Joshua Francis is no longer the Deputy Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP).
The party held a delegate’s conference in Mahaut on Sunday afternoon and had earlier said a motion of no confidence would be tabled against Francis, who has been embroiled in controversy in recent times.
According to initial reports, 181 delegates voted for Francis to be removed while five voted for him to stay.
Member of the party’s executive, Thomson Fontaine, told DNO no Deputy Leader was elected to replace Francis at the event. He said a new Deputy Leader will be elected when the party holds its annual convention in November.
Earlier, Francis, who is MP for Roseau South, walked out of the conference saying he was repeatedly interrupted by delegates when he attempted to deliver a speech.
Love concurs all. If you hard ever love the man you would have feel sorry for him and support him in good or bad. your friend goes to prison but he is still your friend.If you had ever love the man and he find himself in a difficult situation with your help he could rise again, you kick him whilst he is down what do you expect. You people must help him to reestablish himself. Life is love and love is life. Why do I HAVE THE NOTON that he is innocent, because I think of bribery. It is possible. Suppose you hang an innocent man.It is not as easy as you all make it to be . Stand by your man, you have no love in you. Good luck to him I say
I believe the UWP was wrong from the very beginning in their approach in my opinion the man had no reason to step down as deputy leader. Did the UWP Leadership fully analyzed the whole situation?
The UWP is not the government and the gentlemen did not hold a Ministry. It seems they over-reacted wanting to show they would do something too. But is that real leadership? The man is still the representative for his constituency and that is a bigger job than his role as deputy leader, who no one can automatically replace. Did the UWP miscalculate and thought of it as an opportunity to replace him as Parl Rep without a By-election? SMH
We have been hearing opposition saying about dictatorship; but we are seeing exactly which side would run the country as a dictatorship. Is this the only member who may have allegedly done something wrong in the party executive or membership? And is the UWP motto “Guilty until proven Innocent but only where some are concerned!!”
Well if a man hangs himself and dies then he has committed suicide. If, however, you find this man hanging by his neck about to die but still alive, and you take a big stone and crush his head, then you will be charged for murder. So if you really want this man dead, why not leave him to die a natural death from his hanging rope and absolve yourself of all responsibility in the death of this man?
The way I see this is that Joshua had already committed political suicide by his refusal to resign as DPL of the UWP. So why not wait for the DC in November to elect new party officials, including the DPL? What political harm would it have done to the party to have a lame-duck DPL particularly since no DPL was not elected on Sunday?
Two wrongs do not make a right. Joshua should have resigned long ago and should take the blame for putting his party in this predicament. The UWP Leadership should have been a bit more politically savvy, though, and not kicked the man while he is on the…
… ground. The only one smiling here is the Labour Party. It is a sad day for those who support the UWP. This is a no-win or a lose-lose situation and I hope that the party will recover quickly and focus on the task at hand: Getting rid of this corrupt and incompetent regime!!!
Today world sir the wrong is popular and right is being punish. One day we all will face the honest truth. Let not ur heart be fested with lies. You have already abandoned the party just say it.
Thanks to the good Lord, he works in mysterious ways, the obstacle in the way preventing Roseau from getting cleaned up is now out of the way. Small Apple here we come. They will not be part of it because they are at war with each other. Mr. Francis, they nail you the way they nail The Christ to the Tree. They cannot take your two arms nor can them take your brain. Keep your honor,for a man with nor honor is as good as dead. It was only a job and there better things to come, keep your spirit up high. The party was not even in power so what. At least you will not be paying out money for the wrong cause. God be with you always. Rise and shine
UWP has a great way of placing nails in their coffin. RIP workers.
@peaceful – Could you explain to us how this incident has placed nails in the UWP coffin?
Repeating meaningless out-of-tune cliches is silly and stale.
Some will say you have a right to your own opinion (whatever that means), but you definitely do not have a right to your own facts.
How has the UWP placed nails in it coffin by dealing with a problem which they did not create in the first place?
Dont worry with them sikiwi you will not have to help pay the 300000 bucks they going to be sued for. Is down the drain the party going join the train and big up yourself.
I love Joshua but he should have stepped aside, it is mind boggling as to why the fuss. In due time he can be anything in the party, let that controversy die.
