Today, November 9th is nomination day for the upcoming by-election in Grand Bay, carded for November 25th 2021.
Chief election officer, Ian Anthony announced this morning on state-owned DBS Radio that nomination of candidates will be held at the Grand Bay Youth Center from 9am-4pm.
“At Grand Bay between the hours from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m the returning officer for that by election, Mr. John Roach Will be at the Grand Bay youth center and he will receive the nomination papers of persons, who wish to contest elections. That would include the statutory declarations, as well as a deposit of $500 and accompanied by the six persons required to nominate their candidates,” Anthony stated.
Anthony said that once nomination closes, if there is more than one candidate, the by-election will take place on the 25th of November and until then, the rest of the preparations to conduct the election will take place.
He also noted that the electoral office will ensure a safe environment during this pandemic, not just for nomination day but going into the by-election.
“I want to say…that because we are in a pandemic situation, we will take extra precaution where COVID is concerned and then we provide education to electors in terms of the protocols that are being placed. I would also want to say that in terms of a nomination day, we have the protocols from the Ministry of Health and so persons coming into the nomination, would have to have the masks, will be sanitized and will require to maintain that six-foot physical distance.”
Former government minister and diplomat, Dr. Vince Henderson, will be The Dominica Labour Party’s (DLP) candidate for the by-election and Grand Bay bus driver, Julius Gabriel, popularly known as Handbag, has said that he will contest as an independent candidate.
All three opposition political parties on the island have stated that they will not be fielding candidates in the by-election.
The United Workers Party (UWP) which represents the parliamentary opposition said in a press release that it will not be taking part in the by-election but called for the independent candidate ( Julius Gabriel) to be supported by all patriotic, democratic and “honest Dominicans who desire a better Dominica.”
The UWP team said this by-election which it described as a “showdown of Skerrit versus the People of Grandbay” is no place for competition between political parties that will stand in the way of the people of Grandbay uniting as one behind an independent candidate to fight for their independence, their democratic freedoms and the right to choose their own representatives.
The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) said their decision not to contest is driven by the long awaited implementation of electoral reform in Dominica, which has been widely discussed and championed by the opposition political parties, the Concerned Citizens Movement and a group of civil society organizations.
In stating its reason for not participating, the Executive and members of the Alternative Peoples`Party said the party’s focus at the moment is on institutional building and putting mechanisms in place for the next general election and is also “gravely” concerned about the long outstanding issue of comprehensive electoral reform.
St.Joe Observer,Vince Henderson mother Hildreth Pierre was from Back street St.Joseph.Vince Henderson uncle,Thompson Pierre was a police officer,Lindo Archilindo Pierre was a former national cricket player.Asquith Pierre was an attorney-at-law.His grandfather Cote Pierre and uncles Jamus and Pajule Pierre supplied the St.Joseph constituency with fish.Vince was raised with the POWERFUL Pierre family of St.Joseph and Mero.Vince spent alot of time in Layout with his adopted uncle Hudson Snappy,Boyblue Paul and aunts Francisca,Uraline and Magdalene Paul.Vince occasionally visited # 2 Didier lane where his mother once lived,and there he met the likes of Hillary,Morrison and Philip Thomas.Vince has always been a person who wanted to know things,and so he was always reading and researching.He always wanted to know WHY,WHERE and HOW.His father is from the well known and POWERFUL Henderson of GRANDBAY………………………………………………………………
Vince needs to know at least some history. He believes Morocco should take Western Sahara when these Arabs have already invaded and taken all of North Africa by force in their ‘massive’ jihad. Just because Morocco gives them mucho money in exchange for votes at the fraudulent U.N. it’s a sick game that his predecessor Crispin never supported due to his knowledge of that area. Follow the Money talks!
Since Skerrit made it clear that the reason he wants Vince to run in Grandbay is because of his future political plans to retire as PM. But aren’t there many other ways Skerrit could do that apart from degrading the people of Grandbay by A. helping give Ed Registe a state funeral and b. By bringing Vince to replace Ed Registe?
PM has 18 seats in the house so he could easily resign his seat, et Melissa be interim PM, let Vince Henderson run in Veille case, a sure DLP seat, and within 90 days have a bi-election so Vince could be elected and could become PM.
