The Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) has said it will not contest the upcoming general election and has called on Dominicans to “reflect long and hard” on the “many issues” which its says continue to face the island.
“The Dominica Freedom Party has noted the dissolution of Parliament and Monday, December 8, 2014 as the date set for the holding of General Election in Dominica,” the party said on Monday. “As Dominicans prepare to exercise their right to vote, the Dominica Freedom Party urges all voters to reflect long and hard on the many issues which have affected and continue to affect the economic, political, democratic and social development of our beloved country.”
The DFP said now is the time for “serious reflection on where we want to go as a people led by a government which is honest and transparent in its governance of our nation.”
“It is a time to decide on leadership that will not only determine how we develop physically but spiritual and moral values needed to shape our character as a nation,” he party said.
The party called on all voters to denounce the following in light of the upcoming polls:
• The absence of a sanitized electoral list and voters ID card
• Any political manipulation and exploitation of the voters through bribery to highjack the electoral process and to negatively influence the outcome of the election result
• All forms of violence aimed at intimidating voters from freely exercising their franchise
• The politics of hate and lies and all forms of character assassination
• Biased and discriminatory reporting by the government owned radio station and the media in general
“The campaign and general election are taking place in a season leading up to the most important in the Christian calendar, a season of peace and goodwill,” the DFP sad. “This follows closely on our Independence celebrations which called on all citizens to reflect on the theme “our nation our responsibility”. Now more then ever, the Dominica Freedom Party is calling on all eligible voters to seriously consider their responsibility as citizens of our nation and in the exercise of their democratic right to choose wisely and to elect in this election period the best candidates and party to govern the affairs of our country for the next 5 years.”
The DFP said it will “be vigilant in safeguarding the electoral process while refraining from any acts of violence in the period leading up to the general election and on the Election Day itself.”
Can someone tell me ,what became of the Freedom party???
Oh….how after one time is another…
I can’t believe that they’re not on the scene…
What a shame…
Domincans please Astaphan said to think hard and long for this election he is right. I have said it several times do no vote UWP in they are not good. I got this dream about six months ago it was a warning message so I have to deliver it. Its not no joke it is real. If you all don’t believe me its on you am saying what I was told. DNO don’t delete this I want the people of Dominca to know. Thank you.
Keep on dreaming for by the time you awake from your slumber Change Will Have Taken Place! Keep on dreaming.. Change Is A Must- UWP Team Dominica ALL the way.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Freedom voting uwp.public works against dlp.police against dlp.teachers against dlp. Firemam against dlp.nurse agAinst dlp.every body turning against dlp . Dlp all yoou finish!! I know some people will get a stroke on the 8th.
Mammo said vote LABOUR now you tell ppl vote UWP, I’ll listen to Mammo instead. RIP Mammo.
I agree with Mr. Astaphan with regards to thinking long and hard about the decisions we are about to make. Our decisions should be made based on the ability of the parties to deliver the goods. For 15 years we voted freedom and they never sanitized the voters list nor did they even remotely mention anything about voters identification cards. That wasn’t a priority for them. I agree our politicians should stick to the issues but when Astaphans and others in the DFP can tacitly or overtly support the UWP, then in my opinion we must really think long and hard before making the mistake of voting UWP into office. If Astaphan and the others think Eddison and company will forgive them for the bugging fiasco then they are dead wrong. If you guys in the DFP continue to observe the party’s motto,” Doing the Greatest Good for the Greatest number”, then you cannot support the UWP. I supported Brian ALLeyne for 15 years in the FO3 district in Mahaut but I will never support UWP. I will definitely vote Mr. Blackmoore of the DLP. I love Felix but I can’t support his party. ALL who want to curse me are free to do so. Let’s all have a peaceful campaign while we go door to door to beg for votes for our respective parties. Please respect each others choice.
Thank you Mr. Astaphan..you don’t have to spell it out. Let those who can think and read understand
Dominica first. Our children first
Even as recent as last week we saw the blatant disregard of our youth at the state college when our children were refused the right to debate. The DLP leader saying on public platform that if a Dominican chooses to vote the opposition it will be deemed as conspiracy to remove the labor party? And the threat of bloodshed if UWP wins the election? ?. Dominicans please do right by Dominica.
