NEW TO THE SLATE: Glenroy “Soso” Cuffy – UWP candidate for Roseau Central

Glenroy Cuffy

EDITOR’S NOTE: In this feature, “New To The Slate” DNO takes a close look at new candidates, of all political persuasions, who have decided to brave the sometimes muddy arena of electoral politics.  

He was one of the main architects of Roseau MP, Joseph Isaac’s election victory as a UWP candidate in 2014 but next time around, Derrick Glenroy “Soso” Cuffy will be directing all of his political campaign skills towards his efforts to replace the man he helped to elect.  Cuffy will be the United Workers’ Party (UWP) candidate for the Roseau Central constituency, in the next general election, which is constitutionally due in 2020.

In an interview with Dominica News Online (DNO), Cuffy described himself as being “very passionate” about agriculture. Cuffy, who worked in the banana industry for over two decades, recalled the days of booming agriculture in Dominica, and insisted that the sector, if given proper attention, can greatly benefit Dominicans.

“Agriculture has had impact on the local economy, especially the rural economy, and it has played a role in shaping the lives and reforming social, economic and cultural lives of people,” he said. “I believe that agriculture needs to be given the attention that is well-deserved. I have worked there. I have seen farmers develop themselves from agriculture—send their children to school, build their houses, drive the best vehicles. So, of course, there is reward that you can derive from working hard in agriculture.”

During his decades of employment in the banana industry, Cuffy worked in several areas such as food production, food quality assurance, water management, and certification. He also coordinated the Leaf Spot Program at Dominica Banana Producers Ltd. (DBPL).

He stated that agriculture on-island is at an “all-time low” and “more can be done” with respect to organizing and modernizing the agricultural sector.

“It is not a blame game… because successive governments have actually placed budgetary allocations with respect to agricultural development… [but] it has not been so well organized… Too often we spend money, and we have everybody involved doing something that may not necessarily give you the results that you need… We have to organize our agriculture in a way that we can get results,” Cuffy elaborated. “Although farmers are capable of doing what they do, because they have been doing that for years; but as we grow, as agriculture becomes more technologized, you need people to lead people in different techniques.”

Cuffy, an alumnus of the Roseau Boys’ School and the Saint Mary’s Academy (SMA), holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies from the University of the West Indies (UWI).

The River Street native spoke of improvements to be made within his constituency. He highlighted the need for the elevation of the wall alongside the Roseau River, and to improve drainage within the city, for citizens’ protection.

“…our city suffers a serious threat of flood. Any time it rains in the city, what you find is that we have flooding immediately and even sometimes, the stagnant water develops a stench, and obviously, that is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. So, we must revisit our drains in Roseau. Roseau has poor drainage, and we need to really try to address that,” Cuffy noted. “We need to ensure that we put a wall… We need to elevate the wall a bit, to protect Roseau.”

Cuffy, a fifty-year-old divorcee, has no children, but is quite involved in organizing football and domino matches in his community. He is also a member of the Roseau Improvement Committee (RIC).

The UWP candidate explained that while he is not affiliated with the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), he would not support the claim that the DLP government has done nothing for the country, “because it would be just misleading [to] anyone.” Instead, Cuffy concluded that the DLP has attempted good things, such as the initiative to harness geothermal energy.

After years of helping to launch the political careers of several candidates, Cuffy told DNO that his decision to enter the political spotlight is the result of consulting with family members, patriotism and a spiritual calling.

“I cannot see my country go down. We can do better with respect to bringing a better life to our people—a better quality of life,” Cuffy said. “You cannot rule out the spiritual aspect of it. The good Lord has directed my direction, and I’m certainly not going to say no to him when he says yes to me.”

Cuffy, a proud “Roseau man,” is certain that he will win the Roseau Central constituency, as he has the support of the people.

“The people will win. It’s the people’s victory, and the people, they have placed their confidence in me, and certainly they will be victorious. It’s not my victory—it’s the people’s victory,” he claimed. “I am very confident that the people will support me, and they will emerge victorious.”