Oh well PM won’t do that for the following reasons:
1. No way would Pm trust Melissa with powe because he knows Melissa would do just like Delilah did to Samson
2. Skerrit too afraid of the US to stay out of power for 90 days.
3. Vince in Vielle case? No way would the people of Vielle case vote for a stranger. He knows Vielle case people are not like Grandbay people. Not even the greedy and corrupt Swallow would vote for Vince
Vince Henderson is just a recycled, failed politician. He was a spectacular failure as a parl. rep. for St. Joseph. A truant at the United Nations. Do Grand Bay people want to reward this educated derelict for laziness and ineptitude?
I am somewhat bewildered by the actions of the opposing parties; UWP in particular. Here you guys are presented with an opportune time to win the up coming by-election in Grand Bay but you refuse to contest due to some ridiculous excuse. To make matters worse you all are insinuating that Vince is not right for Grand Bay but Hanbag is. Why didn’t you field a candidate for the contest? You know why? ; it is because there is no chance UWP can win in Grand Bay. I am from GrandBay; born in Back street ( la rue derriere). That election is for the Grand Bay community. It is up to the people of Grand Bay to decide what they want . Consideration should be made to the fact that GrandBay is a labour stronghold so if the stalwarts and the executive of the Grand Bay labour party want Vince so be it; no need to lament over their decision.
@Realist aka Expat
Like you i am from Lalay Grandbay, so you must stop your puffery. Skerrit imposed Vince upon a well, and carefully selected group of “clappers” from Grandbay. I know who made the selection you are totally ignorant about that. GBay people NEVER wanted Vince, not even those so called labour stalwarts who selected the “clappers”. So stop your lies.. It’s people like you that have GBay as it is, your shsmeless soul. After 36 years DLP has used, abused and now refusing GBay. Vince is a total failure. He failed to give representation to St Joe, he failed at the UN, he is a total failure..Your shameless soul! At your age you should know better..
And you say all that gibbish to say what? I can tell you have not been in Grand Bay for a while and not in tune with Dca politics. The opposition is clear, they will NOT partake in the election because the promised reform is still pending. Anyway, we say hell no to Vince, Dr. HandBay is the INDEPENDENT man.
Your ignorance is higher than high tower..mine…every tings is yours that’s why your name is mine…people tings is yours..like p.m bringing fail..sa hont vince
Shame shame shame on Vince..when you are a man that admire your unnoble pretty ,not good mother…you will encounter alot of shame..I had a dorty mum just like Vince and from little I try to help my mum to better but she only became more wickid and devious…as for Vince he don’t know deatho was a pretty whore that gave him plenty father’s and he like it..doh matter wat position Vince reach’s, shame will be his legacy…all school teachers which had red Honda mortor cycle from st.joe, that use to bring school children far in bush to teach dem hard meaty agriculture is a pedophille….go hand bag go…can school children that was firk by teachers turn m.p be investigated for screwing little children in the pass….big position is not character…my native st.joe is a big slum..vote hand bag
What society has become? Vince the Lobbyists & immigrant? Handbag the buss-man & roots-man? My preference votay sack-la. Look at all politicians of the globe anyone can be a politician & lobbyist its not had being about in your pocket. Qualities for morally good leadership don’t seem to exist in politricks.
That is the thing about those UWP hypocrites,they are always braying about EDUCATION.Now they agree to be led by an uneducated JACKA.
@ CLOWN
Julius is more highly educated than you clown. By a long way too!! Your name says it all…You write like a clown, you spell like a clown, you reason like a clown, you are a CLOWN!! Julius isn’t!!!
UWP has opted out of this buy-election for good reasons but Lie Clown can’t refrain from mentioning them.
Lie Clown, you referring to people as uneducated is similar to a ram sheep calling a dove smelly.
Education doesn’t always come with leadership nobody is a full parkage. Ask anyone who served in the military about being an instructor and serving in leadership roles. Most times the educated officers newly entry have no clue and are guided and schooled by non commissioned lower ranks. Its a uptopia that you must be highly educated to be a politician in Dominica especially?? To past information on and get money? To go on platform and talk rubbish?Lol!. DLp have uneducated politicians stop the bias. Stupid go back in history.
