A new political party has been officially recognized in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
A letter from the Chief Elections Officer Ian Michael Anthony stated that under Regulation 4(2) of the House of Assembly (Elections) Regulations, the United Progressive Party (UPP), “is a recognized political party in the Commonwealth of Dominica with effect from May 8, 2024.”
“In that regard, the party has been allocated the Bottle as its symbol. Accordingly, the official candidate or candidates of the party, in each constituency shall be entitled to have the party symbol printed opposite his or her name on the ballot paper,” Anthony said.
Dominica News Online (DNO) got hold of a copy of the UPP constitution and declarations which were officially launched in the Kalinago Territory and which clearly state that any provision in the constitution inconsistent with the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, is null and void.
“The Party’s color shall be orange and its symbol shall be the bottle,” the constitution further states. “The Party’s symbol represents independence and freedom subject to the constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Motto of the Party shall be ‘Unity for Progress’ while the slogan is ‘Unity for progress'”.
According to the document, “the UPP envisions a Dominica which stands tall and moves where democracy and freedom fully prevail, the people have dignity, the resources of the country are used in a sustainable manner towards optimizing the well-being of its citizens and residents in an equitable manner, and people are empowered to thrive economically and socially and are committed to the common good and the power of community.”
The Party’s mission, according to its constitution, is to contest the general elections in Dominica in order to gain political office, “so that it can manage the nation’s affairs towards attaining the above vision.”
“The Party’s core values shall be sustainable development, solidarity, dignity, justice, equity, liberty, freedom, transparency, leadership integrity and accountability,” the constitution goes on to state, “The Party shall develop policy papers, strategies, programs and manifestoes to guide the pursuit of its mission and to guide and make progress towards the vision. While not in political office, the Party shall engage in encouraging sustainable development efforts and as much as is possible, contribute to laying a foundation that would facilitate faster development progress once it enters into political office than would otherwise be possible.”
It says the Party’s duties are to promote the Party’s objective, mission, policies and programs, popularize and defend the policies and programs of the Party, adhere to the codes, policies and rules of the Party.
National officials will constitute the National Executive Council of the UPP.
“National Officials shall be elected by the delegates of the Party to serve for a three (3) year term,” the constitution explains. “In electing the national officials, the delegates congress shall make reasonable efforts towards having not more than two-thirds of the membership being of the same gender.”
Dominica’s political spectrum currently includes the reigning Dominica Labour Party (DLP) established in 1955, the second oldest Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) founded in 1968, followed by the United Workers Party (UWP) in 1988. Additionally, the Alternative Peoples’ Party (APP) and Team Unity Dominica (TUD) were established in 2019 and 2022, respectively.
allu doh form and deform. stupes
There are about 5,000 employed in the NEP for more than 10 years.There are more than 2,700 senior citicizens receiving $300 monthly.There are more that 5,000 profiting directly from the the $250,00 $300,000 and $400,000 FREE houses and apartments a.The stupid UWP is stupidly telling smart people,life was BETTER whey were paying thousands of dollars in RENT under UWP.Those aholes are also saying Dominicans were better off under UWP when the minimum wage was $450 instead of $7.50.They also say Dominicans were better off without the Stadium,the Marigot hospital,the extension of the DC airport.Dominicans were better off without free school bus,without the DCFH hospital,without universal secondary education,without the EO Leblanc and NO Liverpool highways,better off without the Yes We Care and the International airport.They said we would be better OFF with Mr.No GCE no CXC or Mr. South Sudanese as Prime Minister of Dominica.That will NEVER happen.It look like DNO was hit with a 50 calibre.
not interested in a new party of disgruntled former politicians
my issue………..very little advocation…..out of sight and out of earshot but they want people to give dem a vote.
silence on de burning issues
just like de silence of de independent candidates
I welcome the idea of having another political party or, another spoiler party but however, I don’t see any name included in such a long article. I understand they might not have a leader yet but after all, who are the founding members of this party? If at this time no one is brave enough to enough to identify with this new UPP party then I can only see them as stretching the political joke and crisis that exists in Dominica too far
More division, more back biting, more divisiveness! Oh jah help Ma Dominique. When are we going to realize that oversized egos, greed and selfishness are the main issues killing our country. At this point, anyone who believes that another political party will solve our problems is delusional or as we would say, they “fooing”. I will say it again, NOTHING but boots on the ground by any means necessary will effect change in Dca. Lord help Ma Dominique!
Is it a party with NO members? I shall elaborate when the members start poking their heads out from the bushes.