will address the election of officers, importantly, the election of a new political leader.
Speaking on state-owned DBS Radio on Thursday morning, James described the meeting as ‘important.’
“Of course in the context of there being a new political leader, we expect you will hear acceptance remarks from the new political leader,” he said.
A founding member of the UWP, James has indicated that he will not be seeking reelection as political leader at the upcoming conference.
He said there has been no nomination for the post, so far. “The process involves the nomination committee meeting and it will do so around the middle of August …it will make nominations with respect to the filling of various posts and there will be the opportunities for nomination on the floor,” he said.
However sources have revealed that Thomson Fontaine, Claudius Sanford, Ronnie Isidore and Lennox Linton have been discussed at the highest level in the party as possible candidates to take on the top job.
Of all the potential nominees, Linton, has been the most visible and talked out. During a press conference in July, James said the Constituency of Marigot, including himself, have identified him as a suitable person to be the candidate but made it clear that a new leader can only be selected by a delegates conference.
He did say however, that he supports Linton. “So it stands to reason to the extent that Mr. Linton’s name has surfaced in the context of the leadership effort, I think every body would be surprised, particularly the people of Marigot, if I didn’t support Mr. Linton,” he said.
Fontaine, on the other hand, appears to be more interested in running as UWP candidate for the Grand Fond/Riviere Cyrique Constituency at the next general election, according to sources.
Other activities expected at the delegates conference include an address by the president of the party, the reading of the minutes of the last delegates conference, a report from the general secretary of programs and activities for the past year and speeches by the president of the youth and women arms of the party, among others.
James told DBS on Thursday morning that the UWP is on the ‘verge of making a change.’ “Change is a must, as we have been saying, so it is a very important conference for us and for the country,” he said.
I must have a chat with Mr. Linton to check out Earl Matthew seriously. I think he has the capabilities to do good for Portsmouth. I am with you Earl, all the way. Forward we must go.
Why do people here insult others simply because they support a party and say that they do? Are these people saying that for another person who is not supporting what they believe must be lazy or foolish, as they do not support their party? Why don’t people respect the rights of others to support who they wish to without cursing them. People all always say all what is wrong with Dominica but the biggest problem I see is people here don’t respect the rights of others it’s as if they want to force their beliefs on others. With that said, say what all you want but I giving this government 2-3 more terms in office because I don’t wish to be fooled again into thinking that politicians who outside talking going to come in and do any better. The present government have made many mistakes but atleast they have the experience. Therefore a new party would simply come and have to make too many more mistakes before they can gain the experience to do better. In an island as difficult as Dominica to develop I believe a government needs alot of time to do work. Countries like to US and Uk have had their democracy for a very long time so hence the country is strong so they can afford to change government more often but we need time. The UWP is now rather a new party so there is no guarantee that they can just pick up the ball and run with it and who can’t see that must be living in dreamland, where that is. It has never happened in the past and certainly won’t happen now if you were to follow the history of Dominica you would notice under every government people cried out about poverty and so to migrated.
What psychology you trying to play on people with your long speech nuh? hahaha. MOVE!!! come out there! allu want Labour party big boys and their people to build their castles in the sky whilst farmers and the under privilege go hospital for gas and die because rhey cannot eat? move there ehh. stupes.
blessed! Is time for Skeritt and his gang to free up DOMINICANS. And is time for DOMINICANS to be mine-full of what skeritt is doing to them and the country, open u all eye do not be fool again, gave thank and make a chance went the time come around.Do not make the money fool u all,
Die hard salisbury man living in SXM labour power will raign forever
@Peter Yes Power will”RAIN” on your lazy ‘paro’ head. Good thing Salisbury people hate handouts, so Skerrit doen not stand a chance there. You are the shameless exception. You like freeness. Take your butt out of the street and get a job. LAZY.
I hope ur not Illegal in SXM ….
next election skerrit is join to win the 21 seats. and for the person who call me lazy i am capable to paying their bills for one year, and i am not illegal in SXM. to make it better i will send you a ticket to come and shop in SXM .
labour forever
Dominica needs a leader who wake up the population and lead the way to recovery from poverty. The country needs a economic, social and political revival. The people need to move from the mode of give me, give me, and return to our tradition of a creative and productive workforce. Linton has the leadership qualities to build a team and move the country forward.