Vince refers to the people he hopes to represent as “These people “ while handbag refers to them as ‘ my people.
Vince is inning to help Skerrit while Handbag is running as to help his people that have been put in bondage by Skerrit.
Vince is running as a Skerrit’s preferred and paid candidate while Handbag is running as the peoples candidate
Vince is running as one of those that helped to bury Rosie Douglas, Pierre Charles and Ed Registe while Handbag is running as a man with a clear conscience knowing he can’t be accused of backstabbing anyone of the above to death and no stain of blood on his heart
I say with much certainty that I do not know much where politics is concerned, but as a supporter of UWP I truly do not understand why Linton choose not 2 contest the Grandbay by-Election. The door is open and you r not going through, yes while it may be true u will not win but I would like 2 think that by contesting you are saying 2 the Grandbay people and Dominica on a whole that we r with u. (And we r not giving up no matter)Whether its a broom stick you send up but send someone. (DEF & APP) not contesting means nothing, to me these 2 parties have no leg to stand on and they r still trying to find solid ground.Whoever advise Mr . Linton not 2 contest should have thought about it more carefully. As a supporter in my mind this was bad advise. We cannot b the best and strongest opposition party and just let this slide. Going on the radio and attacking labour just cannot cut it. It’s like saying to Skerrit I no u r going to win so I surrender. Maybe we truly need new leadership.
UWP is not contesting the Grandbay bi- election be cause of lack of electoral reform.Yet they are supporting somebody contesting the same bi- election without electoral reform.LYING HYPOCRITE.
@Clown
Your point is weak and cannot stand. Julius has a solid base already because all of us who voted against DLP in 2019, will vote for Julius Mr CLOWN. We do not need any member or official of the UWP to tell us anything about that. That’s elementary stuff. That has been our resolve long ago!!
By the way CLOWN, we have not seen any UWP, DFP or APP official in GBay. Just the corrupt Reds who are there bribing with windows, doors money and other things…That’s how low and polluted this DLP IS..
DNO where is the update??? You move from being the first to break news to the LAST to report an event awah wii check you business properly boss you loosing grounds!!!!!!
ADMIN: Thank you for your concern.
We are immensely grateful that we have been steadily growing in all our targeted areas. However, we appreciate your feedback and will use it to address your area of concern.
Can handbag contribute on a debate in parliament? I hope laws are passed to accept patois ( creole) in parliament.
Don’t forget the main reason why we were taught the English language. English isn’t our original language. We love the “brainwashing” so d#@&n much to the extent of denying our true self and culture.
I remember sitting in the old courthouse as a young man, listening to a case. The plaintiff was a gentleman from Despor and the magistrate (I think) was a mulatto name Grell, who would not speak patois. As it was a language/dialect that was ignorantly ignored. The prosecutor would ask certain questions of the plaintiff in English which weren’t understood by said plaintiff. Then those in attendance started jeering and laughing at the plaintiff. Mind you! There were no interpreter there to assist this poor man. Then bravely he turned to face those in attendance and said, “Zor, mois passa parlant anglais vous savoir! At that moment I felt sorry for the plaintiff and sad for the level of ignorance of my people. What’s wrong with speaking patois? Even the Chinese love it.
Dominicans be wise!!! Why the f$ck are the ppl of Gbay letting Skerrit decide who they should have as a candidate.
Vince Henderson of St Joseph running as the DLP candidate in Grandbay? So PM no good thing can come from Grandbay ? But where is the young cricketer Alick Athanaz from nou? Isn’t he from South city? So was he contacted to represent his people or Skerrit just didn’t want somebody from Grandbay because he feels they can’t help him? Boy look a good opportunity for Grandbay people to teach Skerrit a message. This reminds me of the passage in the Bible that says Jesus went to his own but his own accepted him not. But seems like it’s Skerrit saying Grandbay is his plantation and he rejecting them man. Grandbay it’s time to show your strength and show your education. No way would Skerrit do that in Vielle case. In fact Penville is part of his constituency and I know he has a young man from Penville in his cabinet but I bet you come Election Day there is no way Skerrit will take someone from Penville or Thibaud and have them to run in Veille case. No way because he knows better than that
There were four people, ready to represent. He (Skerrit) on his own, rejected all of them!!
