“I am back and I will stand for Dominica until the end.” Those were the words of Member of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Attorney Joshua Francis while addressing the first political meeting held by the party at Mahaut River in the Kalinago Territory on the weekend.
Francis, who is no stranger to the political arena, said the UPP was birthed in May 2024 in response to a dire need for a viable change relating to the governance of Dominica.
“In Joshua Francis, you will find a man who will stand with you, for you, and by you,” he said. “So those who sought to destroy me made an error. They could not destroy Joshua Francis, so I am back…and I will stand for Dominica until the end.”
He continued, “I am back and I am here for the long haul.”
Between 2014 and 2025, Francis took breaks from politics noting that there were times when he was undecided and asked himself, “Why am I involved in politics?”
“There were times I was tempted to shut the doors on Dominica and go to the United States of America, but I was unsettled with that consideration, because I felt that God had anointed me to do a job which was incomplete,” Francis explained. “I am committed to Dominica, I am committed to you brothers and sisters, the Kalinago people, I am committed to you, the members of the United Progressive Party.”
Francis said that it is time to get serious in Dominica.
“This United Progressive Party has looked at what is happening in Dominica, we have looked at what is good in Dominica, we have also looked at what is bad in Dominica,” he said. “When you have a government that lacks foresight, a government that doesn’t understand how to create jobs and sustain jobs, then we will continue to struggle until such time.”
Francis stressed that over the last 25 years, the Dominican people have struggled, “but you have endured and you have survived.”
“You have a chance the next time around to change things. At the next general elections whenever that is you will get an opportunity to make a change for yourself,” he noted.
He added, “But we are not going to wait for the next general election, we are going to keep working now.”
Meanwhile, Francis argued that there is no reason why Dominica should not be exporting water.
“With the UPP we already have a vision. We understand that we already have a comparative advantage as far as soil and water [are] concerned. So, we are going to bring ideas to develop Dominica based on our soil and our water,” he indicated.“There is no reason why we cannot declare certain parts of Dominica including the Kalinago Territory for organic farming.”
He said there is a market for organic produce throughout the world, “but this government is not interested.”
Furthermore, he stated that the UPP believes that the government must place more emphasis on keeping and preserving a clean environment in Dominica.
“With the UPP we will take cleanliness seriously,” he noted. “Not only cleanliness in terms of keeping rubbish away from our waters and our land, but cleanliness in what we produce. Clean energy, clean food, better health for the nation whilst we are making money.”
Other speakers at the meeting included:
Parliamentary Representative of the Marigot Constituency Anthony Charles, former Kalinago Chief Charles Williams, Joanne Green, Loftus Durand, Kent Auguiste, Teddy Thomas, and Theresa Rolle.
“I am back and I will stand for Dominica until the end.”
So, stand till the end of what; when shall the end of what be?
Guy your political career has long reach it climax, you are nothing but a voice hollering out of the dark pit of oblivion!
I don’t know what long haul you are into; another form of plagiarism, the same as you plagiarized Sarah Palin years ago by using her words “you were going to reload.” I suspect you have long reload, nevertheless; you have yet to fire a shot.
Man the only thing left in people like you is to sit around; some rum-shop and guzzle down rum, if you are unable to treat yourself, the other rum drinkers will accommodate you as is our custom in Dominica.
You destroyed your career, both political, and legal when you admitted to kissing a minor, a (child).
By then you should be committed to the long haul at stock farm!
Avoid anyone who says they have been sent by God.
Absolutely! Run as far as possible from these people whose mouths are full of scriptures and always use God’s name to endear people to themselves. Their hearts are usually filled with deceit and dirty tricks. The man has committed blasphemy.
Mister is now Pappy number #2.
Joshua Pappy Francis.
You need a yellow vehicle, and some speakers in a wheel barrow, thats being pushed by someone.
Josh you are a smart guy with love and a grand vision for your land.
But you cannot achieve anything in the short term by starting another party bro. You are your biggest brand not UPP or You-Poo-Poo. Go back to your UWP family and all will be well. Too many little parties making noises and confusing the people. The only person benefitting and laughing all the way to the bank is Skerrat and his cabal.
This guy and his ilks in this UPP, will be nothing more than ‘SPOILERS’ in some constituencies, in the next general election, which from the looks of things, will be closely contested in many constituencies.
I keep asking, is this a branch of the Skerrit Labour Party????
Finally a sense of hope has come back to Dominica as Joshua Francis has taken his message to the rural community instead of talking on Q95. I hope this sparks a fresh energy within the opposition people to not only stay on the radio but go meet the people. I know we didn’t see 1000 people standing on the side of the road listening but I bet many more heard the message through loud speakers. So thanks much Joshua Francis and congratulations to you my brother! I have always said that you are a political strategist and you once again proved me right. Let’s hope this is the beginning of the revival that Dominica badly needs
@Not me alone
well you are MEME #2. That was his mantra.
copycat!
Loftus Durand spoke,boy Tyrone BLESSINGS Anthony told the world what happened to $60,000 from CCM movement bank account.When BLESSINGS spoke about the unaccounted $60,000,the media whore and the Blanchard guy from Pointe Michel put a Bwid Boowick in Blessings mouth,the same speaker threatened to file a lawsuit against Blessing.Another party of dishonest people.
Dominica does not need another scandal scarred figure as leader. This man has more scars on his character than Roosevelt has stamps in his passports. That is something near impossible for anyone to accomplish.
Never welcome back into your fold someone who has stabbed you in the back for greed, jealousy and prestige. They will be worse the next time around.
When people show you who they are believe them. Not one of this man’s children nor his (ex) wife, wants nothing to do with Joshua. If a school of fish comes to shore and tell you that a shark is in the ocean, believe them.
Joshua Francis has a very checkered past. He CANNOT be trusted. After twenty one years of a lying, scandalous, godawful and megalomaniacal leader, Dominica needs someone of impeccable character. One who is trustworthy, empathetic, integritous, empowering, nonpartisan.
There is too much division. Dominicans are yearning for cohesion. Another political party at this crucial time will only further splinter the political electorate and this will only give Star Boy of Corruption and Stupidity something to smile about.
Bro, go back to the UWP, there is where you can make inroads.
Regardless of the multiple setbacks and infighting the UWP is the only viable opposition party in Dominica for the last couple decades. The fragmentation of the opposition is part of our problem in DA
The last sentence of your comment is the irrefutable truth. However, Joshua is like a piece of soiled material in pretty gift wrapped paper. To invite him back into the UWP organisation is to court division and trouble. His inflated ego yearns for him to be leader. He has an insatiable appetite for power.
Once bitten, twice shy. Only a fool.makes the same mistake twice or more.
I agree some, but he is good where he is; so he doesn’t have to be trapped in any box. For example UWP seems contended to use Q95 as their platform and once in a while in Lagon. Look JF is already taking the message to the people which is what’s been missing the last15 yrs