I agree Mr … From what I’ve also gathered the UWP voters are voting UWP primarily because of some personal dislike for SKeritt and unfounded accusations none of which have been proven true… some are just angry because they didn’t get their brogodow. Laborites mostly seem to be intelligent in their voting, some have issues that relate to their constituencies and others are happy with the developments over the last 10 plus years. The political climate is completely different from 5 or 10 years ago and its invariably harder to lead or to be inconspicuous in your leadership due to the internet, cell phones, and cameras everywhere… more reporters and informed citizens. Based on those facts and being well aware of the ignorant landscape of trololols one has to venture across knowing very well that it takes most people 5 years to build a big house in Dominica much less 5 years to run, change and improve a country Skerrit has done a great job so far. If Dominicans make the mistake of putting UWP in power they will be voting against their interests and take the country 10 years back to start all over again. just my humble opinion.
Keeping skerrit there is voting against our interest…salaries at a stand still,bills are continuing to rise…not salary for civil servants cuz the country that is doing so much better than the other caribbean islands can’t afford it. Yet the ministers gave themselves a 52% salary increase…do you think that is fair?
If what you said is true then it doesn’t seem fair… yet their are many variables to every situation. If you are in fact a civil servant and you don’t make enough money or don’t have benefits then I hear your plight but if you are not one but… repeating things you’ve heard from other people that’s just roro. I will mention also Barbados govt laid off/fired 3000 civil/public servants this year, DLP hasn’t laid off any, despite the so called miser DA people seeing. Also Civil servants in DA have better health benefits than anyone else on the Island concerning major surgeries, job security during a health crisis and maternity leave that should not be overlooked. Overall, the point I’m making is if you’re buying a mango and you see it have a black spot on it that doesn’t mean it has worms and its not good… it could be well ripe… but if you want to make mango salad then is not a ripe mango you want, then the ripe mango is not for you… but it doesn’t mean ripe mangoes are bad… it just mean you like green mango for your salad. Its good to look at things in terms of what is good for everyone.. not just the happy or discontented.
Is that you Mr. PM? I honestly don’t care who is in government as long as the economy is their primary focus and people are rewarded for their hard work. The accusations sadly have been dismissed mainly on technicalities. Barak Obama showed his birth certificate when he was accused of not being a born US citizen. Its very sad when we see the rush for material things and cash in envelopes distributed on the eve of elections (i saw with my two own eyes). Where have we gone as a nation? Those who condone it the ones in charge get the huge payouts and salaries. After election i wonder whether we see them again. Its heartbreaking to see i as an individual working hard, and to see money flowing all over like a river, i feel sorry for persons who are honest hardworking and dedicated in life. This comes from my heart with tears
@looking… we all have our sorrows. Imagine you’re on a cricket team and the best bowler and best batsman carrying the team to victories but here are players on the team the even though they’re on the team, they don’t work as hard to win because they depend on the champion bowler and batsman to win the games. So when tryouts time reach the weaker players might use steroids or give some of their salary to the coaches to keep their position… Their behavior is not a reflection for the overall team or the star players it reflects of their individual weakness. All teams have weak and strong but he best teams weak or strong work together to win victories for the team and its supporters even the haters because how can we appreciate the sunshine without rain now and then.
Alas poor Freedom. I know that my Prime Minister Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, “must be rolling in her grave” and what about our stalwarts like Mona Piper, Allen Carbon, Swanston Carbon and the rest? What has the party come to under leaders, like Mr. Astaphan and Ms. Pestaina? I am extremely dissapointed. Last election they called us to come home (back to the party) and many of us did. I thought this time around we would make some inroads, instead the leaders are there giving allegiance to UWP, and even helping them strategize . What about us, build us back man and forget about all other party.
What has the party come to under leaders, like Mr. Astaphan and Ms. Pestaina?
You forgot to mention Charles Savarin.
I do not think the Freedom party is dead, not at all. But they realize for them to survive and live another day the first priority must be to get rid of |Roosevelt Skerrit because if they don’t help to do that there will be no opposition at all before long. A strategic support for Team Dominica will help to achieve that without any outlay of precious money. It is important that the next government, any government has healthy opposition to help keep them honest and for our democracy to survive and Freedom too have to survive to provide that. It is not the real labour party that is threatening us but a rogue regime headed by Roosevelt Skerrit.