But how could a community that produced a labor president, a prime minister, an ambassador, several business managers, highly trained educators the last 20 years and if we go a few years later, Grandbay produced great musicians like a Chobby and the Midnight groovers that helped put Dominica on the map and in sports they have produced some good National cricketers with one named Atanazaz had the entire cricketing world talking about him and his talent and his Maria experience; but today November 9 2021, Roosevelt Skerrit cannot find one person from Grandbay that is able to represent Grandbay people? So you mean to tell me that indirectly Skerrit is saying that he has so badly destroyed Grandbay and they have regressed so much under his tenure that they can’t produce no one that’s capable of representing the DLP? When Skerrit told Pierro that he wouldn’t contest an election with him as leader of the DLP, I thought it was a personal thing but now it seems is a Grandbay problem man
APP is focusing on institution building. Which institution I must ask? We were told by their spokesperson that they work closely and accept favors from the Skerritt led government, so it’s important that they specify what is the extent of their effort to build an institution and which one. However, it’s good to see that the three opposition parties are allowing the Grand Bay people to choose between the indigenous candidate and the caster oil candidate that Skerritt forced down their throats. The opposition parties need to do more than not contest but to strategically build support for Handbag and encourage their supporters to not just sit on the sidelines but engage in a neutral energetic way. They should also provide money and other support to help Handbag and his team reach every corner of the constituency and not leave any stone unturned. This can be a test of political savvy of the opposition and a test of a strategy to defeat Skerritt in the next general election.
Handbag is probably one of the least qualified persons for such a position. But i support him. I support him not for the qualifications he has or what he promised the people he would do. I support him because he is a beacon of hope for Dominica. some form of semblance of order. he represents a mere man going up against a titan. and if he wins, this would give the Dominican people hope. Hope that we are able to make it. Hope that democracy is not all forgotten. Hope that a simple man can challenge the decisions of an apex predator in a labor stronghold and still win. A hope that we’re not all brainwashed. but we can think for ourselves. Mr handbag is that beacon of hope. and that is why i support him. Cause if he wins, he’d shake labour with an unshakable force. and come next election, the brave Dominicans would take back most of Dominica from the grasp pf Skerr. We’d have a new Dominica. Good luck Mr handbag
Dominicans crook dey will still vote vince..thise cabal will make fun of handbag if he ever win. And i know is vince that win already.
After this long time is electoral reform still a subject of debate??? Why so???
@Dr Clayton Shillingford, this is a reflection on the poor track record of the Skerritt led cabal which has promised so many things and are yet to deliver. The international airport, the road from Petite Soufriere to Rosalie, the road from Ravin Cork to Canefield bypassing Rockaway cliffs, the replacement for RUSM, let me stop before I run out of space. It’s also a poor reflection of the entire process of electrical reform and Dennis Byron. Skerritt had promised electoral reform in the past and is yet to deliver. Anything good for Dominca which doesn’t hold a distinct and immediate advantage for the Cabal doesn’t seem to be a priority for the regime. They will try but I won’t accept that Covid-19 is an excuse for the delay. It just maybe that Dennis has presented his report but the one man government which gave him the contract isn’t happy with the conclusions contained therein, therefore it’s not being revealed. Treachery and the double doctorate dude are twins.
Vince Henderson of St Joseph, running for Skerrit in Grandbay is no doubt an indictment against Grandbay and the people of Grandbay. Don’t tell me Skerrit cannot find any Laborite from Grandbay that is good enough, smart enough, qualified enough and educated enough to represent Grandbay in the parliament! I just don’t get it man. So the High school in Grandbay is useless then? Come on man not in 2021. Man honestly speaking all laborites in Grandbay either decide they not voting or go vote for the lone Grandbarian in the race which is Handbag, Come on Grandbay people this election is not about DLP and UWP but rather, an election about Skerrit treating the people of Grandbay as fools and Grandbay people letting Skerrit know that they are not fools but a people with a long proud history.
