Attorney Joshua Francis will officially declare his United Workers Party (UWP) candidacy for the Roseau South Constituency at a function slated for the Loubiere Resource Center on Wednesday morning.
The announcement will put to rest months of speculation on whether he will actually take on the task of unseating MP for the area, Ambrose George, when general elections are called.
The event will form part of the UWP’s campaign dubbed “Coast to Coast in 25” in which the party intends to visit all 21 constituencies on the island in 25 days.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8:30 am at the Loubiere Resource Center myself, the leader of the United Workers Party will be among other candidates who will converge in that area to essentially declare and confirm my candidacy on the UWP ticket for Roseau South,” he told DNO on Tuesday evening. “My declaration will put to rest all speculation and every doubt as it relates to my candidacy.”
Taking on a seasoned politician such as George could prove to be a difficult task. The incumbent has been MP for the consituency since February 2000 and is part of the upper echelon of the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP), serving as deputy leader. He has held many ministerial portfolios including minister for finance, agriculture, enterprise development and public works and infrastructural development, among others. He has also acted as prime minister in the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration on several occasions.
While saying more information and details will be given on Wednesday morning on his plans to take on George, Francis, popularly known as Sikiri, said he will be bringing a level of youthful enthusiasm and energy to the campaign. “I think with my energy I can go out there and stimulate the people,” he said.
He also said he will have a message of improving the life of the people of Roseau South since he is of the opinion that George has not done enough. “I am here to empower, motivate and inspire people to believe we can have a better Roseau South,” he noted.
Francis forsees many sleepless nights ahead of him as the campaign intensifies but said this is the type of service he is prepared to give.
The attorney is also an economist and has taught at the Dominica State College and the then Grand Bay Secondary School. A family man, he is the father of two children.
After the press conference, the UWP team intends to spend an hour in Loubiere, meeting with constituents before moving on to Wall House, Castle Comfort and Giraudel. The team will then move to Newtown, Fortune, Silver Lake and Bath Estate. The day will end with a public meeting at Kings Hill at 7:00 pm.
Elections are constitutionally due in 2015.
Bot I sudpect that this CIT airline (crab Insect and Titiwi) will have to get Barduille to hive them permisdion to land emergency operation in Newtown Landing Strip. Cargo illegal voters; weight Mc Donald Big Mac: consignee Ti Papa. All payments guaranteed in US coun terfeit. No Nigerian scam oper ation and Julian G is not invited
We are in a free country the man has the right to write in the chronicle wat was wrong with the UWP. The UWP is Mature enought to have him be part of their team to bring about change. Dominicans grow up. I do not see any thing wrong to critque a party that is not performing since we do it in a repectful manner. GO for it Francis UWP God’s blessing
IF HE WAS DOING THAT, this makes me love him even more. If he sees wrong in his government he will not remain MOO MOO like the LABOUR POWDER 17 pieces of plastic.
GOOD LUCK FRANCIS. WISH YOU TEACH AMBRUISE A LESSON!
Good luck and God’s Speed Sir–Fight the good fight…..
Best man for Roseau south .. workersssss we have skerrit and his fraud team trembling lol
Josha have Ambrose trembling. All of a sudden labour had meeting Loubiere some months ago. MT plans and promises. They promised housing assistance only his two (2) laws in Fond Baron and another family who all are UWP he trying to buy he gave materials. He vex with people in Loubiere because of his flex. We waiting for him to come infront our doors come election time.
As corrupt as this Skerrit DLP has been, they were bold enough to fire Ambrose several times and at one time demoted him to just a parlrep. DLP needs to tell us why such actions were take against the former minister of finance, and yet was good enough to maintain his party position of DEPUTY LEADER. I wonder how different is he from that of the leader
Wishing my former Geography teacher the best of luck. I am not into party politics but this is a huge step in service to country. Whether you win or lose your contribution will go down in history. All the best!
ummm how many times they fired ambrose again?
DNO is reporting that Ambrose has acted as Prime Minister and has held several ministerial portfolios. DNO may have forgotten to mention that Ambrose is alleged to have been involved in counterfeit money which were given to some students. DNO may have forgotten to mention that he was involved in an alleged Ponzi Scheme. It is unfortunate that the people of Roseau had this man as their PalRep. for so long.