Joshua I am looking for Principle from you, I and many more will be looking at your steps from there!!!!!!
I did admire the guy. He needs to be humble.
is not because he h as a ton of lawyers veh I nd him for him to think he can be wrong and strong.
honestly, he needs to get out of public life and go and do his private business
DLP dont want him at all
The constituents of Roseau South must now rise against you and Skerrit and demand that you step down as their oalrep, so the could vote someone with no clouds hanging over their head, and someone they can trust to fight to put laws to protect their children.
I wonder why the point is being missed here, the position he held was one of high visibility,and Integrity,all he was asked to do was step down untill the allegations was detained by a court of law…So why all the hedging? That was all he had to do.???
Now that Joshua will undoubtedly cross the floor; since labourites think he could be sure a great leader, I hope they will call for him to replace skerrit, just as often as they call for him to replace Lennox….waiting to see
I sat a few feet away for Julie at 6th Form College. We drank together and hung out so many times, before and after our classes. I recall the conversations we had and his desire to marry a certain girl back then. It’s very rare to actually listen to someone describe their future plans and then see it come to pass and now this.
I’m less interested in the politics and more in who the man is and what he has or will become. For his family’s sake I hope that the rumor mill is wrong this time around. If it’s not, another shining star would have fallen for the ultimate downfall of man from time immemorial.
If the UWP are talking about cleaning up corruption, and they cover-up or tolerate child abuse, or inappropriate sexual behavior of their members, would the UWP be any different than the alleged corrupt politicians in the DLP?
We lead by setting good examples, no one should be above the law, and Francis being a practicing lawyer should know better, and conducted himself in a more appropriate way, he failed himself, there he has to suffer the consequences of his behavior.
The blame is squarely on his shoulders, and on any member of the UWP: I predict in a few days he will be a member of the DLP, the same as Timothy and et. al. when they betrayed Edison James!
Where’s Freedom Party when we need it?
Both Labour and Workers make me sick!
We should not forget when the U W P split over Timothy and Earl Williams, that was the main reason for the demise of u w p sitting in opposition right now, History is again repeating itself a second split between Joshua Francis and the rest, there by putting u w p longer in opposition.
Lennox is paying thousands and thousands to K P B, upon a libel suit, we all jumped onboard and supported him, now that joshua has fallen either through political victimization or weakness or malice we are quick to condemn him, now that lennox is again in need because K P B is not finished with him, this time not my 25cts will support him and i dear say he should resign as political leader because he is proven guilty. while joshua is innocent until proven guilty.
Some people are from several corners of their mouths on this situation. The man did not need to put the party in this predicament. He made a decision and he should have been man enough to step aside and take care of something he and UWP had been attacking about Government Ministers for a long time; and look at the individuals and characters that are associated with the same situation. Association breeds assimilation, and if UWP and Linton did not make this decision, he would have been accused and related to a cover-up. UWP will come out stronger as a result, and the Dominican population will respect the party much more no matter what is Joshua’s outcome. The heck “the party can be sued”…. ludicrous, foolish, and patently uninformed emotional statement that has no legal basis. Did Joshua sign a contract to be a member of the party, and the contract was broken by his termination? Or did he violate the party rules.
Business minded.
Glad you mentioned it because from my analysis this whole broo-ha-ha has always been about the court case stemming from the statement “there can be no honour in a government that harbours rapist Ministers”. How then could the gentleman be allowed to remain in the party having been charged with misconduct which could potentially be bordering on like conduct?
From my analysis that explains the early media involvement and public sharing of all details of discussions and home visits and expectation of resignations etc.
Let us Face the Facts….On whose behalf are you talking. The delegates of the UWP have spoken they do not want Francis to
be the deputy leader of their party any more and You and Him and other outsiders of the UWP MUST accept that. He Francis should weigh his options check his conscience and make a wise decision. He could say ok since I won the seat I will be an independent representative for the Roseau South Constituency and all will be well, but don’t make a fuss the party do not want you as their Deputy Leader, what is the big deal take YOUR CONSTITUENCY and leave. Didn’t UWP form a government without the the Roseau South? They can move without it or rally a another time for it, that is democracy. Ok, Face the Facts guess you are an opposition of the UWP,keep your advice to your self Workers do no need them. Hope you guard and keep those loved ones of yours and family close. So are you condoning those behaviors that brought about this decision? Wow. Hope note.