Unlike the fake, lazy doctor, Handbag is a genuine roots man who knows the concerns of his people and will lobby on their behalf. If Handbag could organize a strike for bus and taxi operators and help them get a stimulus package, then Handbag will bring development to Grand Bay.
Vote Handbag and money will start flow like a river in Grand Bay.
Fake smile I agree. Looks like he’s getting ready to bite something like a Vampire 🧛♀️
Vince looks like he is partially constipated and forsaying real hard to get that piece out
. But he doh have to hurt his head because the right honorable Dr. Handbag will turn that to chorlorlor when he done with him at the polls. 
Them man just think they run everything in Dca and want to come in the emanciptation capital where people like bala, unisef, pierro and now Handbag come from. Eh eh ..that doe good! Pas-ici-la. I see labour walking around with no Mel Navy Seal Snipers from the block in Roseau. I guess every monkey really know which tree to climb and which pepper to eat.
DNO, I will call you out every time you are biased, no matter how subtle or insignificant it may seem. It is the local media houses that give credence to Skerrit’s lies and have assisted him to cement himself in power for this long.
I’m sure hardly anyone realizes this. Take a good look at both photos of the two candidates presented by DNO. One is smiling and the other has a grimace on his face. Smiles are infectious.
As simple as it looks, it is usually a ploy. I’ve seen this in other popular news magazines. The smiling photo is to present the person as affable while the grimacing photo is to send that subtle message that the person is disagreeable and always agry.
Don’t dismiss this as trivial. Don’t you think they could have found a suing photo of the next pariamentary representatve for grandbaby too, Mr. Julius ‘Handbag’Gabriel?
ADMIN: Your assumption is not correct but we can appreciate that it might look that way to you.
The original photo was the best quality version we had at the time of publishing and chose to publish rather than hold back the article for lack of a better photo. We have since been provided with a better quality photo and had the image updated in the article.
Much appreciated! The original photo of Mr. Julius Gabriel in comparison with the carpetbagger candidate was a ‘gross miscarriage of justice’.
How about a couple debates between the two before Grandbayrians go out and vote? That will give people a clear idea whom they should really vote for. People need to know and see how both politicians sound on essential topics surrounding their Constituency. Their solutions and energy in tackling problems.
I am surprised you never called, in a vociferous manner a debate between honourable Linton and Skerrit.. They are the two leaders of the dominant political parties. So you have no interest to see how deep they are on topics of national concern?
You are always putting your foot in your mouth, like one who consistently sat at the back of a chalk board at school..!
Instead of simply debates, how about providing the voters with an accurate, complete profile of the candidates; their qualifications, experience, achievements, their plans for the constituency if they are elected, etc? This way the voters can do a thorough review of each person and make a choice.
When Lennox called for Skerrit to debate him on the national stage he went to hide under the Madam speak-her skirt now you want to debate in a by-election? Hypocrites!
Really ds? We have been agitating from time immemorial for a debate between Lennox Linton and Roosevelt Skerrit. For nothing good would Skerrit and his advisors consent to this offer.
Dominicans should have the right to witness the two persons at the top of the ticket of the two major political parties debate the pertinent issues affecting the country and the plans and solutions they have to offer. Mr. Linton would run circles around Skerrit and show him up as the apex dunce he is.
That is exactly why Lennox Linton is unelectable. Running around people in circles is like a ram goat running around a roundabout aimlessly. That is Linton. I for sure would not dare to challenge an empty bag of coal. All you get is dust. That is Lennox. Lennox has no purpose. He is just like IBO using big words from a Webster dictionary hoping to mesmerize and fool people. Skerrit is undoubtedly the best Chief Minister we have had in Dominica. He is getting things done and that is what Dominicans like about him. Our healthcare system is on a mission and so is our education system. Today it is no more the privileged who can get a higher education. Education for all and Skerrit has made that possible. Handbag would do better continuing to drive his bus up and down the rugged roads of Yellow Brick Road. As for the carpetbagger, I would suggest that he continues to lay down carpet at people’s homes whenever he is needed.