Good thing comments here on DNO and the media don’t win votes. If it did the DLP would be out of office a long time ago. Workers supporters need to do their work on the ground and stop trying to dominate bogs on social and other media, otherwise it will be more tears for the blue diehards again come election day and another 5 years in opposition.
DLP supporter, or anyone else have the same access to DNO like myself and others., Maybe it is difficult to face the fact that there is so much disenchantment with the current govt.?
Joshua is a very good man. This is a very tough situation. Honestly, I know he will address the concerns of his constituents. I can only talk positive about this man. He loves people. May the Almighty watch over Josh and family. Wishing you God’s guidance. One Love!
way to go jousha,am glad dominica still has young men with integrety and ambition…show them what you can do to bring change and not the policy”take what you get”
where mister come from de reserve man.
Francis welcome to us and thank u team Dominica you are sent to save our Dominica may the good Lord continues to bless Team Dominica.
Welcome Joshua we needed men like you to come on board this UWP train. its great to see workers putting together a very strong team. And I love the fact that its not about one man. its about the team. Great men to lead this country out of the deep hole that we have dug
Isn’t this the same Joshua Francis who wrote an commentary in a 2010 issue of the chronicle about the UWP not even being a suitable opposition party? He spoke about the popularity of the DLP and the lack of proper leadership and vision in the UWP party; he spoke about the continuous boycotting of parliament sittings and the party’s inablility to make meaningful contributions to better the life of the Dominican people….hmmmmmm
Maybe so. It takes a brave man/woman to change his mind when he sees that things are not going the way he imagined they would. Roosevelt Skerrit himself did it as did Charles Savarin, Julius Timothy, Lor. Bannis, Vince Henderson, all converts to the DLP from a different church. it is not the move that should be questioned but the motive, always!
I’m elated! whippeee… I believe in the better man for the job, not party! OH Josh I recall our long banters after Mr Severin Sociology classes, our constant dialogues after Sir Maxxs’ Class. our clique could never end a class and just go home. Let’s give that money maker a work-out at the polls. Sweat him RED!!!
Wow…with you J. Francis
Good Luck Mr Joshua Francis…. you have our vote…lets come together to get rid of this corrupt Labour party government……They have enriched themselves and left us in poverty.
It is time hat we Dominicans regain our blessed country, lets go out and bring change to Dominica…good goverance
Good going, it is about time that we get some representation. Its been 15 years that ambrose have been promising things in the community and nothing gets done, charlotte valley housing, road maintainance, community center. Let me see what the T papa comes with this silly season, good going my boy and good luck
Sorry but you are on the wrong team. If you are not on PM Skerrit Team you have already lost our vote.
Mr. George will again be in Government because he is on the best team and he is a very good candidate. If you want to help Dominica get on the team that is working for Dominica.
Its amazing to see the number of portfolios that Ambrose George held in this administration for the past fourteen years yet New town is still in a state of crisis, not sure what state Newtown will be if Ambrose George is given five more years. i pray that the good judgement of the newton people will prevail
I don’t understand y we want a party to remain in office for 20 + years…I honestly need s change…
Suddenly after 14 years is now this government busy trying to do all sort of things to try and fool the people.You cant grow the economy right now you had 14 years.14 years you all spent building your own little companies, wasting the countries money in red clinic and enriching yourselves.
It is time for Dominica to have honest politicians of high integrity….Joshua Francis comes across as that type of person… .. He also shows genuine concern for people and for their development… I strongly endorse his candidacy…..In over a decade of representation by Ambrose George has the Roseau South changed in any way….Look at Newtown and Kingshill …It is a shame….