Seriously if its not lennox. linton tht gives us an insifht on tgings we r left in the dark..absolutely no transparemcy in the DLP..well as he said..” it is not oyr dam business..GIVE UWP A SECOND CHANCE..Wen they were doin projects everywhere laba called it 2 pa 2.. wonder wt their tryim to do nw..power hunger..TIME FOR LABA 2 GOOOOO..
Linton!!!!!!! All u mad?? I rather blessings from sen Joe any day
Go and bury your red face in the sand.Your Skerrit lazy Beggar!
Remember Ambrose and the Skerrit labor supporters monotonous song,”if not Skerrit then who.”Now the excitement all over Dominica is, “IF NOT MR. LENNOX LINTON THEN WHO.”
Get over yourself dude!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any kind of change is welcome
Why are my comments never published? Just curious.
Biasness
honest Dominican knows the good faith of the U W P we need good governance, we need to bring our island back on track and the only party to do that is an agriculture drive administration like the U W P
The same thing them blue saying on Q is the same thing they posting on DNO. THE same Brian, Angelo, et tal. DNO like a nest of blue eggs that not going to hatch. Please do not crack them.
Mr. James at age 70 has some wisdom. Give that to him. You look at Ronnie, he is eloquent and shows leadership qualities but not sufficient to be seen as charismatic and visionary to command National admiration.
The current Leader of the Opposition cannot be seriously considered for leadership of the UWP. A back bencher like Toulon and Martin makes less than the Leader of the Opposition. So he was well taken care of by UWP interest to keep the Salisbury seat. That was and still is the motive. Never was it to groom him as a potential leader.
Sanford , Fontaine and Easydoor are all well qualified academically but have a difficulty connecting with people. In that three Fontaine stands the best chance at winning his seat; Ronnie and Sanford will not.
Lennox fate is sealed already. He will be the next leader of the UWP and if Mr. James is a savvy political tactician he would bring in the Pascal brothers – one in Woodford Hill and the other in Roseau Central. Those Roseau Boys UWP looking at cannot retain the UWP Seat. IP or MP have more currency but it will take plenty hard work to beat Alvin Bernard in Roseau Central.
So its only when James backing out he has wisdom? Where was his wisdom when he was in power?
Changing of the guards – this is a good move for the party and hopefully for Dominica.
New blood is needed and I do hope a better approach to politics, because the old way just wasn’t working.
Oh how I wish it’s Linton. Already Skerrit is poo poo ing (chor law law) on him every day.
LOVE YOU LINTON. Man of the year 2013, 2014,2015, and beyond. Statesman, man of integrity. Honest man.!!!!!!!!
You have no idea what you talking about. I wish Dominicans would pay more attention to what is really going on in the country. It really doesnt matter who is leader of the party, they are all the same and a few years down the line, you will be singing a totally different song.
When the so called big wigs cant get what they want from Lenox or whoever is PM, you will hear and see them. They are all the same!
Man of the Chronicle year, REMEMBER? It was NOT Dominicans who voted him man of the year. There was NO POLL. So whose man of the year was he? He was man of his OWN year.
So sad u will die at an old age before u see dat… Dat alone all u workers worth. Jus run all u mouth. If is not on Q is on Dno.. wait for election and do wat all u have to do, stop bragging soo much people
Am confused can someone tell me what is Hector position on the UWP party?
I want to know too. Edo will still take over who ever they choose just like he did hector John.
None at all. It has been pretty obvious for always.
I wonder if you all Dominica sit and listen to you all selves,I wander if you all are doing these for the coming of Christ why sit and ponder on the earthly man where there will be not gain from it put ur vote in God. He is the one that sees our needs not these people. Go to the revelation 22 and read up fighting every corner of the world get prepared my folk the lord will be at your door any time from now.
Tell me Kathrine Joseph ,if we were to do as u stated.At election day, every body turn to God and refuse to vote, what would happen to our island. How would God send his angels to distribute in various ministries at the Financial Center and Govt. Head Qtr’s .
There are elections all over the world. I don’t think it is possible with ur idea . As we all know “with God everything is possible”
You need to read the whole bible. What you are saying makes absolutely NO SENSE.
Dear DNO, I don’t get this: “Fontaine, on the other hand, appears to be more interested in running as UWP candidate for the Grand Fond/Riviere Cyrique Constituency at the next general election, according to sources”
The Sun newspaper recently quoted Thompson Fontaine as saying he plans to contest the Grand Fond seat for UWP. Fontaine has not denied it. Why, therefore, are you saying according to sources instead of quoting The Sun?