How come your honourable leader never take up that challenge with uneducated Lennox. I believe because he is sh.. scared of that because he would melt in mumbling incontinence brother.
Why would one want to take up a challenge with an uneducated person. You just gave us the reason why. It is not worth it. I for sure would not want to take up a challenge with a drop out from high school. Ask Lord Solo about Symbert – he just keep using big words that just does not get to the crux of people’s problems. None of your two candidates can “Evince” a beautiful smile like “Vince”.
You did not ask for that when the call was sounded for Roosevelt Skerrit to accept the challenge to debate Lennox Linton.
Now you are coming with your subtle suggestion, trying to sound unbias.
We don’t need your suggestion.
Skerritt did not ask for our opinion but just pushed Vince on us.
We will debate, yes. but at the polls.
Go vote Jean Grand Bay!!!! Vote for your own!!!!! Vote Gabriel. Vote for only Grand Bay folks. You don’t need any outsiders. Vote for Grand Bay!!! Grand Bay Strong!!!
Please go vote!!!! Make your voice be heard through your votes.
Foorrck Vince…handbag for grandbay
..go to hell ..DLP..we will get rid of all u..village by village..handbag we putting there…fedup with all u sheet now
GRANDBARIANS, WAKE UP!!!!!! VOTE HANDBAG. The smile on Vince’s face is fake. He has a F on his forehead that means FAKE not FOOD. Could mean FOOL too. That’s disrespect at it’s highest level. Shame on the DLP executive branch of G/B.
I hope the electors of Grand Bay do the wise thing and vote for a born and bred, authentic, no carpetbagger, Grand Bay – baby – toddler – adolescent – adult – fully blown man, and that’s ‘HANDBAG’ JULIUS GABRIEL.
Handbag has no boss to bow to,; was not handpicked by a corrupt party leader; grew up in Grand Bay from embryo to adult; knows the people and the community like he knows the palms of his hands; a humble, caring, honest and courageous man.
Handbag and Grand Bay are inseparable. No one can get get the culture of Grand Bay out of Handbag. A vote for Handbag is a sure and solid vote for EVERYBODY in Grand Bay regardless of political affiliation. A vote for the next fella ( the carpetbagger) is a vote for Skerrit, the tyrannical despot.
Grandbarians! You know Handbag and all he stands for, and he knows all about your needs, difficulties, ambitions, dreams and aims.
A vote for Handbag is a vote for you.
A vote for HANGBAG is a vote for idiots.
The UWP, and the Freedom party abandon Grandbay for not participating in the bi-election .
@ mine how do you abandon something that was not yours? This bielection is about who owns Grandbay . Is it Skerrit or the people of Grandbay? So it makes perfect sense for UWP and DFP to not participate
Grand Bay, put your support behind Mr. Gabriel to show that we can stand as one and not be bullied by outside influences. Grand Bay, consider the future of your children and grand-children.
If Henderson is allowed to usurp the rights of Grand Bayrians, then the whole of Dominica will be next.
People, open your eyes and see where our country is heading. No one-party dictatorial state has been successful in history, and Dominica will not be the first. In the end this Skerrit/Henderson charade will lead us down the ruinous path. VOTE “HANDBAG” GABRIEL, let the dictator know we will not accept his wicked plans this time. Failure is not an option. If we fail, Dominica will fail. Check history.
Man, this is insane. Pierre Charles, a well loved son of Grandbay, according to Sen. Counsel was hounded to his death in 2004 and now we have the people who allegedly contributed to that wanting to possess his territory. That is like kaka on the man’s grave, right there at the bottom of Lalay and another one they call Rottweiler, urinating on Ed’s grave. Man, I don’t know what you call that but to me that is massive disrespect. Total insanity and nastiness. Are the Grandbay people really going to allow this.
For all of what you did to Pierro and now you want to represent his community? That’s madness. You didn’t know you had roots from G/Bay then? That would have never happened 10 15 years ago. This hurts me down to the core.
Mr. Vince, that’s a fake smile and it’s electric. Go Handbag go!!!!
It takes on to know one.
Your ignorance is higher than high tower..mine…every tings is yours that’s why your name is mine…people tings is yours..like p.m bringing fail..sa hont vince