Grand Bay’s new parliamentary representative, Dr. Vince Henderson, says he is ready to work for his constituency to the best of his ability by bringing benefit and opportunity to his people.
Henderson, who represented the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) secured a total of 1229 votes to win yesterday’s by-election in Grand Bay. His main opponent Julius “handbag” Gabriel obtained 161 votes with the third candidate Clarington Bacchus Andrew (Twawoche) receiving 3 votes.
Henderson delivered his victory speech in Lalay, Grand Bay last night following the announcement of the results.
“You deserve the best and I will work to the best of my ability. I will bring the benefit of my experience and training and I will serve you with compassion because I understand you. I am one of you, whether you are from the back street of St. Joseph or the back street of Grand Bay, it’s the same vibe,” he stated.
The former Dominican diplomat expounded on his desire to regain the “prominence” of the constituency stating that this can only be achieved if the community works together.
“Tonight, all I ask of you is to believe in me but more importantly, to work with me. I need you to hold my hand and I need you to be there. I need you to have my back because when I go out there fighting for you, I want to know that you are standing right there for me,” he said.
In thanking his team, campaign manager and many volunteers, Henderson revealed that in all the years that he served as the national campaign manager for the DLP, this is the first time he has seen a political machinery with such magnitude.
“We in Grand Bay, we have the best political machinery because to pull though what we did today, it takes a serious team to do that and I can tell you, it was not easy but we did it, you did it.”
He further promised not to disappoint the young people who voted for the DLP and vowed to work to lift them up.
“I want you to be willing so that when we extend a hand you will take it so that you can lift yourself up. We will work to create opportunities for you so that you can get good employment, training and to build on the legacy that have been left before me.”
Henderson thanked the late Pierre Charles (Prime Minister of Dominica from 2000 to 2004 and Member of Parliament for Grand Bay) who, he said, sacrificed his life for Grand Bay and whose contribution to Dominica, according to the new MP, is underrated. He also thanked Mr. John Fabian, Justina Charles and Edward Registe for their service in the constituency.
“We have to build Grand Bay in the memory of those who were lost and those who served. This is why I call on you to work with me, hold my hand, to stand behind me and sometimes before me.”
I still can’t fathom how Grandbarians have become such beggars. Growing up, some of our parents and grandparents were not “educated” but a lot of them were entrepreneurs. They were masons, carpenters, farmers, fishermen, owned land, animals and produce. They were not beggars neither were they lazy. It is a real shame to see how our people have stood so low waiting for crumbs from the master’s table. Our people have become so complacent and dependable that not even the most “educated” stood up to the race and represented their constituency. How we have allowed a stranger to come to our home and take over is beyond my understanding. On the other hand, since we have become beggars and are oppresed by a leader who gives handouts just so he could stay in power is also of no surprise. My people, that lifestyle will not always be and your leader will not always be there. So tell me, when there are no more handouts, what will you do?
I am awaiting a response.
DNO you posted the comment, my apologies.
FORM 13
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY (ELECTIONS) ACT (CH. 2:01)
(Section 15)
STATUTORY DECLARATION OF A PERSON NOMINATED AS A CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Qualification of ___________________ of _____________________ in the _________________ of ___________________ nominated as a candidate for the election as a member of the House of Assembly for the ___________ constituency. I, ___________________ of _______________ in the _________________ of do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows: That I am duly qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly for this constituency and that-
1. I am a citizen of Dominica of the age of eighteen years* over the age of eighteen years.*
2. I have resided in the State for a period of twelve months immediately before the date of my nomination for election.
* I am domiciled in the State and was resident therein at the date of my nomination for…
The way St. Jo shining after Vince was the parl rep, I am confident Grand Bay will be the same. Yay Vince for Grand Bay!! After St. Joseph will be Grand Bay!!!!
Yes, I am being sarcastic for those of you who havent seen the state of St. Jo in a while.
One thing that virus intelligent eh… once is a DLP endorsed event, all protocols are relaxed because the virus is a smart virus and can tell the difference so it will not spread at official government events. It can only spread at local events where local people stand a chance of making money.
The nomination of this man by Skerrit and subsequent ‘election’ is another major step to oppression in Dominica courtesy of the little teacher from the north. You all mark my words. The greed of the people will be the downfall of the entire country.