Last election we tried to
re build the party after CHARLES SAVERIN’s treachery. But made no in roads at the polls.
To attempt that again at this time was not possible. Its not about Astaphan or Pestina……..Remember who put the nail in Freedom’s coffin………..
All Michael Astaphan has to do is do not vote because he and the others think that there is “The absence of a sanitized electoral list and voters ID card.”
the dominica freedom party should stay far from comments because they sold their party … i am ashame of allu, thus no fancy words can let me feel othrwise
Freedom will reign again!
“Dominica Freedom Party is calling on all eligible voters to seriously consider their responsibility as citizens of our nation and in the exercise of their democratic right to choose wisely and to elect in this election period the best candidates and party to govern the affairs of our country for the next 5 years.”
Great advise Mr. Astaphan, I have done just that and observed that ROOSEVELT SKERRIT is the Better of the 2 leaders and i have also observed that the DLP is a much better party than the UWP in terms of vision for the island and statesmen and women experienced and capable of delivering on their promises.
As a result of these observations i have decided that me and my house (all 20 of us) will be voting the DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY as per your advise to vote WISELY!!!!!!!
I will begin by saying that you just like everyone else has the free will to think and vote for whoever you want
But do you and the other 20 persons in your family understand the message you send and the consequences of voting for Skerrit?
Have you listened to your chosen leader for the past few days, so you are endorsing and supporting his foul language and vulgarity as the world listens to Dominica this election season.
You support his asking for the blood of the Dominicans who don’t support his party.
You and your family agree that he is the best representative of our country to the world and signifies the character and spirit of us as a people. (Would any other world leader still be in office if he was of such character)
You support all the proven acts of corruption by him and the labour party government for the last 14 years.
You agree that it is ok that most farmers no longer have jobs because the government has killed the agricultural industry to the point that country has to import bananas.
You support the victimization of people who like yourself have their own free will but have a different point of view because they don’t support your leader.
You support that a majority of young persons don’t have a job to get up and go to on a daily basis. How many your 20 family members are between the ages of 18 – 30 and do they have a job? I guess if you are one of Skerrit’s boys you may be better than most…
It’s ok with you that the PM and all his ministers can live in mansions while the public servants who do their work gets offered 0 0 0 percent salary increases
These are the the proven facts, these statements are not unproven political propaganda. You and your family support and endorse all those things by supporting Skerrit and the Labour party.
That’s the consequence of your votes, these are the things you see that’s good for our country.
God help us and I hope that most Dominican’s are NOT like you and your family…
It is very unfortunate that Dominicans are quite happy to condone wrongdoing. The blatant disrespect, obstruction of justice, lies and corruption mean nothing to so many……what does this say about the wider society? its frightening to say the least.
I agree with them not going up. They know and realize they not ready financially unlike them blue so they taking their time for financefinance and links. I rate them.
PPL of nature Island, the time is drawing near. Open up your minds, a time for reflection to U all for the past 5 years, and ponder who U all want to represent this beautiful Country. We all hope for better,for this little paradise. Let’s pray that we’re on the right path.
Stop the bribery,the appalling manipulation,. Winners win FAIR, It is disgusting to hear certain language being spoken on by any representative of any country on the air waves, what does that say!!! Wake up my DOMINICAN PPL.
Folks I speak here as a laborite for 35 years and one who even campaigned for Skerrit in 2009. Please Freedomites, Laborites and UWPites, please do not take the warnings echoed by Mr. Michael Astaphan for granted. Dominica is in serious trouble and we need to rescue our country. This election is so important folks that we MUST think hard and deep, before we cast a vote for Skerrit. As we prepare to vote, here is what I want you to think of: Should something similar to what happened to Rosie Douglas happens to Roosevelt Skerrit, do you know who is next in line to become Prime Minister of Dominica? None else but the man who was fired both by Pierre Charles and Skerrit, and I am referring to Ambrose George. Can we afford that? In the case of Rosie thank God we had one of the most honest politicians in the person of Pierre Charles as Deputy leader of the party. Such is not the case today and next to Ambrose it just continues to look worse. So let’s think hard and deep and vote for the well rounded and talented UWP.