DNO was quick to report Francis is booted out, the day is over who was elected Deputy leader? Is it Thompson? Just asking.
Take time and read the article, your answer is in it. I could bet a penny that you only read the headlines DNO HAS to report news, that’s what they DO!
There isn’t much for me to comment on the Joshua’s situation, enough said already. However, I would like to hear what DLP Thomas of New Town thinks of Francis’s behavior today at the UWP delegate conference. Remember, the conversation he had with Kamala on the Heng about Joshua and a doctor, just before the 2014 general elections, I wish that conversation could be replayed.
Question is who the UES trying to clear the way for? Who are they going to replace Joshua with? They have their devious plans I am sure.
Such an uninformed report, no indication of who is the new deputy
Obviously, people like you choose to read what you want. Did you read the following at all?
“Member of the party’s executive, Thomson Fontaine, told DNO no Deputy Leader was elected to replace Francis at the event. He said a new Deputy Leader will be elected when the party holds its annual convention in November.”
Member of the party’s executive, Thomson Fontaine, told DNO no Deputy Leader was elected to replace Francis at the event. He said a new Deputy Leader will be elected when the party holds its annual convention in November.
p.s i suppose your only read the first lines of “the report”
UWP just squash the case against Joshua in the magistrate court. He is already tried in the UWP kangaroo court and found guilty.
@School child – So does the Labour party have a kangaroo court also? Why did Pinard resign?
P.S. – Your posting name is very fitting for the nonsense you just posted. Go to school and learn child. Phew.
Workerrrrrssssssss!!!!!
Francis it should not have come to that i’m sorry to say that but you have fallen .you have thrown yourself down . in comparison Ian Pinard is more honorable than you. Little man principle is principle .
Sad Sad day for the UWP, am not convinced that any of the members or Delegates of this party have been looking at the political climate in Dominica closely.
If they did, they would have realized that getting Mr Francis out is not a good move right now for the party; because in the very few Seats they have, the Roseau South one is a JOSHUA FRANCIS seat and not a UWP seat, if you question this, I dare the leader of the UWP to have a public meeting in the Roseau South Constituency right now.
The Roseau South Vote in the last election was not a vote for the UWP, but one for Joshua and against Ambrose George.
I can assure you that the DLP will welcome Joshua with open arms and he will run the next election on a DLP ticket and win the Roseau South seat.
SAD SAD SAD…. the UWP is failing day by day, the leader fails to realize that he is the one who needs to give someone else lead they party, while he works on his personal development and Education
Are you saying that they should sacrifice their principles for a parliamentary seat. Only a DLP supporter would think that way.
Bravo Doc., you said that in one. If UWP had done that they may as well change their name to DLP. Imagine, political expediency before principle. You know, I have not once heard Joshua make a public pronouncement on the the rights of underage children, since his name came into dispute. A lot of people must feel betrayed by him. I do not rejoice about this development but feel very sad.
My sentiments exactly. When Dominicans are for you, you can do no wrong; when they are against you everything you do is wrong. A man with principles will do what is right.
Seats win elections though. The situation could have been handled differently.
This is a nonsensical comment…I applaud the party for sticking to its words that resignation is the appropriate thing…If the mans ego is bigger than him, then the party has the mechanism to remove him…I will go further and say that the party should never trust him again…
Elections are three to four years from now and alot will happen to set people’s minds on many other issues so it is foolish to think that this will affect the UWP election campaign four years from now. Joshua always wanted to be with the same passport selling gang. That is why he is in the same thing involving the same youth and hiring the same lawyer. Enough of Joshua. What the UWP has failed to do is to focus on the issues affecting the people and seem more concerned with internal squabbles. Let us hope now that the focus will be on pushing hard at the government to strengthen the law against child pornography and underage sex, speaking on behalf of our youth as Bernie Sanders does in the USA, the Ti Savanne problem, the road conditions, the farmers plight, the real politics affecting us and the staging of protest meetings all across the island
Birds of a father flock together, if you so sure of what you a trying to say to us and if you have children stop and focus the reason we are here today it’s because of the sexual allegation and stop making it a UWP thing, stop blaming others for the behavior of Joshua because he is not above the law. Another thing you know the party did the correct thing unfortunately the plan that was put into place to hold Linton responsible for keeping Joshua in the position didn’t materialized
I love Joshua but in this case he created this scene so lets move on and keep him in our prayers.
