Joshua Francis, the deputy leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) and parliamentary representative for Roseau South, has hailed a mini health fair in his constituency as “a success.”
Several doctors along with nurses under tents at the Fatima church grounds in Newtown, screened patients for free.
However, despite the success, the group encountered some challenges along the way as attempts were made to prevent them from using the church grounds.
“Certain supporters of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) tried to stop us by complaining to the Bishop of Roseau but we stood our ground and we were then allowed to use the church grounds,” Francis stated.
He continued, “The church grounds belongs to the people of Newtown and Dominica and this thing that people are fearful of letting members of the opposition use public space should stop. The church should be an example…and while the church should not be in politics, the church must stand for what is right.”
He added, “We are not here with microphones and speaking politics. We are looking out for the health of the people and this activity is for the people aimed at bringing the people together, bringing families together and the church has an important role to play,” Francis stated.
He went on to say that that obstacle, notwithstanding, things went on as planned.
“We had over eight doctors and we have met the objective and I am very impressed as to what I have seen so far. Health is wealth and I urge people despite their political affiliations to check their health…sickness is a respecter of no one. We have brought the doctor right there to you,” said the Roseau South Parl Rep.
Only wicked and bad minded people could oppose a health fair for all. The same ones who cry foul, said nothing when a bridge for all was draped in Red Cloth at the opening ceremony or every state event is draped in Red. Wickedness and band-mindedness will not prevail.
Sad an so much hate in this country,smdh,god will take his country back in due time.
Personally, I am a Catholic and have no issue with any party hosting a health fair on the church grounds. The issue I have is the drapping of the church gate in blue cloth, this should not have been done. Leave your political colors out of the churchyard. And to the labourites, I commend you for speaking out on this matter, but where was your VOICE or outrage when a certain priest at Pottersville was preaching party politics Sunday after Sunday, at funerals, and at weddings. I did not hear it, hypocrites.
I have no objection about such an event. Health over anything else. That is important. The only thing I must say is that Mr. Francis should not feel like he should say it is not a “political thing”. it clearly is. Not just about the colours or the cloth, it is part of his campaign that would make him more appealing to the people and that is simple. Would he have done it if he were not in the political arena or has he done it before he entered? It is okay to have activities such as this as your campaign strategy, don’t think anyone can bash somebody for it. So again, no reason for saying it is not political when clearly it is.
“We are not here with microphones and speaking politics”—News article
Mr. Francis, Sir, that is true. However, the fact that you allowed the decoration to be the color of blue–a color that represents the code of your political party, confirms that your function was politically based; and you know it!
Sir action speaks louder than words, and your function was full of that; a function to promote your popularity, to impress the people of that constituency–your constituency– grounded in blue and full of actions. You sure did not need words!
It is interesting to make a comparison on the tent conditions under which medical assistance are dispensed on church grounds. And the condition at the new hospital under construction. Nurses were on the streets and CSA leaders were at meetings condemning the conditions at the hospital, but free medical treatment in tents…….. well.
If it were the other party, you would not take offense. You all are too biased. Regardless of colour, people’s lives and health are more important than placing so much emphasis on a colour.
UNAPOLOGETIC
Anyone who makes politics more important than their health, is not thinking too clearly. As it has been said, our health is our greatest wealth. And when we get sick, we don’t care if it is Labor, UWP, Democratic or Republic. What is Paramount is getting better. Imagine someone saying I do not back your party, so I do not want you working on me; I rather get more sick and possible die; that will be foolish. Just because the political party may not be common, does not mean that people should not use their common sense.
I saw these guys, women too,climb post, rip off UWP flags in front of seasoned DLP supporters.. None of them dressed in red went to the health fair..Lots of noise/music in the vicinity. This was total madness, and that’s why I shall never vote my DLP candidate, and many on the ground were echoing just that!!!! My lady Chekera, you are a loser!!! Neither you, nor the noise makers are ready. Show leadership. Talk to your bitter supporters!!!Thank You Sikiri!!!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
Just an observation from abroad: why are there so many comments about the amount of blue at this event, when every time there are new homes being handed over to Dominicans all over the island, the events are floor to ceiling covered in red, and those making the presentations similarly so?