Cuffy replaces Joseph Isaac as the UWP’s candidate for the Roseau Central constituency. Cuffy says that there is “no bad blood” between himself and Isaac, of whose campaign he was one of the main organizers.

Subsequently, Isaac sent shockwaves through the UWP when he left the party on April 4, as part of a decision, he said, to move away from “tribal” politics.

Isaac was subsequently appointed Minister for Environment, Climate Resilience, Disaster Management and Urban Renewal on April 12, 2018, in the DLP administration.

Cuffy referred to Isaac’s departure from the UWP, without discussion or warning, as “gross misconduct in attitude.”

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

44 Comments

  1. Colombo Thomas
    September 9, 2018

    Any objective minded individual must conclude that base on the postings that the WPPites are most ignoramus and uneducated. They get so personal and lacks objectivity….

  2. Silver fox
    September 9, 2018

    “Soso”boy you looking good a real river street Roseau man, In time to come you will be challenging your leader for the top job and so you should, mister looking like a world war one beaten up veteran :lol:

  3. let me remain in catolic
    September 8, 2018

    My family always voted labour in the past, but Soso will get our 8 votes this time around, Soso is like my own son. Soso have never refused to help whenever i needed a favor.

  4. little yout
    September 8, 2018

    They can send Robbie they can send Joseph, Soso will beat anyone of them. Soso for Roseau.

  5. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    September 8, 2018

    “Cuffy concluded that the DLP has attempted good things, such as the initiative to harness geothermal energy.”

    Perhaps we are experiencing a new brand of politics, where this new candidate is into an observatory of truth. Whereas that might be the case, the idea of geothermal energy might an overwhelming good thing!

    In the first place whereas geothermal energy could be harvested, their might not be sufficient energy to be harvested over any long period of time. As fast as it could have got started, it perhaps would not last for any long period; and  note it is very difficult and expensive to harness.

    I do know our best option in Dominica in the production of producing electricity is utilizing Hydroelectric Power Generation.

    Using water to generate electricity is the cheapest way until something better comes along! Coffy the only good thing I recognize Roosevelt has done is the building of a State House; nevertheless whereas the chines built it, it might be…

  6. RandyX
    September 8, 2018

    Your opinion isn’t of any value at all and he certainly doesn’t need any encouragement from you. We all know you love your PM and with that you support corruption, nepotism and general incompetence at the highest level!

  7. Cheryl
    September 8, 2018

    You are a big time HATER. LORD HELP YOU

  8. Omg
    September 7, 2018

    This country as I can describe it being taken off by pieces but we can’t see it because we are in denial.
    The evidence is all around us that the country is slowly going down a slippery slope.

  9. Peeping Tom
    September 7, 2018

    Oh no! Not another one.

    What does Soso have to offer Dominica at the policymaking level? What does he bring to the table apart from, as many folks have said, he “is a hardworker” and loyal to the death? A member of parliament does not represent only his/her constituency, but every Dominican. What can Soso go in Parliament to say on my behalf that would even command my attention much less for my respect? I heard the gentleman speak with Matt and he sounds like a third former. His level of analysis remains at that level His ideas remain at that level. Why should I vote for this? Because he is not on the DLP ticket?

    • Barbara Saunders
      September 7, 2018

      Mr. Cuffy
      Welcome and thumbs up to you. You are the first person on the opposition crew that I have heard acknowledge the efforts of other governments and particularly acknowledge that the government in office has done some good things. What a departure from the mauvais lang!

      Are you sure you can survive there sir? Hope you don’t get chewed up on this site by the likes of Mr./Madame French Continent and the % sign man/woman! They know only one language you know? Paint the country in the worst light possible and curse everybody who has a positive word to say.

      Good luck sir. Would be interesting to see you and Joseph Isaac in opposite camps. though. You sound a bit like him, different from the rest. Hope your diction and general grasp of proper speech is better than his. He has a lot of work to do on his delivery for a qualified person. Other than that I respect his decision. If you are uncomfortable in your environment take yourself out of it.