No labourite of 35 years would write that nonsense. Wheel and come again. You think Dominicans foolish then? We can see right thru ppl like you. Pas try sah!!!!!!!!!!
Jamais, Jamais, Jamais.
Thanks Mr. Astaphan for “tacitly” endorsing the UWP-Team Dominica. Those with basic commonsense can understand what you are saying and have gotten the message loud and clear. Strange as it may seem, Mr. Linton constantly reminds me of the late great Mamo hence the UWP has my vote. Like Dr. Fontaine,Bry and Bosso we true Freedomites recognize that Change Is A Must!
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
But wait a minute, hasn’t Mr. Astaphans always been part of the uwp platform?? What’s new???
It is very sad to see my beloved and clean party I voted for 25 years go down like that in defeat. It hurts! We were there with the DLP when Dominica became a nation and became the government less than 2 years later and remained in office until 1995, and remained a force to reckon with until 2000, when we like Esau, got tricked by the DLP which led to our grave. How sad! Where did we go wrong? It started when we ignored the warnings of Euginia and made a greedy, selfish, and lazy Charles Savarin the leader of our party, who later, like the brethren of Joseph, sold us to the DLP in order to get rid of UWP. How do we build back? We need to give UWP our full support and ask them to put some of our key members of our party positions in a UWP government with the view of building back our party. We CANNOT support and align our party with the very corrupt, dirty, ungodly DLP. DLP should not get one former freedom vote. Not one!
“We CANNOT support and align our party with the very corrupt, dirty, ungodly DLP. DLP should not get one former freedom vote. Not one!” .. partner wake up the DFP at this time is dead, it cannot align with any party.. its supportes have already found new homes with the DLP and the UWP, with most of them moving to the DLP.
Most are solidly rooted with the DLP ready to put them in for another 5 years. Live with it my friend!
The Govt. in panic now. Skerrit blaming everybody but himself for the iceberg that is threatening his ship that his lost its rudder. He called an urgent meeting to strategize the next move but nobody is listening to their captain again as they are all too busy looking for a lifeboat.
@Ma Moses, your prpaganda is very weak, is that all you can get out of your bag of desperation?
What planet are u living on dude??? Have you really been following the campaign and the seeing that massive RED ARMY in action??? Get yourself some glasses quick my friend otherwise you will be one of the many blue supporters seeking help from the psychiatric ward on the night of Dec 8th.
I am still Freedom.
Good for you and I respect that. However, do not let that stop you from casting a tactical vote to remove Skerrit.
Me too ,I still freedom.I was born one and remain one.Mamo was the best
I would prefer put the Freedom Party in power over a party lead by a their talk show host.
Too late Blaze, Freedom will vote Lennox Linto just get Skerrit out of office.
Hey you wrong. Labor all d way
Yep, all the way to Hell. Roosevelt Skerrit apparently knows the way.
Similar was said of Film Star Ronald Regan…. look what happened! He became PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN!
just blaze why dont you move your old ugly face there nor.u idiot.the country doe have work things hard ,skerite have millions campagning but he cannot give salary increase ,so all you labourrites lazy so all you wicked!~
JUST BLAZE your crack cocaine and keep talking against Lennox Linton whom you’ve probably never met and MOST LIKELY can’t stand in his shoes. You remind me of a frog…always attracting flies
Ok leader of DFP you said what you have to say about elections. What about engaging the Dominican people and rebuilding the freedom party? You said nothing about that. It Is high time the freedom party lives up to it purpose, mission and motto. And yes Mr. Astphans it begins with you. Help preserve the democratic rights and restore the social fabric of our dear Dominica, bring back the old days of good governance and integrity In governmentwhich was installed and upheld by the stalwarts of the old freedom movement.
On reflection the leadership of the DFP was below average. When one cosiders that during the 15 years of the DFP rule agriculture mainly bananas brought millions of $$$ to the economy, What do we have to show for that over those years? I would submit very little. There was no improvement in the infrastructure much of what david destroyed remained destroyed and after 15 years many of our roads with the exception of the airport to Portsmouth road remained to bad contition. We try to blame Edison for the US not assisting us with an international airport, but we fail to remember that it was the DFP who won that election and history shows that there was no follow up or if there was any it did not result in anything. That shows a failure of leadership.
