It is official.
After days of rumors, speculations and hearsay, Edison James, political leader of the UWP, has confirmed that he will not be seeking re-election in the next General Elections constitutionally due by March 2015.
He also said he will be stepping down as political leader.
He made the announcement earlier at a party press conference.
He said he made his intention known to the party two weeks ago.
In response to reports that journalist and talk show host, Lennox Linton, is being considered for the role of political leader, James said he would support Linton for that position. However, he pointed out that a new leader can only be selected by a delegates conference.
“There are other people who have what it takes but the Constituency of Marigot including my self, have identified Mr. Linton as a suitable person to be the candidate and to be the elected representative for Marigot,” he said. “So it stands to reason to the extent that Mr. Linton name has surfaced in the context of the leadership effort I think every body would be surprised particularly the people of Marigot if I didn’t support Mr. Linton.”
James also pointed out that he will be throwing his weight behind the party to make sure it wins the next general election.
James has been member of parliament for Marigot since 1990.
President of the party, Ezekiel Bazil, speaking at the press conference, said Linton has been endorsed by the Marigot Constituency Association.
Meanwhile Opposition Leader, Hector John, though not removing his name from the leadership hat, said he will support anyone who has been elected by the delegate’s conference to be leader of the party.
MP for Roseau, Norris Prevost, who, besides James and John, is the only other elected UWP parliamentarian, said he would make his position known on the choice of a political leader for the party at the delegates conference.
Dear ADMIN i posted 2 comments 12 hours ago,” awaiting moderation”…. Can u please post or just delete so i can move on !
DOMINICANS, do you know what you all really want eh?you all was saying all the time uwp sleeping< now they wake up and you all fall asleep, make up you all freaking mind what you want or else you all will make this man scary come back in power and hunt all you behind. then behind misery that will have misery. you all dont see half of the problem yet stay there and green your teeth with the situation that is going on. overseas dont want more people in there country like before though so you have to stay here and suck salt for sugar.so wake up and make a damn change shate man
it is high time that the UWP develop their party. where is the strong and vibrant workers party we had before,u think skerrit would be in power all now,get down to business my friend
The opposition must think of its candidate strategy very carefully. There are certain constituencies which require the presence of a matured political representative not withstanding the fresh injection of new “blood” into the party. In coming up with the ideal candidate for a given constituency they should consider the demographic make up of such. When one ackowledges these demographic dynamics, one will be in a better position to critically assess the strength and weaknesses of any candidate.
Dat must bring problem in UWP camp, Lennox just enter and he leader already lol
@ WHO VEX LOST Even if you are vex, but UWP is a united party where people of integrity and honesty have decided to serve. Trust me there will be absolutely no problems in the party because of that. In fact this will get everyone closer together. Finally I would really like to see Lennox as Dominica’s next PM.
MP for Roseau, Norris Prevost, who, besides James and John, is the only other elected UWP parliamentarian, said he would make his position known on the choice of a political leader for the party at the delegates conference
Not so convincing and united
No it will not bring any probs. Just like when Skerrit was a young man and just jump infront of many senior people and took over.
UWP is more civilize than that.
They will respect the views of the voting group.
So don’t try to put any divisions in the peoples heads.
DNO,
All I wrote was that Mamo had deymattay Edison”s political career and that he never saw the seat of the PM again, you chose not to post it?? WHy?? What is so wrong in that??
DEAR DOMINICANS:
Is it truly change you seek or expect with the handing over of the UWP reigns? Dominica has NO CHANGE coming no matter who is in power! Sorry! The sad facts are that the agriculture industry is now almost dead throughout the region, there is nothing to export and tourists hardly visit this rugged, volcanic island. Dominica’s economic future rests soundly on the shoulders of Drug smugglers, money launderers and generous family members overseas. It’s a sad era for our beloved Country but it’s reality. This is not a joke, Dominica is now walking the exact same path as Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic! Check the facts!!