      • RandyX
        September 8, 2018

        Your opinion isn’t of any value at all and he certainly doesn’t need any encouragement from you. We all know you love your PM and with that you support corruption, nepotism and general incompetence at the highest level!

      • %
        September 8, 2018

        Barbara Saunders
        You can love you PM more than yourself. I respect that!
        That’s what I hate….Anyone who lies,steals,cheats,one who is deceiptful,satanic, stupid,dunce, incompetent,etc
        Thank you for reading
        Where The Wicked Rule the People MOURN

      • Ou fou compere
        September 8, 2018

        Are you sure you can survive there sir? Hope you don’t get chewed up on this site by the likes of Mr./Madame French Continent and the % sign man/woman Or Colay female hahhahahaah!

        Barbara Saunders U have been absent for a while. I recall a budy of mine in England as a mtter of fact he taught me Physics in 5th for in the mid 70’s He use to write on Cakafete back in the day.
        He described a frequent sarcastic person on the site as taking “Lalin” seems U Barbs take Lalin 2 hahahahahha

      • Ou fou compere
        September 8, 2018

        I meant Buddy b4 U put me in a class with the guy who sang his sankie and found his way back home lol. Gregory Issacs Lol!
        N.B BS lol BS- hahhahahhah I would be gland if U were the mole like in Trumps gov’t keeping the Neo -DLP in check hahahahaha write ur piece in a newspaper of ur choice it would be great getting dirt / details on the billions from the sale of passports for sure every minster .PS even ambassadors are millionaires BS are U a secret seller? hahahhha peeps with their ear on the ground want to confirm.

    • %
      September 7, 2018

      I think the question is hypocritical,and it can only come from a hypocrite. Team Dominica (UWP) is a team,not a one man show. No single politician can do it alone,otherwise you won’t have a country. Can’t you see with your begging g eyes, how Dominica has become,because a showman is trying to manage a country by himself? Result:::Ross has left us,begging has increased,hospitals are deplorable, infrastructure beyond repair, hopelessness has increased,indigency has increased, agriculture dead,tourism cannot get off the ground, manufacturing dead,etc …..So stop making a buffoon of yourself.A political party is a TEAM, not a showman making a disgrace out of leadership.
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

      • Ou fou compere
        September 8, 2018

        BS must stop writing u are saying percentage sign. Let me tell you % BS,AH who ever from the Neo DLP,UWP,DFP all of U are a pack of Barbara Saunders Bsers. DA ain’t going nowhere soon.
        What we need is a few educated not studiated AHs We need a Gov’t of National salvation of non-Barbara Saunders BSers. In fact it should be like a Marshall political plan whereby we can sanitize the people wishing to take up political roles 5 yrs down the line.
        For now we are so screwed with people of the like of Linton ,Voleurs/Neo DLP etc Gregory Isaacs, who was paid off in cash kind and political office. Rememeber ALO for Roseau? Paid off to run did not win .He was paid a future like a stock to run. TAX PAYERS $$$$ to both ALO & Gregory Issacs who sang reggae to Skerrit et al.
        With that kind of cochony politics U think we going somewhere? eh BS et Al? Some political idealogs changing party every cycle etc they know themselves.
        I rest my case.
        I rest my case

    • John john
      September 7, 2018

      So So is a complete failiar

      • %
        September 8, 2018

        @Jonh No hope
        Go spell the following
        Failure
        in
        an
        up
        if
        at
        in
        am
        an…Your spelling test is on Monday ,10-09-18
        Because you are an accomplished failure
        Skerrit Must Go
        Skerrit Must Go
        Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

    • Cheryl
      September 8, 2018

      You are a big time HATER. LORD HELP YOU

  10. Man bites dogs
    September 7, 2018

    “Soso” Cuffy : For Roseau Central? Lord what a joke now them guys started chasing monkeys up the hill.Please don’t be misunderstood i am in no way calling Mr Glenroy Cuffy a monkey OK! I’m just saying Soso, will not have a chance against my old friend Isaac, and I am now saying to that So-called UWP if you want to become a seriously political party is to get rid of that comedian Lennox Linton, and his 5 Rabbits till then you guys will have absolutely no chance of winning another general election never again we will never forget and forgive you lots so-called Workers party has done to us Dominicans and country.