ADMIN: We do have our own inside sources you know.
LOL,,,Inside Source…you know
A new day is dawning in Dominica. There is hope at last for all the tired ones with a heavy burden to finally come to rest.
I have seen so many of my school mates become rich in this short 13 years,not that they had done any thing more than the average guy , but that they were around some people who put money in their pockets to keep them quiet, when under- the table deals were being conducted.
Now with a fresh promise of Integrity and Openness with this New Bloods that is being pumped into the political arena I feel confident that Dominicans will awaken and see the light and vote for change.
“Yes we can.”
What new day are you talking about dawning over Dominica.What new blood are you talking about. I will tell you this Politicians do not bring light to people never has and never will be.Yes, they can bring change but what kind of change are you talking about all changes, even the most longed for, especially Political have their gloom and sorrow.
Your bunch of deceivers left you disappointed and disillusioned – Our men of integrity brought 4 years of glorious PROSPERITY WITH ACCOUNTABILITY AND FAIRPLAY AND THEY WILL DO IT AGAIN – YES THE LIGHT OF A NEW DAWN IS ALREADY SHIMMERING
HOW LONG?? = NOT LONG!!
so it’s your turn to get rich as well. I see.
@Massace…. With the fall of the wicked, corrupt and evil Skerrit regime, this would really be A NEW DAY for Dominica and Dominicans. After about a decade of Skerrit’s rule, what we haveaccomplished on island? Unprecedented unemployment, unprecedented poverty, a decline in tourism arrival, a dead manufacturing and agricultural sector, a debt burden that generations to come will be saddled with, employment for Chinese nationals over local Dominicans, INCOMPETENCE AND GREEDINESS IN GOVERNMENT,etc,etc,etc,etc,…HOW LONG? NOT LONG!
A NEW DAY IS INDEED DAWNING!
PMLennox Linton=Jail Jail Jail
Breaking News Belosconi former Italian PM got 4 years for tax evasion.He has several other cases pending
I really admire Mr. James and the way he does things in order. Keep it up Edo. u r a humble man. No one had to tell u it is time to retire. people say u were only after ur pocket but u have made them see u r only interested in the welfare of Dominica/cans congratulations on ur leaving and may God give u good health and strength as u inturn give ur life to him. and i also hope is not a malady that take u that is y u step down because i know our body is there just for a time. people fighting for position and they not realizing that we are not in control at all. sickness comes unawares. all the best Edo. as u train Linton
@ . train linton u acting like eddo was pm so much time the man had one term well if he linton learn from eddo he will only win marigoat these people had nothing done for them and they put him there each term i guess they like that song we like it so.All in all i dont want labor to win 21 we should have some one from the other side to do what prevo doing ie bright shirt moving of chairs and so forth.Look at man and man eddo called election early back then he lost they say the pm was going to call election early the pm not dumb he starting the hospital,he buying boat,the geo plant so now he will say what he did to what he doing now he will have the proof.
Yes Sir Mr. James is my Mandela.He did not act like a Gadaffi or a Mugabe .This is Good Democracy.Thank You for Your Service Sir on both sides of the House.
I would love to se Roosevelt Skeritt as Leader of the Opposition!
Mr. Lennox Linton, may Almighty God guide and protect you. You are our Moses, just like Moses saved the Hebrews from Ramses , I am sure you will save us from Rosevelt and bondage.
What utter rubbish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Anonymous…..Despite your thrash and garbage, I LOVE LENNOX for the good qualities he has had from the time I have known him.His honesty, integrity, and profound understanding of state affairs and how it should be done, are just a few examples.
Those greedy people in government presently are all fighting to see who will accumulate the most wealth.
LOVE YOU BROTHER LINTON.
My vote will represent you for sure.
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
In your wildest dreams!!!! LOL LOL LOL
You think is so saving happening nah? You have to have contacts and a lot of good people behind you. I dont see that happening nah with all them greedy people we have in that country. While you trying to build, they back stabbing you!
U dat doctor love dere doh forget dat same Moses was a murderer too..
I glad for all you change. I’d sure want to know who allu intend to put as a candidate in the Vieille Case constituency. Cause from the looks of it whoever goes up on a UWP ticket WILL/MUST lose their deposit. Not that I’m against allu change all I’m saying allu have a lot of ground work to do wi. RESHUFFLE, FIXUP, CHANGE all in one.