A lot of you misunderstanding how the UWP system works. The out going leader explained it. He is not contesting again… His constituency is putting up Lennox to replace him. When the time comes to elect the leader, he will be supporting Lennox, but any other constituency can recommend somebody to be leader. He even said some body can be nominated from the floor on the day of the elections. Let the process roll. Haters thats for you too….
i think that sanford… based on his ideas and plans and his knowledge, experience and education would be a better individual that will take dominica forward… we are not just talking about a member of the uwp… we are talking about someone who has the potential of being the next leader of the country…
Mr. James you are an honorable man. You have done well. You always said that one greater than you will follow to echo to sentiments of John the Baptiste. You are way to nice/modest for what needs to be done. Lennox will take it from here.
Nothing wrong in having Lennox Lincton on the U W P train but there is something seriously wrong with him leading the party, the party leader apart from just qualification must have the human touch,and we are dealing with the people of the nation most of whom are politically sencitive, and we need to have some one that have that kind of personallity.Claudius Sanford is now working on his doctorate will be perhaps the most qualified if not the most, he is kalinago to whom the country originally belonged have we even thought that his ancestors might just bless this naion if the real son of the soil takes the leadership of the party
Dominicans must realize that this country is cursed through inocent kalinago blood that shed all over it and the wider caribbean and is only by giving we are getting. time for a real change time for kalinago and time for claudius Sanford.
I so agree with you Kalinago.
Thats a huge error. I feel so sad Mr.James should run as political leader in the next election then pass on the baton. Mr, James my heart aches.
i agree with you 1000%
We cannot have two leaders. LENNOX IS THE MAN! OK!
No he is just not the man to bring the party to victory
Linton for PM in then DA will finish.
@dee well Skerrit & his Labour Party already hav D/ca on life support at PMH, Right now all Rat should jump overboard
@ Dee, read ur comment before u post..( Lennox for PM in them DA finish) IDOIT.. What ‘s wrong with Lennox?
@ dee Yes Dominica will finish being a poor and mismanaged country. Dominicans will once more walk with their heads high. Our governance will have less thievery, less greedy people, less insultive leaders, who clearly cannot do the job.. That’s why I want Lenny for PM.
All who putting those nagative comments here are labour party people hating and pretending to be uwp.SO KEEP STEPING IDIOTS
Job Well Done Mr James. The party still needs your advice.
Mr. James, you served Dominica well. Please give your support to the party. Offer all the suggestions and make all the recommendations that you know will help the party.
I pray that some men with backbone will be part of the Uwp and help save the dying country.
Skerrit needs to go,otherwise he will become a dictator
I think this is a good move man. UWP needs fresh blood in there.
Am confused with this UWP party….who is boss Hector? Ron? Lennox? in other words if UWP win the next election who will be the prime minister?
All now so you are already confused, CAL. Red Hot has you all in soooooooo confused!!
Workers……… ɪ̣̝̇ can §є̲̣̣̣̥є̲̣̣̣̥ the labourites trembling. M̶̲̥̅̊y̶̲̥̅̊ advice to û mr skerrit. Do whatever û ђa̲̣vẹ̷̥̊ to do to win the next election because ɪ̣̝̇ guaranty ÿ̲̣̣̣̥oû, anytime mr linton become prime minister of this ¢ǿûŋτ̲̣̣̥rÿ̲̣̣̣̥ û will properly investigated. Workers………. ά̲̣̣̣̥ŋd mr lennox linton û got M̶̲̥̅̊y̶̲̥̅̊ vote for sure for sure.
alas look madness,you mean with all the qualified and non controversial people in dominica,is lennox linton they want for uwp leader..and eddo talking about winning election..eddo keep dreaming sai sar, sort zor sort.the way john and the uwp talk is like nothing serious, or possitive is taking place under the labor party. anyhow if horses were wishes,beggers would ride
@Possie Born/NYC.. U wearing ur ignorance like a badge of honor..get a life..
Thank you Honourable James. You served well!
I wish him the best in whatever he does. Forward we go as a nation and all parties should work to a common goal.
Eddison James has demonstrated to Dominicans the Country can be developed with good leadership. It is left to the people to find NEW leaders to help save our beloved Country. Dominica has the worst leader since independence, it’s time for “CHANGE”.
Lennox cannot become loveable overnight, when Earl was in his camp and in time of trouble refused to help him. Jen Salisbury so they treating all you? Where is Spags? Where is Claudius that stuck through thick and thin, but no that is the Marigot/Wesley Cabal machine in operation. So Edo will still remain the leader behind the scenes… UWPites open your eyes…….
