United Progressive Party alleges partisan distribution of holiday assistance

Attorney Joshua Francis- Leader of the UPP. Photo: United Progressive Party

The United Progressive Party (UPP), under the leadership of Joshua Francis, has issued a strong denunciation of what it says is the unfair practice of distributing “Christmas hams” and  ” other seasonal goods” solely to supporters of the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP), while deliberately excluding opposition supporters and other citizens.

In a statement, UPP leader Joshua Francis argued, ‘This partisan distribution of what should be assistance for all Dominicans is not only outrageous but fundamentally un-Christian and un-Dominican. Christmas is a time for unity, compassion, and goodwill toward all. To weaponize holiday assistance based on political affiliation is a betrayal of the values our nation holds dear. This proves to us that the Dominica Labor Party does not genuinely care about the nation, it’s all about politics.”

The UPP  indicated in its statement that it has received numerous reports from residents across the island who have allegedly been denied Christmas hampers and other forms of aid simply because they are known supporters of opposition parties or have refused to pledge allegiance to the DLP.  According to the release, this practice underscores a troubling pattern of divisive politics, where public resources and charitable efforts are used as tools for political patronage rather than as genuine acts of care for the entire populace.

“Every Dominican, regardless of their political beliefs, deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness by those in positions of power,” Francis said. “This discriminatory behavior is a catalyst for further disunity in our country at a time when we should be coming together. It breeds resentment, deepens divisions, and undermines the social fabric of our nation.”

The UPP has called on the DLP-led government to take immediate action by:
– Ceasing all partisan distribution of goods and services
– Ensuring that aid and assistance are distributed fairly and equitably to all citizens, regardless of political support
– Committing to govern in the interest of all Dominicans, not just their supporters
– Promoting an environment of national unity, steering away from political tribalism

“This practice has to stop,” Francis added. “Dominica belongs to all Dominicans. We will not be silent while our fellow citizens are marginalized and excluded based on how they choose to vote. The UPP stands for a Dominica where every citizen is valued, where fairness prevails, and where political differences do not determine who receives basic dignity and assistance.”

The party concluded by urging all residents of Dominica to reject what it describes as divisive political tactics and to unite in demanding a government that serves everyone equally, regardless of political allegiance.

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13 Comments

  1. Commentator
    December 23, 2025

    I have no problem if DLP is paying for the hams and give them to their supporters. Once it’s DLP paying for it. Like they say charity begins at home.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
  2. Eagle-Eyed
    December 23, 2025

    Joshua if you are so hard-up you cannot afford to buy a ham and Turkey for your Christmas, I would be happy to buy you one. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
  3. Colombo
    December 23, 2025

    Fools always have to say and write something, but wise people have something to write and say. What prevents anyone from doing the same thing? Instead of criticizing others.. it’s better to give than blabbering nonsense about givers. Only miserable and pathetic people is against giving.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 6
  4. Labour power
    December 23, 2025

    The reason some people do not support DLP is because they know DLP cannot give them ham and turkey.It is better to dump the rest at Labass than give it to lazy,lying do nothing blue bugs like fake Labour power.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 11 Thumb down 8
    • Brain Damage
      December 23, 2025

      Labour Power if I knew the street you are living in New York, I would have contacted ICE to pay you a visit. .. You would have given a trip to enjoy all your ham here too.. wicked

  5. Putin
    December 23, 2025

    See why I said that this guy is as irrelevant to Dominica’s future as the next opposition politician? See what he considers an “issue” worthy of his focus? Or, is he simply so eager to exploit the ignorance of some Dominicans that he thinks hopping at every fly that passes by is sound political strategy that will benefit him or his party? Either way, he is exactly what we do not need in Parliament.

    The distribution of ham and goodies by the DLP to its soldiers is a partisan activity, Joshua, because it is paid for by the DLP and it is meant for the members and certified supporters of the DLP, NOT the UWPwee, NOT the UPP, nor any other party but of the DLP. If Dominicans wish the government (note the difference) to distribute free goodies at Christmas then the Parliament will have to provide the budget for doing so. Until then, doh be aviege/envious and begrudge the DLP for showing appreciation to its members.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 11
    • So it is
      December 23, 2025

      Putin- is that Captain Floyd Capitolin, that is why we are where we are…

      • Putin
        December 24, 2025

        You got yours already, nah? I heard the Red Train has also been seen handing gifts of ham and turkey to some of those following Joshua and Fontaine. It is our money, and we reserve the right to spend it as we wish, but still, we doh mind sharing. “All shall eat!”

  6. Serious Laughs
    December 23, 2025

    Serious Laughs

    I want a piece of Ham
    I want a piece of Ham
    I want a piece of Ham
    for my Christmas
    I don’t want luncheon meat
    I don’t want Ballahoo
    Is only a piece of Ham I want for
    My Christmas

    The You Pee Pee (UPP) say is only LayBarRights getting Ham
    So if you want your Ham then you should join the LayBar Train

    And if you want go by a LayBarRight, Right, Right, Rat, you might just get a piece of Christmas Ham.

    Because LayBar policy is “All Shall Eat!” NOT “Some Shall Eat!” so go and get CONFIRMED to be on the Christmas Ham distribution list.

    The YouPeePee do not have a thing to give but want to tell LayBar who they should give… please go and order your Christmas Ham to share yours with the opposition too. Bingo!!!

    Serious Laughs

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 9
  7. Labour power
    December 23, 2025

    Happens every year. That’s expected. And the in the new years the rest gets dumped Labasse because they spoilt

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 7
  8. Ibo France
    December 23, 2025

    Dominicans beg too much and settle for too little. Each Christmas, Roosevelt throw out a cheap turkey and a stale ham and they are easily hooked.

    As many of them live permanently below the poverty line, they are eternally grateful for this pittance. It’s an election bait. Of course, those whose allegiance to the DLP is questionable or support the other side are brazenly
    DENIED.

    Dominicans need to become self-reliant again. Develop honest and creative ways to fend for self. Stop stopping so low. Reject the Labour Party freebies.

    Never let a politician do you a favour. He will always want to control you forever.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 10 Thumb down 16
  9. Anonymous
    December 22, 2025

    Joshua Francis you have rendered yourself irrelevant. just because your mouth can open doesn’t mean you have to speak on everything and anything.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 13
  10. Manipulator
    December 22, 2025

    I must say Mr Francis is correct ,the unfair distribution of ham says the DLP does not truely care about every Dominican ,it cares about politics .What kind of person would use ham or such thing to divide people.If my neigbough aint got ham because he dont support the government then i dont want ham.All shall eat or All labour shall eat only .Make up your mind .

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 15 Thumb down 20

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