Calls to mind that old expression: “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”.
It doesn’t make it right, either way. But I have always found it a tad more distasteful to see people receiving new homes from the state having such an “in your face” reminder of politics at a time when people can finally start to get their lives back on track.
Wear white. Decorate in all the national colours, not just one. But, sadly, I doubt that will happen.
shame on the church representatives for using the church for political reasons. I know for sure one said in a renewal that he ask God forgiveness for being involve in a political mess I hope others do the same.
This is nonsense your comment, when Skerrit himself uses the evangelical churches regularly and appeases them after creole festival with their gospel artists who are paid tens of thousands of dollars. Last year it was Sinach. Or did you all forget? then there was the free up by the 2 bridges in Roseau? or did you forget? Because it was done on the church ground it is a problem? Where else in the newtown area should it have been done? public area are for all to be used. The purpose wasnt about campaigning or having a loud speaker spewing political rhetoric. This looked like a quiet event intended to provide a service to the community on community grounds. Just because it was provided by the UWP and they took the opportunity to display that doesn’t mean it was a political event. NO it was a community event that provided health services and consultations which was organised by a political party on the church grounds. Just like how they like to use the goodwill parish hall to do theirs
Dominicans, please stop this political foolishness when it comes to the well being/health of Dominicans. Our ‘health system’ is not up to par as it is. Grow the (fill in the blanks) up man!!
This Divide and Rule strategy is one of the main causes for the lack of progress in Dominica. Politics, as practised presently, is ‘mashing’ up the country. This mini-health fair should be welcomed by all no matter if it is done by UWP, DLP, DFP or a non political organisation. Healthcare is a top priority anywhere. This effort should be universally applauded. Whenever politics raises its ugly head to stymie any positive effort, it should be roundly condemned as in this case. This deep seated political animosity that is crippling the country must be brought to a screeching halt at the forthcoming election.
@Ibo France, that is what I call the thought of wisdom and maturity; that is the trait that is very scarce in Dominica. It is just unfortunate that the young generation continues to grow without those traits.
Well spoken my friend. And I hope that a few of us here will adhere to this important observation
Politics will be our undoing. Gees. Even for health purposes we resorted to political racism. OMG. Na man. This has to stop.
Wow! This hyper-political partisanship is twisting good into evil. This is the intractable political divisiveness that is suffocating the country. Many supporters of the DLP often opine that the UWP team does nothing to contribute to public good. This sincere act of civil good, by the opposition MP, is met with emotional intoxication from the DLP misguided operatives and blind supporters. The nation needs healing. It needs a breath of fresh air. The present atmosphere is very unhealthy as it is awfully damaged by polluted politics. This disunity only contributes to the decadence in the country. Cohesion in society is what is critically needed at this moment in time. For fostering political tribalism for the past nineteen years, the DLP should definitely be booted from office.
Difference of opinion is not disunity, it is an integral part of our democratic process. So Joshua Francis deputy leader of the UWP organizes a political event at a church, decorates the church in blue(UWP party color) and have the doctors performing at the event dressed in blue. Why should the DLP not give a critical response? Francis is trying to hide behind the church and free health care to push his political agenda hoping to get little or no criticsm, it will not work, he and his bunch of jokers will be exposed for the fakes they are.
Anon, I agree that he might have erred with the party color. That said, the idea was timely and well received. Even without the color, political fanatics like you would even invent a reason to stop this well needed activity. The blind supporters of DLP are great inventors of lies, mischief, confusion and controversy. Anon, stop stifling your conscience and give credit when and where credit is due.
Looks more like a political gimmick to me!
So says the supporter of the DLP who know nothing but political gimmicks. When it comes to political substance, honesty and openness, the DLP and Skerrit are total failures. Buying votes with Dominica’s money is all they do!
No, is not a gimmick but they should not have come out wearing party colour. That takes away from the very noble initiative to promote peoples health. We should stop being so partisan and make political parties look like a football team that you must support for life. Party colour have no place in a good cause like this.