I guess you didn,t know Lennox and Earl the grand kids of a brother(Templer williams) n sister(Georgiana Williams), so before you run your trap BLOOD IS MUCH THICKER THAN WATER. What would be calling Linton now corrupt? well Earl bless my cousin heart made his bed he is lying in it this too shall pass for him, he is a big boy
DNO,
when i evaluate the comments, its is clear you are putting most comments favourable to UWP and deleting posts like mine.
Remember elections are won at the polls not in the media.. On the ground….. Lennox is way above ground, not palatable, not a peoples person and much too arrogant.
Have no fear the best is yet to come Marigot will embrace Lennox Linton AFUH AWE .
Thats the best i have seen.. so far… considering you guys.. Good Job..lennox… pull your.. weight help the youth please
best news everrrr its time skirrit get his match!!lenox for pm!!!
Eh las papa. You mean to say that’s the best the blue party could do? While this move to make Lennox leader may excite the fanatical base, the fact is the majority, even while they may be getting fed-up of the current PM (many veiwing him as becoming very arrogant and self-centred) would find it difficult replacing him with someone who is obviously more arrogant and self-centred, who walks around like a peacock. The best thing would have probably been to have allowed for new blood such as say a Thompson Fountaine or the like.. But then again, it seems like it’s always the vocal few (fanatics) who call the shots in these political parties, and the rest just have to seat back and pay the price!!!
His life (Lennox’s)is an open book of honesty, integrity and a champion of good governance. Give me a man like that everyday, and to Hell with you being conceited. So all you Skerrit Labourites will never succeed with that crap,about Lennox being conceited.Funny enough all you never ever mentioned the Pm as being arrogant. Dominica needs politicians who will move the country forward, politicians who will make us proud to be Dominican, politicians who are not greedy, incompetent and lazy. We need politicians who can do the job, not those who will fight to see who GET RICH THE FASTEST!Dominica needs politicians like Lennox Linton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lLENNOX IS THE MAN!
Thank you Honourable James for the long and selfless service you have given to Dominica. You ruled with honesty and integrity. During your stint as PM, we had a manageable National Debt, a booming agricultural sector, tourism was making its way with leaps and bounds. Who can forget the constructs of new schools at Grandbay and CastleBruce,the road to Fab, Delice Petite Savanne road,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,etc,…..
At that time I was a blind Labourite,and I regret fully, since I am part of the reason why Dominica is presently in this poor and miserable state. But it’s never too late to change.THAT’S WHY I AM NOT ASHAMED TO BE A SUPPORTER OF UWP NOW!
THANDK YOU HONOURABLE JAMES.
WITH LENNOX, on board the party will definitely be in good hands.
Change is not an option! It’s a must!
I agree
So, so true. But Thompson Fontaine while I believe would be ideal, will not put himself in that jooboom.
I wonder if Thompson would like a lapdog like you to speak on his behalf. Are you sick or what.
So Matt might step up too as Minister of Telecommunications?
Once he has the qualifications. Isn’t he a Dominican? You thought he is Chinese?
I’m now feeling confident that Dominican will, move forward and compete on the interantional sceen.
I like the idea of this new edition and hope you guys will come to Grandbay to tell us how you plan to develop this part of the island.
True that.
We will vote for you all instead. Enough already of the double talks.
Both the GrandBay Constituency and the Petite Savanne Constituency need to dump this Labour Party that continue to take them for a poverty ride. Nothing worthy of mention has been done in these constituencies from 2000.OOPS a Police Station in GrandBay! The only thing Skerrit does is when election is approaching (like now) he patch one or two things in these constituencies. The people vote him because of that, then their abject poverty, low standard of living, low quality of life continue to plummet downwards.
One man cannot take the people for fools like that. This is gross disrespect. My vote for sure is not his, or that of the person who represents his brand of Labour Party.
Now that he true MEN in Dominican have made up their mind to take us to the level of the other carribean courties and even those wider a field , I want all Dominican to join hands and come together for this refreshing change that will take us to higher hieghts.
No more small mentallity and victimization, a more robost justice system and health care for all.
Come one, come all , let us vote for change. “Yes we can.”