Haha these comments. Zor sot. Workers could never win that election. wicked all u wicked man
Anyone reading this article should realize that this is essentially an endorsement of the UNITED WORKERS PARTY!!! Read between the lines…
The party called on all voters to denounce the following in light of the upcoming polls:
• The absence of a sanitized electoral list and voters ID card
• Any political manipulation and exploitation of the voters through bribery to highjack the electoral process and to negatively influence the outcome of the election result
• All forms of violence aimed at intimidating voters from freely exercising their franchise
• The politics of hate and lies and all forms of character assassination
• Biased and discriminatory reporting by the government owned radio station and the media in general
The above statement is an outright condemnation of the DLP practices and in essence an endorsement for a change in government! The Dominica Freedom Party has endorsed the United Workers Party! This election season is certainly heating up and the DLP is NOT looking good!!!! Without rigging this election, the DLP does not stand a chance of winning!
Padna wake up from your dream dred!!
wow freedom help to mash up dominica after dame E charle thing in the caribbean before we were last;; but now .we on top ppl use to fraid to come do bussiness now we in the 3rd spot.. is now to hear bout how we progressing..the best leaders we ever had was sir leblanc .dame E charles and now the hero roosevelt sherrit
Thank you mr. Astaphan, your message is clear and loud. This election is no longer about differences between polticical parties, the situation is too critical for that. I just heard Mr. Sean Douglas on the radio throwing his support behind the Team Dominica campaign, not because he has become a member of the UWP party but because the country is crying out for a change, for better governance and a restoration of our national pride and international respect and dignity. We have to unite as a people, regardless of the party we support, to get rid of this corrupt government, not with vengeance in our hearts but a believe that we can rebuild our little country to be proud of for the benefit of all.
people should by now woken upand realize Skrit et AL MUST go no ifs ,buts nor Maybes. WE may( like me and many others) ahor LL etc with a passion. DP is out hence the process has been made even more feasible.
We need to Vote OUT these .Vote the UWP in not that we want to but it’s the lesser evil until Behanzi Gregoire Andre, Gaboo, Para, and other blasts from the past sit talk and organize for elections in another 36 months
Wtf..you talking about? I’m lost lol Dno next time help them with their poor writing skills. ….
I suggest you take a few grammar lessons and then come back to post.
I suggest that too them people that like that post more wicked again
Why do they need another 3 yrs. to organize? They have already had 5 yrs. What is the problem? There are decent people out there. Why don’t they run?
Ok DFP now I want you to come out publicly and endorse one of the parties because there is still loyal followers of the the DFP.
Mr. Astaphan has not spelled it out but the message is clear to me that Freedom party supporters are now free to vote tactically for the UWP. I support him in that.
DFP ? Michael just go and exercise your right and vote. By staying out of this election your party, the once powefull DFP has forfeited its right to advise voters how to vote.
Freedomites in part are to blame for puting the DLP into office. When I see some of the Freedomites in St.Joe, Mahaut, Colihaut and Point Michel who are now big-time Labor , it bleeds my hearts
Shut up Roseau. I just know who you are. Get to work. Being paid for staying home saying you sick. Come to work. WE seeing you from the Towering building. You wanted something and did not get it I suppose. But your child working at one of the Banks though. You get enough already from DFP. Shameless.
YOURSELF*
DFP lol that still alive, All DFP peeps is DLP now.
In Freedom times there was never accusation of corruption, making threats, intimidation or buying votes.
Sad to see such a respectful party not having enough public support to contest this elections.
Let’s keep hope alive.
To all those Freedomites who moved to DLP , now is the time to give serious thoughts to what you have done and caused this country in such state of disrepute. Reflect hard and now is the time to right the wrongs you have done.
Freedom Party need to be ready for 2019 or 2020 general election I believe you guys capable finding new candidates with new versions ,honesty, degrity, transparent to the Dominican people, is gonna be last chance for uwp,we need new faces I know for sure uwp doesn’t have a chance to win this general election, you uwp supporters can jump high jumps low is gonna happen.
