Newly elected political leader and deputy political leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) Dr. Thomson Fontaine and Clement Marcellin Jr., have both issued a plea for greater unity as the movement enters its new phase.
Following his victory at the delegates’ conference last night, Dr. Fontaine urged the members of the party to join hands with the new team to establish a just and ethical system of governance in Dominica.
“Let us stop the fighting and let us together focus on what our real mission and vision of this party is, which is to regain the reign in government and to ensure that we can put in place a government that is accountable, a government that is transparent and a government that all Dominicans can be proud of,” he declared.
While he acknowledged that some may be unhappy about the delegates’ decision to elect him over Marcellin, who also ran for the leadership position, Fontaine stressed that he intends to collaborate closely with the newly chosen deputy to advance the party’s aims.
“Together we are going to work to build the party, so at the end of the day everybody wins because we are still together in the party, working together to grow it,” he stated.
He pledged that in addition to being a servant of the people, honesty, transparency and accountability will be his compass while serving as the head of the UWP.
“My vision for Dominica is not dimmed but it is clear and alive,” the new leader stated. “It is a vision that provides opportunities for every Dominican. It is a vision that promotes hard work and industry, a vision that builds up and not tears down. A bigger vision that is built on unity and shared purpose.”
He said that in the coming days, the party will spread the message of unity throughout Dominica by “knocking on every door and going to every settlement to consult with the residents about the best course of action.”
In furtherance of this message he proclaimed, “Let tonight, ladies and gentlemen, be the start of this great awakening for our country.”
Additionally, Dr. Fontaine promised to consider various and opposing viewpoints while also listening to the people.
“I don’t see blue, I don’t see red, I don’t see green or yellow or purple, but I see a united Dominica. I see a nation of 75,000 people taking its rightful place among the community of nations,” he said. “Now is the time to set aside our political differences. And let us unite over free and democratic elections and ensure that there is peace in the land and ensure that democracy is restored to Dominica. “
The new leader has also promised the party’s followers that the new team will continue the fight for electoral reform by writing again to the president, using all available legal channels, and, if necessary, engaging in civil disobedience.
Fontaine also revealed to Dominica News Online (DNO) that he plans to increase youth engagement and recruitment for the UWP as part of his strategy to make sure that the party wins the next election.
“The way we plan on doing that is to offer them something in which they can believe in. In our plans to work on the economy, create jobs, do what we believe the youth will be interested in, we need the young people of Dominica to be supporting us as we move forward,” the economist noted.
Marcellin, who sought to lead the party but received 79 votes to Dr. Fontaine’s 123, indicated his eagerness to collaborate with the new leader.
“It’s a team effort” he stated. “Had it been the other way and I was the victor, we would still have to work together. Therefore, I commend him and our team for doing a great job,” he stated to DNO.
Marcellin sees his position as deputy leader as a victory and proof of his growth as a person and has declared his intention to run for leader when the next delegate conference rolls around.
“As young people, we can’t settle for one level; we have to keep showing signs of growth. Last year I lost the bid for deputy political leader. This year I got it and that’s a sign of growth and I am happy that I have the opportunity to represent the interest of our young people to contribute towards national development,” he stated. “You will fail many times but you get up and you keep moving.”
The 38-year old urged other youths to join the UWP, which he claims will help the country grow.
“Let’s step in and do what we have to do for our country,” Marcellin said. “We are the younger ones who are more vibrant, who have more strength, who are able to do things differently and to lead change.”
Other elected members of the UWP executive include former Political Leader Lennox Linton who was elected unopposed as President, Francesca Joseph, Vice President; Nicholas George, General Secretary; Diane Victor Assistant Secretary; Ezekiel Bazil and Kent Joseph, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer respectively; Tehillah Bannis, Public Relations Officer (PRO); Dr. McDonald Thomas, International Secretary and Trustees, Eddison James, Norris Prevost, and Ernie Jno Finn.
Well let us see how this unity concept will work, after the December 06 election, when the people will send PM Skerrit and the Labour Party back into Authority–maybe for the next 5 years.
Why don’t you mind your own business? You might live a lot longer.
Congratulations to the leaders of new team UWP. To quote the great Frederick Douglass, “there is no progress without struggle”. Let this simple truth help guide you going forward without fear. Dominca needs fearless and visionary leadership to right the ship of state. The mantle falls on you and the country is looking to you. The region needs a new direction and you have been chosen, God bless and may the spirits of Frederick Douglass and Bala accompany you now you have accepted the task. No turning back.
Mr Fountain was the obvious choice for party leader. Mr Marcellin, on the other hand, wasn’t the best option for deputy leader. Miss Annette was. Choosing Marcellin over Annette just because he is a man is very misogynistic. Choosing him over her because of his looks is very daft. look at what happened when we chose looks (dimples) over brains and experience. history is bound to repeat itself to those who fail to learn from it.
You really are a parrot and a daft one too! How was he chosen over Sanford? Was she in the race? Was she interested? When last did DLP have a delegates conference? Does his looks bother you so much? Skerrit was a hungry broke uneducated and uncultured youth who seized power from Rosie and Pierro. Dont compare this man with such, thats insultive! You laborites come here in disguise and want to advice UWP study your Leader thats having a nervous breakdown because there is no UWP to bash he seeing jumbie. Just running your mouth about nothing.
Congratulation brothers go out there and kick some donkeys we expecting them to go out there and talk all kind of garbage about you all we waiting.
These are two waste of time in these modern times. UWP reminds me of a break-down truck on the road, cannot go anywhere, cannot move.
Clement you should get out of this party, open your eyes , you were the only candidate nominated because thompson did not get enough of votes, at they end he was voted as leader from the floor. They did you the thing they did ti the young man from Salybia in castle Bruce.
Mine, but wasn’t that Thompson got nominated nou?
Didn’t he got the majority votes nou?
Don’t bring your Skerrit one man show here….
Good job guys let’s show dlp what a democratic institution is all about as opposed to the one man dictator
A joke dat, nah? You forget what Linton told you forced his resignation? Should i pull up the article on DNO and send you the link? Ehbeh dat mal tete you have is really bad because your marbles eh rolling right.
How is it possible to wish the new leader much success and you have already declared your intention to run in the next delegate meeting?
Sounds like the story of the UWP. And you wonder why people don’t trust your party. Dominicans, whether home or in Diaspora, sees stability in the Labour party and some success, in spite of numerous hurricane disasters and inclement weather.
This time around I won’t be voting for neither red nor blue. Why? The only single thing that can bring change in leadership in Dominica apart from Electoral Reform is a Revolution. So I won’t wast my time with vote without one or the other. Besides, just take a look at some of the people who are candidates or “wannabe” candidates. They are not neatly dressed or kept, have no political experience whatsoever. This is to be expected when a dictator wants to remain in power. He singlehandedly assembles the weakest and mentally infirm people (through bribery) to run against him or contest the elections. This is what has been going on in little Dominica. 85% of our young men are unproductive. The line the streets daily like a procession. They do not work nor do they seek for work. They are dirty and nasty. Go around Dominica and you’ll agree with me. Drive from Scotts-Head to Portsmouth. Examine New Town, Mahaut, St. Joseph is the worst. Salisbury they sit on the streets with nothing to do.