  11. September 7, 2018

    Lennox getting all dem UWI degree boys to join his wagon. Dat means nothing.

    • Ibo France
      September 7, 2018

      One should never try to denigrate intellectual achievements. What message are you sending to our youthful population? Don’t aspire for academic excellence because it means nothing. See how insanely asinine you sound! Academic achievements are only frowned on by people who are severely mentally deficient. It is only the ignorant who despises education.

    • BEB.
      September 7, 2018

      Remember, that guy do not like competition , any one he thinks that could compete with him as leadership, he will definitely do away with him

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        September 8, 2018

        BEB, if that comment is in reference to Lennox; you as a former police officer should know that what you conveyed is no a statement  of truth at all!

        In the first place since Lennox became leader of the opposition, you cannot name any member of the UWP you know competed with him for leadership whom he got rid of from the party.

        I will agree without naming the person; who got involved into some despicable conduct, all of his own making; the police became involved, and the man was arrested. In that case his intelligence should have told him to quit position representing the people, the same as the labor party government minister who was involved in the same conduct immediately resigned from Skerrit government when he too was arrested!

        Let us not be too bias; we are respected more when we speak the truth regardless on which side of the equation we find ourselves, and support!

        If you were still courting me cousin I would tell her leave you!

  12. Skerrit I Voting
    September 7, 2018

    How your suit shining so nah????? yes I…….new kid on the block. They should have groomed you that in the eyes of the public your dressing must be presentable…….Lol

  13. No Charge
    September 7, 2018

    DNO first of all I am unable to give thumbs up or thumbs down to any of your commentators on this site. I don’t know why? Everything is shaded.

    To the subject matter I have two observations:

    1. How is that the UWP opposition knows their candidate for Roseau Central and the ruling DLP is yet to announce there candidate? I know they depending on their fat pocket for the election but shouldn’t the individual or constituents know who will be going up against Derrick Glenroy “Soso” Cuffy ?

    2.How is that the UWP is somehow always able to attract educated, true patriots that have always been devoted to loving and helping people and candidates that are in this for free while the ruling DLP can only buy candidates for a large sum of money and candidates that are only in it for their money? If one’s original motivation for running was for money isn’t it proof that they will allow Skerrit to destroy Dominica, as long as they get their money?

  14. LifeandDeath
    September 7, 2018

    Much support for a patriot that stand up for country and not merely for his own selfish gains.

  15. S.M.A 88
    September 7, 2018

    Just the hard working and passionate person we need to help develop our Agricultural sector
    Saso for D.A

  16. Ibo France
    September 7, 2018

    Best of luck to you Mr. Cuffy. You have a track record of hardwork, volunteerism and patriotism. You are relatively young, energetic, full of ideas and eminently qualified for the position you now seek. Most of all, you seem to genuinely interested in lifting your native land out of its political and social quagmire it is presently in. Stay true to your principles, lend a listening ear to the people who will elect you to parliament. God’s guidance bro.

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      September 7, 2018

      Ibo France, with all those qualifications you bestowed SOSO with, what ministry would you give to him? Does those qualification qualifies him to be legetimate position to represent the country domestically,regionally and Internationally? Looks like politics in DOMINICA NOW IS WASH YOUR FEET AND COME.
      What exactly is the position is he seeking? Wouldn’t he be like a round( wrong) peg in a square hole?
      Look at the guy face, he already looks scared or frigthened

      • Ibo France
        September 8, 2018

        Skerrit butchers the English language but he is the leader of government. The remainder of his Cabinet colleagues are malleable, spineless, intellectually impotent imbeciles. Soso will be able to do much more in agriculture and community cohesion particularly than the entire Skerrit led ovine administration has done in their eighteen (18) years of futility and horror. Replacing this unscrupulous, unqualified, unfeeling, unmentionable, unsound, unwitting politrick-cians from government should be a priority for every decent and right thinking citizen. Vote for politicians who will put food in every pot.