Oh PLEASEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pwen garde “vote for change” pas fewe meytey lanmenwe asou tete ou epi pwan helay when the change comes around. People it will not get better, the arrogance is even more obvious in him if that person is their choice of leader
poor fool
change from what good to bad?..you right all of you uwpites vote for change$$$$$..we the majority of Dominicans are not for sale,and we will not be bought in disguised for change..$$$$
you are already bought and sold and is on the market again
Mr .James thank you for your contribution to Dominica and its people wish you all the best in your future… To fellow Dominicans I hope you all embrace the change and vote a different Govenment UWP in government .In my opinion 15 years of poverty and unemployment was enough . Don’t allow these greed driven politicians to lead us into further debt . Every year is loans for infrastructure ( building state palace , building business for their wife, villas and huge college) and no loans to build the economy and create jobs or invest in production and agriculture …This will be my first time voting and i cant wait to vote them out!
I am happy that Mr James will continue to play a role in the Party! He is a seasoned politician and still hasalot to offer!
I wish Mr. Linton well. He now has to be his own man, energise the UWP base, atrract new faces to the party and start the candidate selection process to attract credible candidates who can win their seats.
Obviously some of those who failed to win their seats in the last General Elections MUST be prepared to stand down and support new candidates!
I also hope that there is no bitter Leadership fight at the delegates c
onference!
i think Linton’s role as investigator, journalist, advocate for the truth, trouble maker, whatever you may label him as, has served the people of Dominica well since the government has, in retrospect, thought of the things that they have done and considered the consequences prior to taking action. Now that he has positioned himself to play the converse role who will play his role? the part that Linton has played in Dominica’s politics should not be overlooked whether you agreed or disagreed. good luck man. Don’t forget: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH when your role has changed.
The man is just good! I AM PROUD OF HIM! We need more men like Lennox in dominica. NOT SKERRIT!
VOTE PEOPLE VOTE! Make your VOICES HEARD.
Yes, we will. Labour again!!!
I respect your decision Mr. James. It tells you trust in the Country’s ability for continuation and providing an opportunity for new leaders. Some amoungst us must take this example
Y he did not make room for Tim Tim. UWP would have been bac in office by now
It is obvious why he did not. See where Tim Tim ended up. Tim should stick to his roots. Changing floor was about him and not Country. A strong leader will stick to his principles and would stick with his party through challenging times not for the false hope of doing good. A strong opposition is just as important as the ruling party because it is the only limited check and balance our political system has. Good luck to Mr Linton
good point that is why he should not interfere this time around
Good move, fresh blood,different opinions, new face,
You people crying, for change, but on the orther hand, saying I NOT VOTING ????
Mr. James made the right decision,because he knows he doesnt stand a chance to be a Prime Minister again. To me je was a good Prime Minister,If the voters had given him a second term he would have done good for our country,It was a shut term for him in office to me alot done in his shot term.
Can’t agree with you more. It’s a shame to see the level of governance we have now.Men/Women who are fighting to become wealthy, and to Hell with country.
another good decision but at the wrong time. Why now mr. james and UWP? Is it just your way of just handing skerrit the next election and put DA under more hardship? Lenox as leader sounds good but bad timing. That should have been done immediately after the last election. The maths is simple: with Edo as leader, UWP won in 1995 and had it not been for an untimely election they rushed in 2000, they would be in government all now. The last time the ran with Edo as leader they won 9 seats; for some stupid reason they killed the party when they made Earl Williams the leader. Under Ron as head the only won 3 seats. When Edo came back people were coming back but now Edo is gone at such a bad time, Dominica is going to have to suffer for another 5 yrs. Alas UWP, why don’t you all think of Dominica before all u rush to make stupid announcements nou? I like Lenox for leader but timing is very poor
Good move Mr. James. I find u take well long to make such a decision.
Lennox Linton for leader is not a good move. He will excite the base of the party but the party needs more than its base to win the next general elections. The leader must have the potential to go beyond party lines. UWP delegates think before you make that mistake again. Look outside the box, shift the paradigm, think creatively. Dominica needs UWP leadership to act in its best interest. Mr. Linton my advice to you take a central role in the politics but you will not be palatable to labourites as a whistle blower. People dont usually like whistle blowers. Consider people like Dr. Thompson Fontaine, a les polarised figure who is qualified with a PHD in econmics and understands economics.
way to go worker..i in full support of the parties decision, Mr Linton u have my full support..But i think Mr James should not step Down but never the less i will be voting next time around for UWP,,Never me with Labour again..