YOu Seem to be walking in the dark with ignorance, with this statement:
“Sad Sad day for the UWP, am not convinced that any of the members or Delegates of this party have been looking at the political climate in Dominica closely……”
Your comment should read:
Sad Sad day for our young girls and boys, and I am convinced that all of the members or Delegates of this respected and decent UWP have been looking at the political climate in Dominica closely and have put the Rights and protection of our children first. Child Abuse by politicians, businessmen, sugar daddy, teachers, step fathers MUST be stamped out.
For political gains you have forgotten how this case started. It is because a child, a minor, it was alleged was interfered with and that is why children are scared to come forward because people like you appear narrow-minded and not in tuned with the rise and high rate of child abuse in Dominica by the big boys in high office. Get your loyalty right and look to the…
For the UWP it is all about principle and morals and nothing else. I rather see the UWP loose a seat in parliament than be seen to preach about certain things but do the exact opposite. We have a party like that already in Dominica and for sure we do not need another one. If the DLP take him, so be it. In fact I would be very surprised if they did not. After all the DLP is all about political power and gain but not about principals, honesty and morals! Good luck Joshua, I hope you make the right decision for your sake as well as our country’s sake.
Francis, keep in mind, when one door closes the other one opens. Every cloud has a silver lining. This is for each and every one of us in the whole wide world; no exception in Dominica.
Everyone is given a chance and a second chance in life which each deserves.
God gives many, many more chances.
It is not the end of the world. Keep your heart and mind at peace.
This is a very Good comment!!! Most Humbled ive heard!
Thank you! There are those who do not, will not appreciate it. It comes from the heart, hopefully through the Holy Spirit on this Sunday evening.
This year is the Year of Mercy (in fact every day) however, it is proclaimed by Pope Francis until end of November.
We must think that, we are human. God knows we are not perfect people. It bothers me that some people love to see the downfall of others and will debase them to that point.
If only those who no longer want him in the Party for these reasons as stated were perfect and could have acted in a different manner. Some people never see themselves and their flaws. God sees!
I wish Francis well. God bless him and help him!
God bless you and also help you throughout your student days and in the future.
WOMAN Face The Fact you are something eles. your hatred for Lennox MUST make you loose your Soul.
You hate LENNOX sooo much that you are willing to forget the under age children who was alledged to be the victim and give support to alledged wrong doing.
YOU ARE A VERY VERY SICK PERSON. You make people like me who are Catholics BOW OUR HEADS IN SHAME. You come on DNO most of the time writing about the teachings of our Faith and with the same breath you condone everthing the is CORUPT, everthing that is EVIL.
MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL. Sad indeed.
Facts : what message you have for the Children, young school children we hear of in the news on a daily basis who have been abused and taken for granted because they are poor and need money?
If you are unable to talk of the truth and analyse the situation in Dominica you may be advised to shut up for a while and read, read the news and get in touch with the real situation. You seem to have no pity for these school children who need an education and not to be violated of their rights and decent upbringing.
When will they boot out Lennox Linton? He will make this Party go bankrupt for all this money he paid and $30,000 more to pay for Court costs for libel. There is still a case pending which he has to answer to. We will hear/read more.
When will you boot yourself out of this bias, ignoramus tell tale, personal vendetta. Why don’t you go ask When will Skerrit resign until we get an account of the massive fraud Lennox reported on, that is the Bin Bobol ….the Fertilizer bobol and te Layou River Hotel fiasco.
Are you a patriotic Dominica or a very bias observer form a far?
$340,000.00 more!!!
This is too bad. There are some wicked people in the UWP. When the case is called, if he wins it, he could sue UWP.
Francis deserved to be heard. You guys have no manners. You did not give him an opportunity to deliver his speech. This is extremely poor on your part. The gull of them. As if they have led or live a decent life. They are not without sin. God knows them and what they have done, so far, in their lifetime. Hypocrites and traitors; playing goody two shoes which you are not! Shame on you! Your day is coming.
