When parliament convenes today for the first time since the December 18 General Elections there will be several new faces, including 24-year-old Tammy Jean-Jacques – the Dominica Labour Party’s (DLP) youngest senator.
Jean-Jacques will be joined by Bentley Royer, who contested the Salisbury constituency on a DLP ticket and lost to United Workers Party candidate Hector John.
Dayton Baptiste of Marigot is another new addition to the parliament. Baptiste contested the December 18 General Elections in the Marigot constituency on a DLP ticket. He lost to UWP stalwart Edison James.
Senators Alvin Bernard and Charles Savarin were sworn in together with the 15-member Cabinet on January 04. Bernard is Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Savarin holds the post of Minister for National Security, Labour and Immigration.
Tammy,
I am very happy you got the opportunity to serve at the highest office (parliament). I believe you are very capable and your professionalism will be displayed. Congratulations again and may God guide you.
community member
@zam, you have to start somewhere. There are no qualifications for being a politician but willingness to serve your country. These young people are willing to serve, give them a break.
We need more like them because it appears our “seasoned” politicians cannot take the very thing you are mentioning such as defeat (Does Ron Green ring a bell?)
Many people have made politics a life time career and they started young (Ted Kennedy in the US is the first that comes to mind, and I am sure there are many in the Caribbean also)
So I am not sure what is your point.
Indeed its amazing! what are the requirements of a politician? I am firmly for solid politicians in the Land but trust me, young folks being politicians can be a wring move. People should come in and serve with a willing heart. What will happen to all these young politicians in the making, when the reality of fame and fortune will hit home someday? How will the be able to handle defeat and all the pressures that come with public life? what are the motives for serving or entering the arena so young when there are options to better qualifiy oneself as professionals. I think these young politicians in the making should reflect on these issues. Remember nothing under the sun last forever. Education is key in this arena and qualificATION with experience as well. We neeed people who are highly qualified and ready to serve state without reservations and other motives. Age brings wisdom it is said in the world of the wise>
Great move Mr. PM. Mr. Bentley I am certain you will serve salibury well.
Let God be the guide and controler of this government!
yes she is 24 …..congrats tammy its a well deserved position…you have the brains ,beauty and i know you can contribute positively to the parliament and you will make us here in kings hill proud. you go girl hard work and determination has taken you to THE NEXT LEVEL.
that woman can never be 24 yrs old. why see looking so old like that.
Congrats Mr. Royer! We are proud of you. You will make it to be a minister in 2015!
HOW OLD DID U SAY THIS YOUNG LADY IS?
@forward Thinking, what is your point?
Whenever there are rivalries the aim is to undermine your opponent as much as you can. In politics it is no different. Appointing senators from these hard core constituencies is one way of undermining the opponent one block at a time.
It is a good political move. The reason why Grandbay and Portsmouth have remained “solid as a rock” DLP strongholds is because the successive opponents of the DLP have simply ignored them as “not winnable” and nothing has been done.
If Grandbay or Portsmouth or Marigot is to be won by the opposing side, forays must be made into them, explore and find weaknesses in the armor and exploit them.
Its a good move.
Great choice of senators, now every constituency in Dominica will be represented in the house on the Government side, so even if the opposition refuses to attend the House of Assembly, and conduct the people’s business, their constituencies will not be neglected.
Our PM surely is an astute and intelligent individual, but more so he really cares for the people of Dominica, above all else. May God continue to give him the guidance to lead our nation on the right path.
God bless Dominica!
I AGREE with the choices Mr. PM.
Let the UWP realise that nothing in their bag should be considered safe.
Let them always be looking over their shoulders.
Let them take nothing for granted.
Let them always feel threatened.
Let them always have to wake-up with heartburn.
Let them always be wondering what is your next move.
Let them know we firing on all cylinders.
Let them never forget, we will accept nothing less than total surrender.
Let them know next time we making a clean sweep. 21 SEATS. GO LABOUR.
18-1 why bother with more seats? get a grip forward thinking, it does not matter what the PM does you will have something to say.
Psychology at work Mr Prime Minister??? Hhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!
What a strategy to appoint senators from hard-core UWP seats. Shrewd move indeed.! Preparing for the next by-election or general election Mr Prime Minister??!!!
From an analyst perspective, this move will not work. These constitutencies are staunch UWP, similar to Portsmouth and Marigot being loyal DLP constituencies. These constituents will not waver, neither will they be moved.
Grandbay and Portsmouth have been ‘as solid as a rock’ for the past many elections, so to are Salisbury and Marigot, therefore this diplomatic strategy will not work.
Very intrigued Dominican!
Jean-Jacques ur friend congrat girl ..this is the whaft,baby girl