I totally agree with your statement, Pipo. Let’s become a color blind society for the good of the country. Political party colors should only be used for limited, and specific events, such as, a party convention, rally, causes, etcetera. We have to put country before party. There are too many party politicians and not enough people politicians. PEOPLE COME FIRST!
Yes; it was a political gimmick but that is one example of the many things the UWP must do to show leadership.
Of course its a political gimmick, but its a good move and many people w benefited. Politicians must show that they can do something besides talk and condemn.
Francis is showing that you do not have to be in Cabinet to do something good. So UWP have no excuse for going M.I.A re Maria when this type of service was desperately needed. Let us not forget that Francis and the health personnel are paid by the government, that their income was not interrupted re Maria. So they had all the time and income to do some response then.
A capitalist successful move is to use someone else money and/or time and reap the credit or the profits. Some politicians know how to use this move to full advantage to gain political points. All they have to do is organize the occasion and enjoy the success. A lot of charitable activities are tagged that way. This is just an old trick by tricksters.
Well done sir I have to pay for my check-up not everyone can afford to pay for a simple check up those days. thanks for your good work.
Why should some one bring in politics where health is concern? Doctors and nurses are checking people from the constituency in the church yard for free, why should some particular person from the rulling party or the DFP bring any objection to that, is it because it was organized by a member of the Opposition Party? This is trivial issues
@BEB, it was a political event and it was made political by the UWP. This was a political event organized by the deputy leader of the UWP.
Is the Deputy leader going to replace the talking-head leader by showing that a non- CABINET member of Parliament can “DO” ?
The big excuse ( BIG LIE) that opposition people always use is that they are not in power so they cannot help anyone, But they have income and time. Lots idle of time.
it was a health service event, organized by the UWP. No formal campaigning was done. they provided a service to a community. As a politician, you must understand that everything you do is campaigning. From giving an old lady a ride to ensuring your people have good health care. But it is how you do it that counts. This is a welcomed initiative that doesnt wreak of politics. I heard alvin the laborite on the radio apologizing. I dont know who he was apologizing to. but the people got their free consultations and it seems they were happy with it.
Well done Parl rep..Occasions like these are the reasons why no one will dethrone you as Parl rep!!!Who is Checkera? .While the health fair was going on the reds were in the area putting up flags,making noise and deliberately trying to disturb. Really? Many failed to capitalize on the opportunity, even when senior labour supporters were there..That’s why I maintain that DLP senior stalwarts and candidates,like their leader Skerrit do not love people..Their sole motive is to stay in office. Roseau South is signed and sealed already. It will be delivered to Joshua Sikiri Francis later this year .
Checkera? Really?? Who are you lady?? You do not even have the power of speech!!!
Lady you must be crazy!!!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
Wicked UWP.When Dr.Skerrit gave the Catholic Church $ 500 000 to repair the Cathedral the UWP wanted to crucify Skerrit.Now those Wicked Blue Bugs using church grounds.That is why GOD will punish these guys.Bishop next time give them the Cathedral
This guy again. You last name describes you perfectly Mr. Clown.
BE real the recording that I heard they did not know was a political fair. God is watching, God is watching. First was the Vieille Case now is Fatima, imagine the church gate is decorated in blue.
If you did not know it blue is the colour of the virgin Mary the world all over, long before the UWP existed. Ignorance is Bless.
@Pipo April 28, 2019
First of all, Mary was a virgin at her conception of Jesus, however, the fact that she had other children after Jesus, it means that she was not a virgin at her passing from existence in this World.
Now Jesus tells us that we should worship God in Spirit and in Truth because He wants nothing to do with the flesh, therefore, the worshiping of Mary is a displeasure to Him–because Mary was a human being. She has no authority over the well being of mankind today.
But that is what you are claiming–the worshiping of Mary– when you say that her color is blue.
So whether it is blue for Mary or blue for a political party, it is still wrong and two wrongs do not make a right.
@mine.
You should have taken advantage of the opportunity, instead of coming on here spewing this unadulterated gibberish!!