Why didn’t you say the same thing to Skeritt about allowing Pinard to be heard, when he accepted Pinard’s resignation.
Ian Pinard resigned before any one of us knew it or had the time to comment. Remember his name was not immediately mentioned until he spoke to the Media and as posted on DNO. It is my feeling he should not have resigned but he did. Therefore, we leave it at that.
I could stand in Court and defend them. I could put the young woman or women of the night and their lawyers to shame. I am no fool. I have written much on this matter (enough to write a book) of what they are accused of. I think, utilize my common sense and reason matters out.
I am not a lawyer. I once defended someone I know at an immigration hearing. The person won the case. At the end of that session, the Immigration Officer complimented me and said, “Do you know some people pay a lawyer $5,000 to defend them? I surprised them. Today the amount is much more. For that amount of money, not all cases are won by defense lawyers.
Someone told me his brother was denied a visitor’s landing. He paid that amount to his lawyer to speak on behalf of and defend his brother at an immigration hearing. Many have paid that much and more today.
I am not bragging but I can speak and I can make some people hop too without being rude and disrespectful. The pen is also mightier than the sword. I use my intelligence that God endowed me with including inheriting it from my parents/ ancestors.
There are those who know me who think I could make a good spokesperson. I can also do it with a smile, even a laugh (not in anger) which makes some marvel. When I have to, I am not afraid to stand up for myself and do a good job of it. I command respect and I always get it. What is more, I know who I am, etc. and am full of confidence. I never spew negativity (not unduly so) which is not part of my character.
Do not mess around with me.
If you are not informed,stop talking foolishness…Any party member who believes that he or she is bigger than the party should leave the party…After his behaviour at the Delegates Conference today,personally I believe that he should be dismissed from the party…It’s all I can say.He has no mind of his own…He is a yo yo that can be used by everyone who wishes to.
Some of you always think you know people, what is in their mind/brains and how they feel. You analyze and parse people as if you know them more than they know themselves, always judging and condemning. You are always wrong.
If he has a kind, mild disposition, so be it. Some people are people-pleasers. They are not aggressive and antagonistic, etc. while others are quite the opposite. It is their personality. Are you condemning a man because of his character and personality traits?
When Lennox and his gang ministers walked out of Parliament. He did not. He did something correct. He had manners to remain. The others with Lennox as ring leader did not. Since then some of you have it for him beginning with Lennox.
Concentrate on the criminals/murderers of Dominica who have no heart, no conscience for anyone whatsoever. See what you can do to eradicate them for your own good, safety and peace of mind. First do it in worship and prayer.
Face the Facts, just in case you missed the earlier response. Here goes. Wake up from your ignorance
When will you boot yourself out of this bias, ignoramus tell tale, personal vendetta. Why don’t you go ask When will Skerrit resign until we get an account of the massive fraud Lennox reported on, that is the Bin Bobol ….the Fertilizer bobol and te Layou River Hotel fiasco.
Are you a patriotic Dominica or a very bias observer form a far?
seriously speaking, Mr. Francis, you should boot yourself out instead of being booted out. you should have just done it like Mr. Pinard and nicely make your exit. you cant be wrong and strong.
Good! Now that party can move on from this nonsense and focus on the business of the country.
WHERE???????????????????????????????????? WhErE it Moving on????
Yes, we will tell you.. Move on To continue to discover and uncover the corrupt practices of this corrupt labour party government. There are still unfinished busness
Yes, we will tell you.. Move on To continue to discover and uncover the corrupt practices of this corrupt labour party government. There are still unfinished business
Wait until Lennox pays the $30,000 and the other case he has to answer to. See what happens then.
Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss I agree.
Move on to the gutters. wait for it. Linton will kill that party before the next election. more to come it has just began
Stone that the builder refused shall be the head corner stone…Bob Marley..
Bob Marley did not make that statement.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said it about himself, about the people who rejected him: “The stone that the builder reject shall be the corner stone.”
*Bible
3 people all arrested and charged with indecent assault involving a minor.
1 resign one time, another one go MIA and on a down low, but a next one decide he want embarrassment.
So Ned, Floyd, Car Lie, Hillary and Tammy making noise for him like none of what they had to say carried any weight.