I have not known a better Statesman than Hon. Edison James. Personally, I believe he has a lot still to offer the Country and it is my sincere wish that retirement from active politics does not mean retirement from service.
As for me I want to thank Honourable Eddison James to standing in the line of fire, no matter what and doing that which he held a strong conviction for. If I were Labour supporters I’d worry less about UWP affairs and more about the immature calf that has been over milked for cheese and butter making even when it taytay flat! Dominica will NEVER be a one party state and only damn fools would wish for that out of sheer ignorance,without understanding the ramifications of such idolatry. Governments must be kept in check period.
We do not want Kadaffis nor Castros we are Happy to have had Mr. James He is more like a Mandela.He served and now He is stepping down Graciously.According to what Mr. Skeritt has said it seems He wants to be like a Mugabe and I don’t think that leaders withing a Democratic arena should behave that way
Mr james was are good man. U did your best. enjoy your retirement.
sometimes fire have to be fought with fire. hope workers leader have the blows to stand and charllenge skerrit and the labour party. skerrit and his friend taste power and will all know what thats those to someone. charvez, hitler, saddam, and even drug papa know, they will die before they give it up.
Mr. James has made the right choice by stepping down. It is time to pass on the baton. The Party has lost three elections under his helm, they must restrategize in an attempt to gain votes. Realistically, Lennox won’t make a difference, he has only succeeded in dividing the country. Anyway rational thinking person can see through the real Lennox, a bias individual who engages in role play to try to fool the masses He is no genuine patriot, since he doesn’t condemn all wrong.
Skerrit and the Labor Party must be quaking in their pants.Leader or no leader,when Mr. Linton gets into Parliament,we will want to know where all de money go.
Oh oh Mr James you were the best leader this party has ever seen to date. Sorry lenox i cant and wont be voting for you or the party
Change is good. Mr James i would like to thank you for all what you have done for The Commonwealth of Dominica since forming this Centrist political Party..You have done us well sir. I sure will miss your speeches tho, May God keep on blessing you everyday…..Mr Skerrit Linton coming for u..lol
which speeches??? lol
@SNOW WHITE Well i assume you listen to one side alone, that is bad… U should not b blinded by party color you should analyze which party got a development plan for this Nature Isle.. Oh your answer to your question” the many speeches he gave during his 23 yrs of public service to the Commonwealth of Dominica”. Forward we going with Lennox..
All three elected members of the UWP have made it clear during this morning’s conference that they will not seek the position of political leader of the UWP at the upcoming Delegates Conference. That’s how, DNO, the story on the party leadership should have been reported.
maybe you fail to realize that this story was posted before the news conference… ugggg
good move every leader ,know when it’s time to bow gracefully,rather than dying in office or going out in disgrace.He has made his contribution no matter what one might say, so it’s time to make way for someone else. thank you ,sir
DNO, the announcement by Edison James that he will be stepping down as Marigot rep at the next general election is NOT NEW. Edison James stated right after the December 2019 general elections that he will not contest another general elections. So, the news this morning is not new; it is a repetition of his decision announced the day after the Dec 19 2009 elections.
December 2019???
Good move and well timed. Labour is doing too much nonsense and its time Skerrit meet his match. Come on, Lennox is much more intelligent than Skerrit and all the labour foot soldiers.
I am not voting again.
My own party, labour rejected me. All now my three children graduate from college and none can find a job not even to bathe a dog in Roseau!
I and my children alone that feeling my pain God damn it!
Dear Grand Bay Laborite,
I beg you to please vote. This is the only basic right you have to make a change in your village.
For too long now Grand Bay has been taken for a ride and get nothing in return for their votes. Just pay attention to the northern sector of the island. After all, we pay taxes too! Vote Labour out of Grand Bay please I beg.
wow, you reaching low wiiii…..to wash a dog…
And let me tell you somethng, when people are intelligent they create stuff, find jobs…not on radio creating confrontations everyday
@ SNOW WHITE I hear a lot of that on a radio show code name ‘The Animal Show”. You must listen to these supporters of evil.