  17. DC
    September 7, 2018

    Very weak candidate. No charisma, no appeal, unable to captivate an audience.

    • Alexis
      September 7, 2018

      “I am a staunch supporter of the Dominica Labour Party” *
      There, I fixed it for you.

    • Agirl
      September 7, 2018

      So please go up if you think&know that you are better!

    • JBaptiste
      September 7, 2018

      None of these attributes are necessary for holding high office. One of our many deficiencies is that we place more emphasis on these rather than competence, honesty, integrity, selflessness and humility. By so doing, we reject some of our best minds and elect feeble minds who seem charismatic. We in Dominica need a cultural overhaul.

    • RandyX
      September 8, 2018

      He is better than anything the DLP has to offer incl. the PM, and that’s a fact.

  18. %
    September 7, 2018

    Well done patriot Glengoy. I am so elated you chose the path of abandoning Joseph Isaac,who,after getting you all votes went on to abandoned you all.What a deception!!!I am looking forward to his dumping into the political trash bin of oblivion come next election.
    You are part of a great team UWP whose message resonates so well with the electorate that ration for vote or building materials for votes have used by DLP have both failed .
    Do what you have to do my friend, labour is in such intensive Care,that they even want to legitimize what we know is illegal in terms of our voting ruled … Remember the Commonwealth Election Observers told us election 2014 was unfair? That’s a nice way of saying that it was stolen. So be an astute patriot .
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

    • John hope
      September 7, 2018

      Skerrit must go on to continue doing a great job. Unlike lazy Linton who only lazy wish is to be the pm of dominica. Pa la, ull never ever see dat happen mr.percent. so u can stop your bla bla bla now

      • %
        September 7, 2018

        @John NO hope
        Please don’t rupture any blood vessel,because you won’t be sent to Martinique by Skerrit.Skerrit knows Skerrit not not John NO hopeyou.
        Skerrit Must Go
        Skerrit Must Go
        Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

      • LifeandDeath
        September 7, 2018

        :lol: :lol: :lol: ..@John hope are you really convinced, without the shadow of a doubt that Skerrit is “doing a great Job”?
        If you truly believe that, then point to 5 ways Dominicans lives have improved under his Reign, or Name 5 projects that he implemented that helped Dominica’s economy grow..
        And if you can help yourself to see the mirror through this exercise, then hope you are honest enough to do something good for your country and vote for country, not for anybody, and especially not for a man who has failed his country so miserably.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        September 7, 2018

        John Hope, it would be nice if only I could respond without calling you an idiot!

        If you  were not stupid, and know what you were talking about you would never mention the word lazy where it pertains to Lennox and politics. Only an idiot would even suggest that Roosevelt Skerrit is lazy where it pertains to politics.

         If someone said Roosevelt is inept, and not able of producing; or doing anything significant that will help bring the country back to our progressive days in the day of Patrick John, and Edison James that would be an appropriate comment to make.

        Lennox is the leader of the opposition, he can only support a Bill, or decline to support it; if it is not in the interest of the people of the country. No opposition in the Caribbean have any power to dictate what part of the infrastructure needs attention. The opposition cannot go out and influence a business to come to Dominica.

        That is the ruling government tasks!

      • Ibo France
        September 9, 2018

        John, try to be truthful and ponder on this hypothetical statement. If Dominica were a private business entity and Skerrit was the CEO, would he have held on to his position knowing the deplorable state of the country after eighteen years? This man is uniquely unqualified to lead Dominica out of its morass and should do the country a huge favor by exiting politics with immediacy.

  19. For The Love Of Country
    September 7, 2018

    Soso-for-Roseau (Cenral)

  20. waters
    September 7, 2018

    soso u put yourself in that to all the best but u have a lot of work to do boy.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available