On the contrary Dahman. I believe that Skerrit lost the election this morning , if not already before. Sean Douglas said this morning he will tactically support the UWP and so will most of the real labour party, who no longer can stomach Skerrrit and so will the the Freedom party members, who did not join labour. I would not be surprised to see a lot of defectors from the DLP camp. I know there will be a lot of talk of sour grapes about Sean Douglas but I believe that it is much more than that, the true labour party guard is very upset that Skerrit betrayed their party and used it for his own ends. They do not have to change their allegiance but vote Skerrit out to give them a chance for better days ahead.
The Freedom Party has lost all relevance on the political landscape. A party which cannot field a single candidate or in such default throw support towards any one candidate is not ready to be taken seriously. Dominicans are not to be swayed to support such a party in the future to make it of any relevance simply from announcements of lofty ideals. Simply put the party should just wrap it up and call it quits now.
Pedro you are certainly out of your league. DFP is not dead. We members of DFP are still out there in the public.You can’t just cast aside a party that have given Dominca so much.
While it is true that some of our strongest members have sold their souls for money , but there are still some of us who will make the right decisions to put Dominica first.
Amen
If DFP isn’t dead, then why aren’t you running any candidates? You have to admit, when Pappy can find more candidates than you can, it doesn’t make your party seem even slightly well organised.
off course; it does have it supporters, tell them, tell them; because we are intimidated of their devilish behaviors we have not shows our faces, but God is good he will redeem us. Amen
Out of my league! lol. The voting public does not care about Freedom anymore. The party is a party in name only. Just as a jilted lover may want to talk about the things he has done, the other person or person in the relationship has simply move on. Do you get it now?
Freedomites never fought losing battles. I was born and raised a freedomites and if ever i chose to vote i will vote freedom. We live on the premise of kenny rogers “know when to walk away, know when to run”
If we so chose to get on the platform again it will be with a young leader firm like mamo and definitely more charismatic than the competition, Oh and with alot of paper to back it up so just wait for it.
What we really need in Dominica Is Freedom.
Young is not necessarily good. They put in a young Skerrit and and look what happened. Someone with maturity and ethics is needed. However, people look for charisma and superficial things like looks so I guess they get what they deserve in the end at the expense of those with common sense.
We need to reform the Freedom Party so that people like me will finally have a party to vote for. That is what we need now. an alternative to this gutter politics which is in our country now.
Please let us begin the work to rebuild the Freedom party. Please give us that alternative which we have been desiring for so long.
Too many people like myself wish we had an option to belong to a party which is completely different to the options available today.
Freedom Party should through it’s support to Team Dominica. So to should the Labour supporters realize that this is the best thing they can do if they’re truly patriotic…
Stupes
After all you “sell all you soul” so all you come??……………………..
Freedom Party team up with Labour to throw out UWP thinking that better will come out of a partnership, little did they know that they would be kicked to the curb themselves. Freedom party is a perfect lesson why people should not align themselves with the Dominica Labour party.
I like I really really like….
Amen
Having said all that, Mr. Astaphan, why don’t you endorse UWP Team Dominica like Mrs Annett St. Hiliare did yesterday. Why are you hiding behind the coat of serious reflections. Mr. Charles Savarin, Mr. Honeychurch publicly made their endorsement known. The very few members of the Freedom Party need some guidance, therefore, as soon as possible, Dominicans need to know where your party stands.
I am highly disappointed in the Dominica Freedom Party decision not to contest the upcoming general elections. However, in all honesty as I reflect back on current trend I guess that I should be that surprised at the DFP position/decision.
The DFP is calling on Dominicans to “reflect long and hard” on the “many issues” which is facing and continues to face the island but yet it has failed Dominicans by not contesting the general election –why? Why is the DFP not giving us an alternative or solutions while it is telling us that as we exercise our right to vote, we must reflect on the economic political, democratic and social development of our beloved country? Is the DFP really serious or are they are still married to the DLP and can’t file divorce petition before the courts. Shame on the DFP for not giving us an alternative but instead have chosen to chicken out like the cowards disappointments that they are.
Astaphan go hide somewhere the DFP have been under water for decades now the youth know nothing about the DFP you are just as bad as UWP on the tail of the wagon with no wheels your concerns are falling by the drains in Roseau. The DFP has been dead RIP. Labour Ka Twavay
We shall overcome, and we shall raise once again, like the phoenix.
Why don’t you have a candidate running? The 2 party system doesn’t offer much choice.