Why should the church be averse tomine the citizens of this impoverished country getting free medical attention? Know in..Your Skerrit peddler of foolishness.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
I still Red but I really have to commend the UWP for this event. Health is wealth and is not everybody is able to pay to see a doctor. So I once again thank the UWP. Having said this I still have something against the UWP. I don’t like that blue thing I saw. We all knew it was a UWP event and therefore there was no need to be decorated in blue. It’s time we put that color aside and let’s unite the people. In a political meeting or rally it’s ok but definitely not in a health fair. So for that I am not happy but I complement them for the health fair. Concerning the use of the church ground I must say there was no better place to do what they did than where it was done. The church should not be political and they should make the church building and ground available to anyone or party that is going to do something good for humanity. The church is for prayer and healing of the people and not for money exchange or for doing things that Jesus condemns. I am proud of my church
A free thinker and rational mind. Thank you for your honest feedback regardless of if you are Red. This is the kind of discourse we need more of. Not ignoramuses just running their childish all over DNO because they refuse to open their eyes. speak objectively not subjectively.
That’s why following the destruction of Loubiere church I chose to join Cathedral congregation instead. Having been to this church for mass in the aftermath of Maria it was a very divisive community with political affiliations towards DLP that made people feel unwelcomed if they were not of the same mindset.
I have been going to Fatima for years, I can recall when Ambrose would sit at the front of the church, when Sonia W, her family, and Ronald C use to believe that Fatima was left to them by their fathers. I remember those days well, they were very unwelcoming to non-labour supporters, it seems the tables have turned. But I love my church, they won’t stop me!
The UWPwee enjoys copying the ideas and efforts of the DLP. This show by Joshua (called too-little-too-late) is a page straight out of the DLP’s book during its sojourn in opposition. It worked then because it was genuine, it was sustained, and it was no political game.
The UWP does not dish out envelopes with cash nor do they give apartments, building material or agricultural grants to the citizens. Also they are not in a position to promise government jobs in return for votes. Listen my friend, the UWP is not in need to copy the DLP in any shape or form because there is nothing to copy but corruption, incompetence and nepotism.
So says the supporter of the DLP who know nothing but political gimmicks. When it comes to political substance, honesty and openness, the DLP and Skerrit are total failures. Buying votes with Dominica’s money is all they do!
Peeper you are creeper. Your PM is a goner. Where does that leave you, assuming that you actually reside in DA.
The UWP cannot imitate the DLP in anyway. The uwp gangbangers do not have any positive attributes. Remember Erica, Mathew and Maria. When the going gets tough the uwp gets to go hiding. ( M.I.A…..MISSING IN ACTION always ). But they know how to use and manipulate doctors and nurses to gain political points. Dot worry their tricks will catch up with them
I cannot help but admire this man. He is a special person who Dominica has been gifted with.
Is divorce a criminal offence?
You can try to say all you like about him, but it won’t change the fact that he is a man of the people, he is smart and a powerful leader. Try all you can but your attempts will be weak with no substance.
What kind of bible these wicked people reading, nuh? Didn’t the stories of Jesus remind all of healing the SICK? Did he choose who to heal? In fact, the Church and the parishioners should be elated to have been given the opportunity to get free health checks. Skeritt and his DLP in Go’vt for 19 + Years, how many clinics like this one have they held with all the resources available to them?
Instead Skerritt’s DLP Gov’t has closed down Marigot hospital, clinics are still not functional in some villages. PMH still facing problems. PATIENTS MANY TIMES CAN’T GET MEDICATION. They’ve forced a ship, rendering free health Care services, free eye care, to leave the island. Reasons given vague.
Frankly, it is utter wickedness and inhumane, unchristian. to have tried to prevent the people from receiving free health Care services on the grounds of the church. Be on your P’s and Q’s my people. Fear those who embrace evil no more.
Job well done! Must think of having one at Soufriere.
Total rubbish, if you are talking about free health care, as far as the government program is concerned persons under the age 18 and over the age of 60 get free health care. You must however pay your big money when you visit a doctor in his private office. So these doctors who performed at this political event were just looking for clients/patients for their private office.
This is patent nonsense. Think about it, if these patients did not have money to consult the doctor privately before, why should they do so now, especially after receiving free assistence?