Well all who embarrassment well get their embarrassment. Form allu own party or go meet labour and have a nice day. Bah Bye
Today he found out in grand style who carries the weight.
You are so right…These are the characters that he listens to..He forgot those who campaigned with him…The UWP should never trust this man again…
Wow! Did it really had to come to that? Totally disappointed. Shall we just move on?
YOU WERE THE WEAKEST MEMBER OF THE TEAM..The Labourites used you at will.They knew you were a weakling!!! The UWP should start looking for someone to represent them in any subsequent general election!!!You were NOT a team player..You were talking evil about the leader to all and sundry…YOU GOT A SERIOUS BEATING at the delegates conference…That is good for you!!!
Nothing to celebrate!
For someone who seemed so humble during the last election campaign you had to make it come to this? It now makes me wonder what really is your agenda
We need to look at allll our politicians. not only joshua, there are loottts of wolves in sheep clothing, both in and out
God knows who they are. They will not escape.
EXTREMELY GOOD NEWS,however I go further to say that it is a good thing that the party did not win with such an easily manipulated member by people on the other side…The UWP must start looking for a suitable candidate to contest ROSEAU SOUTH next time around…This guy is too weak,he can be tossed about like a windball by anyone…He is finished as a politician because the other side does not want him anyway!!!!
Amen to that!
Come on Joshua, you have surely disappointed me. I have absolutely no more respect for you. Don’t come to my home again. You know who!!!! Kings Hill!
How many disappoint God with their words and lifestyle?
Make sure during your life you do not disappoint anyone.
and thats the end of the UWP, “they” the party have just lost my confidence and this party shall never rise to the status of government in power. new party here we come!!
When people are used to having and entertaining corrupt government and corrupt practices they become wilfully blind and stubborn like Francis, and will also fall. The more the evidence is clear in our faces some still are not convinced and blind.
The reputation and prestige of the \UWP and its leadership ahs risen very high, a very high level indeed. I rather UWP lose an election of decency and principle that win with false hopes , corrupt practises and fail to perform when in office with everyday questions raised about the Pm and his corrupt government and questionable practices.
Its not a surprise it was being mentioned.
Bye bye, this looks like the end of your short political career. You should not have allowed the situation to get to this point, you should have stepped aside instead of forcing this delegates conference which resulted in you been unceremoniously kicked out. In the end you sounded like a rambling fool.
Someone squealed on him and the others. That person primarily caused it. That person will not escape God’s due punishment. Christians should know that.
No one heals him/herself by harming others.
I’m a labourite but any day I rather Joshua Linton grudging the man the $330.000 i waiting for the radio fund since Mr come in workers is problem he that HV to resigne not Francis he is the most loved workers
Politics is not about the most love etc etc…
It is about protected the poor, vulnerable, abused, rejected and promoting decency and accountability in government. You hang about this corrupt Labour arty too much. Like Joshua, you will wake up one day.
Good, well stay labour and welcome Joshua to the belly of the deadly beast. Meme- bet, meme pwell! You all have absolute no decency and only care about me, myself and I like those wearing red and shouting labar-kar-twavaye. You all don’t give a rats-posterior about the country and its future as long as you can full your pockets.
Soon Joshua will regret his actions if he has not started doing so yet. Time has a funny way of telling but we all know the saying; When rouges and vagabonds fall out, just men get their rewards.
Always Assertive!
Excellent, time to get mister off his high horse. Now let him test the people that voted him in with a bye election. I campaigned hard for him cause I looked at him as a humble person. He has proven he is anything but humble. Any bi election I campaigning hard hard against him.
And next time round, whether he come for UWP, labor, independent, or new party, he not getting my vote
This also goes for Yes above:
Not a sinner, eh?
I also campaigned for him…Never knew those who degraded him in such a vicious and humiliating way would then turn back and use him as a conduit to get at Lennox Linton..Never knew that he was such a weak person,easily manipulated..That’s why I am calling for his dismissal from the party.
Joshua ,,,humble yourself. Please do the honourable thing and not walk out of meeting, but excuse yourself from your position until the case has been called. This is a request, an honourable one and a decent one.
A case of child abuse accusation upon someone like yourself holding this position in the a party, albeit Deputy Leader should have resigned until the case is called.