Intelligent Snow white. They graduated so they should probably look into creating their small niche (small business). There are organization to help them with grants or loans to start up. Stop waiting for someone to do everything for you.
Praise God, you have graduated. How can you move forward if you cannot praise God for your graduation. You cannot move forward if you are ungrateful to the Father for his mercies and having you where you are.
Then, thats why you should vote, not voting, no change
You to like hand-outs
Since I started to vote 30 years ago is labour I voting because of Pierro and Roosie Douglass. Now instead things get better, is worst it getting all the time. Since my husband died five years agoave gotten real rough.
My palrep tell me go red clinic and trust me, I go there more than 10 times just to be told wate for next month. Up to this day, not a zondolie I can eat with Red Clinic money.
Well I say I not going again because my children quarelling for me. They don’t like me going and beg in the Red Clinic.
So I wash my hand. Fe Ne Bat!
Not voting for anyone.
You all can call it what ever! Hand out? Hand In? Hand down? or Hand up?
Every month I getting my $1,200.00 from my palrep.
Thank you Skero!
Its because of you I eating and is able to pay my 26 inch flat screen from Shabaz.
I am hoping that they can increase p that in the next budget because I hear Skero say he rather set me up and leave the road users suffer.
Labour all the way!
Grand-bay you should vote against them your not the only one in the situation ..I am a youth and I have been unemployed for over a month now after finishing college with good grades and also my friend and lots of others are in the same situation so I feel for you and your children .. You should vote against them they killing the country
Aren’t you a little selfish… At least all your children graduated. You should give thanks for this as well so you can get bigger and better blessing. If the country was not doing well, they would have not been able to go to school far less to graduate. Give thanks to God that you have 3 Graduands in your home. On another note, have not one felt of progressing thru a small business of their own as the Government cannot employ everyone not even it is UWP or Pappy Government. We need when we get the WC to use it and clean ourselves rather than getting the WC, using it and still waiting for the paper to use and most ridiculous wanting the person who gave us the WC in the first place to wipe us.
Mr.James you served Dominica well,all the best to you,lennox linton will do even better than you,UWP the only party by choice !!!
Eddo I hope you bring Ron Green retire with you. The best to you sir.
I hope Skeritt retires and concentrates on His new Family He has been there long enough.By now He should have a Baby bump though He has not presented His wife to the People of Dominica,A Bad move on His part ,Disrespectful in my view.
I don’t think I want to vote again
I understand how you fell, but I hope the new leader can energizer the party base.
Please, please vote! That’s the only way to take back your country from those who are about to turn it over to the Chinese. Again, please vote.
Now this is unbelievable. Totally outrageous. WHY? I think that this is a wrong move for the party. Not that we are dependant on Mr. James, but I see him as the backbone of the party. So not in favour right now.
Mr. James will still be the backbone and Lennox with be the Young Sharp teeth of the Party to cut through the corruption of the DLP
Young
define young
Well is now allu die. LOL
lol
I just cannot stand hypocrites. You are part of the same crew who used to say, time for Eddo to pass it on, he there long enough.
You know well Mr. or Mrs Labourite is all of you guys that want Eddo gone. If you listen to the voice of the true workers, they are prepared to stay with Eddo.
Sit there and wallow in ignorance. Are you thinking about Dominica and your children future? When rain falls it does not fall on one roof. Change is not an option it’s a must!
We want Linton for pm, we want Linton for pm, we want linton for pm
Mr James all the best u did your best for Dominica like every other leader did hats off to mr linton he too will do well for Dominica peace and may God bless u all and Dominica
As a UWP supporter I am disappointed, but take this opportunity to thank Mr. James for his contribution to Dominica and wish him all the best in his future.
now thats de end of the party
One can only hope and pray that is the end od uwp, but like a bad penny i am sure they will be back
UWP have a democratic right as a party and citizens of Dominica to be part of the electoral process. Aren’t some of you tired of speaking garbage on the world wide web. What the hell is a bad penny?
Like the jagan singer would say send them come send another one come,like i always say same difference.
wey papa look syn..
Rumors these days have more truth to them than the truth itself. This whole changeover and UWP reorganization was in the making for some time now. First Lennox (stale news) now Edison (the expected reaction)