He’s now ready to work. So what was he doing when he was representing St Joseph? And now he calls the people of Grand Bay “his people”, isn’t he from St Joseph? How can Grand Bay people be his people when he only went there about two months ago and said he was only then familiarizing himself with the community. Politicians who will say anything to get into office must not be trusted. Examine his horns and keep a close tab on him over the coming months. You would think that St Joseph isn’t a place in Dominca or he’s not from there. Is Vince ashamed of St Joseph? I think he is and he should be ashamed that he didn’t do anything for there when they embraced him as their political representative.
He is now ready to work with you, IBO FRANCE, %, Telemacque and company. No handbag. The man cannot read and spell yet he was IBO France main man. What a shame. Time to give it up, guys. The bus is leaving.
Don’t blame that guy Vince. Blame the grand bay people. And by the way, they sell ground provisions in the market. So if you think they have hurt your country; then you should not buy their goods. We can’t support you for hating our country.
These accolades and cherished thoughts by this Labour Henderson means absolutely nothing to us in GRANDBAY. Our question is where have you’ll seen this questionable immnature, visionless, politically weak Blind PRIME MINISTER all these Failed Faked years.
It is sad that this Immature, Visionless LABOUR GOVERNMENT leader is just NOT leadership material to be head of our Government and our Nature Isle Dominica. We, in Dominica desperately are in need of well matured, visionary, qualified LEADERSHIP to lead and embrace our People in need of Jobs, education etc.This Deceptive, questionable visionless IMMATURE leadership and this Labour Team is just not In the Concept of development nor of Socio-Economic towards meaningful development of our suffering poor, unemployed people and our young people out of Jobs.
To have a Failed incompetent immnature Visionless PRIME MINISTER creating a concept referred to as THE RED CLINIC which obviously means that Skerrit is Not developmentally focus…
Is he also ready for Skerrit to give him a good State funeral?
Vince ready to work? Well poor Vince. The man ready to offer himself on the altar of high priest Skerrit and he doesn’t even know that. Con- Vince you dealing with a bad high priest boy
You remember the story in Genesis 22 when baby Isaac was about to be the sacrificial lamb and poor baby didn’t even know that? Well let’s take a look at the story:
Gen 22:
6And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
7And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
What would motivate someone to leave an ambassador position to be a pal rep of foolish grand bay? Some ulterior motive? We are anxiously waiting to see. Grand Bay is a very strategic place. I knew this Vince was going to win. First of all, one gentleman was interviewed in grand bay at the polling site by DNO. And the questions which were presented to this man were strictly about the precautionary measures which were taken regarding sanitizing the voting booths or building. This reporter played down the seriousness of what was to take place. So clearly, “in my view” DNO made a serious blunder by not putting forth questions of the eligibility of Vince and the other candidates. Or, DNO chose to interview the wrong person (s) letting Vince and Skerrit off the hook. People who participated in selling off the rights of our people should be held responsible. I ask everyone to boycott the Grand Bay farmers in the Roseau market. Don’t buy their produce/products. Vince won’t buy from them….
ADMIN: How would a boycott depriving farmers of their livelihood solve anything? Campaigning (or influencing the election) is not allowed by law on the day of election which is why we did not ask anyone about the legal matter regarding Henderson’s nomination – such a question could open the door for campaigning or influencing of the election.
However, the question was asked to both independent candidates (Henderson declined the opportunity for an interview) after the election results came out in an live interview including if they would support the UWP’s legal challenge.
You can watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXPFANt3iM4&t=2s
@Shame DA, so it seems like ADMIN: is saying that the only time that they could have conducted an interview in Grand Bay was on the day of the election? The issue of the eligibility of Vince didn’t occur on the polling day. I agree that there were legal issues for the line of questioning on polling day, but that’s a lame excuse and poor journalism to not canvas views of potential representatives and voters prior to the voting day.
ADMIN: We believe, that if you demand a standard of others you ought to be willing and able to demonstrate that standard yourself.
You speak of poor journalism but your own question is misleading and inaccurate. We did cover the allegations against Vince Henderson’s nomination as well as interview both independent candidates before the election, the DLP nominee declined such an interview.
We often admit that we are not perfect and are willing to accept and incorporate opposing views or legitimate criticism. However, simply because we do not report in a way that supports your views does not make our reports poor journalism.
DNO where are all your readers gone??
ADMIN: We are not sure what you are talking about but we are glad you could join us. For your information we are actually growing.
Congratulations to Dr Vince Henderson. Congratulations to handbag. But most of all congratulations to twawoche. Twawoche good a vote for each woche!