It would be wise for the UWP to have a Leader who is a moderate, able to reach into party lines to be able to win over hearts…
Fontaine the economist or Mrs Williams the legal mind would be better choices..
Fontaine is flexible to reach out without creating that anger setting, whilst Mrs Williams as a woman will reaffirm the confidence along females lines which are key for voters and she is as well down to earth too..factors need to be looked at in the Dominican context!
They two have better chances of wining their seats as UWP does hold a strong presence their.
Mr.Linton is brilliant but can’t gravitate across party lines, that’s not is cup of tea, he is not a Politician,but is excellent as a Ambassadorial role advisor aspect!
Sanford is Good as well..can he win his seat, same Goes for Ronnie..as these seats are strong labour areas which the regime can continue to win over.
The UWP folks get blindfolded by the callers to Q95 as the deal,”NO WAY” elections are won on the ground, you can’t only appeal to you limited party base,and assume folks are listening…”NO WAY”
They need to be visible on the ground meeting folks one on one..take a leaf from Rosie’s model.
Dominica is a unique place when it comes to Politics, you can used models in Places like Barbados, Trinidad etc to work in Dominica..
Citizens down there must feel your persona, not inside a AC radio station which the UWP adores..
The UWP went off key since the leadership was hand picked to Earl Williams instead of Mr.Timothy.
Mr advice to Mr.James is that he must stay very clear of the process…
Great advice!! If you were close I would shake your big toe. Sadly to say this advice is going to pass on deaf ear since it’s only the vocal minority (calling the talk shows) and the marigot cabal who are evntually going to continue to run things in this Blue Party and leave them in the opposition for another 5 years!!!!!
South Beach Florida, when you had your choice for Obama or the republican we in Dominica kept our mouths shut, we atr the ones suffering while our country is infested with corruption and drugs, WE LIKE LENOX SO, Is not your dam business who we choose, go to hell, go to hell, go to hell
What kind of ignorance is this? If you are an example of what UWP stands for then why remove Skerrit from office!!!! You people will never learn… satan cant correct sins!!!!!!
What a silly thing to say. Do you really think this will help your party? Is that the way you and others in your party will expect to address people, win over hearts, and run a country with togetherness. What a low class way to be. Shame on you.
@South Beach Florida. If you are lost in the bushes of Florida, go seek the help of the International Red Cross, to pay your passage back home. You have nothing to say, so SHUT THE Hell Up. You cannot give us advice by remote control.It’s unacceptable.Is people like you obviously, that imposed this rogue government on the people of Dominica, and then you quickly ran away.
Your garbage should not again appear on my computer screen.
GET OUT OF THE FLORIDA BUSHES AND START BEING COUNTED.
Is that the tone that UWP supporters have toward other Dominicans? Is that an example of the sort of rudeness a UWP government will bring? What a shame.
Thompson Fontaine will have to give up his US passport.
If Linton is the Leader, then, at least, Skerrit will get a serious workout. They fraid of the Deep Blue Sea. Workers all the way with Linton.
Change is must, not an option.
There will be no logical complaint that can be made about the New UWP Team to head into the next General Election.
Sit back and enjoy the ride! EPIC Political Battle.
And doh never think is 2009 that there with Manifesto Online. We have moved pass that.
Skerro enjoy your last days..weeks..months.
workers all the way.our new pal rep for castle bruce will be in action.
we are not only welcoming the uwp to castle bruce but the new candidate for the area.
we need to introduce him to the Castle bruce people too
Mr Skerrit if I were you, I would be worried of a “PM Lennox Linton”….
Forward with Lennox 2014-2015.
we are getin some brain box in the UWP so theyfraid we are movein in another direction all this have them wanderin. so let us us hope for the best
Brain box? D 2nd form dropout for PM?You are something else.
Mr james and others, why everyting you all have to do is in the East? What is wrong in moving to the North, you all have supporters in the north eg Vieille Case why are you all not considering these places , is dere someting to be afraid of?
Because people in the North navel string tied to the Labour Party. So why waste precious resources campaigning in these areas. Its not like they have a suitcase of money from God knows where like the Labour party. Its just pure maths and common sense.
Let Skeritt win Veille Casse I want Him as my Opposition Leader in the Honourable House!