We have a very capable team of intellectuals to deliver us from this Skeritt regime.
pepole of Dominica Let us pray that good intelligent persons like Mr Francis and the the others take Dominica out from The ONE SET GET ALL lABOUR pARTY.
cHANGE IS A MUST. All young people please take note you are the present and the future, please help deliver us from these grabbers.
ambrose i sorry wi papa…not dis time around..u have failed big time..all the way with mr joshua francis
Workers work we working workers we voting
and we will live happily ever after.i really want Dominicans to put all u in power so they will stop trying to crucify 1 man,cause am sure with uwp dominica will be a paradise,no crimes no poverty just to mention a few.hypocrits.
u really a fool….nonsense talk…smfh
@mac, I can tell you are afraid. But FEAR NO MORE. We had workers already and all Dominicans know that our crime rate back then was not competing with unemployment. It is a fact that dollar was meeting dollar, and corruption was just a false accusation made by those who are professional corrupt. Our leaders, advisors, and friends served the country for 4.5 yrs. After they were fired not one of them is financially better than when they got in. On the flip side take a look of the corrupt cabal. When they got in, we all know they were all broke. Today leaders, advisors and friends have become the richest persons in DA and among Caribbean leaders. You smell like one of them.
Be realistic here .The United workers Party never said that they will end all crimes in Dominica and Dominica will be paradise , do you really think that this is even possible ? The massage they are sending and intent to make good on is , They want to at least try to make improvements in all areas where this present government had done nothing or continue to ignore. They just want the chance to make the wrongs became right and see if Dominica and Dominicans can be more dependent of our own and to become a much better place than it is now . Don’t turn a deaf ear and blind eyes to the message and the present situation . Be objective. Not because one supports a party that they cannot face the truth and deal with the party and the wrongs that the party does or the leaders of the party . At the end of the day one still has their choice , but just listen and be objective .
Go for it Joshua Francis, we need to get both Ambrose George and the little man in his belly out of office, we need representation not just a politician.
And Joshua made the walls of Jericho come crumbling down. Blow your trumpet Joshua. Please!!
The last time Mr. George run his mouth and say that the UWP challenger with the dread locks was “not a threat.” I waiting to hear what Mr.George have to say this time.
DNO all you pokwit weee. You guys talk about Ambrose’s various portfolios yet all conveniently avoid the FACT that Ambrose was fired several times. Too me that is equally important.
You are so right. He was the miraculous come-back man. Maybe this time the doctrine of “three strikes and your out” doctrine applies.
I agree that George’s successes as well as his failing should be highlighted.
good luck my boy tomorow i will be with u in spirit i will be praying for u i love that man m entire family is with u
this is the best man for the south…I wish him luck……
Go for your beating mr Francis, you musttttttttt regret trust me
When will we know in La Plaine who will unseat Petter Pepper. Thought Sunday was an opportune time to declare who
Run skerrit run I know u losing sleep
It’s a pity i’ll be at work at that time, however Francis my brother,my unwavering, steadfast, unflinching support is for you and the UNITED WORKERS PARTY.Don’t bother about Ambrose being a seasoned capmpaigner. Remember little David killed Goliath with a sling and a stone. Remember brother Bob Marley said in the song, “”If you are the big tree, I am the small ax, and I come to cut you down. VICTOEY IS YOURS AND I AM CONFIDENT, defeat is staring Ambruise in the eyes.
You are not just young and energetic, but you are not tainted with anything, and the constituents know that.
In my own campaigning for you, the vibes are extremely good. PEOPLE ARE FED UP WITH DEM FELLAS. THEY ARE GREEDY,SELFISH,AND CARE ABOUT THEIR POCKETS ONLY!!!
THEY HAVE FAILED DOMINICA AND DOMINICANS!!!!!!!!! HOW LONG?
NOT LONG!
@ % oh u working I thought it had no work In DA hmmmm well at least that’s one person that working.
May the good God steer your path young man. Dominica has been brought to the gutters by bad governance, and your country really needs you.
WONDERFUL MOVE! I WILL DO WHAT I CAN TO HELP YOU,SINCE I HAVE CLOSE FAMILY TIES IN ROSEAU SOUTH!
Mr. Ambrose George don’t be afraid we won’t let you down. U abf da government did us well
@pc Which ‘we’ are you talking about? Well for your information, me and my entire family has left him down already. He has failed the constituency. MY VOTE AND THAT OF MY FAMILY, 5 of us together will be that of JOSHUA FRANCIS, and THE UWP. OK!!
@———That an God face you won’t see!!!
I am registered in New Town and will NOT be voting Ambrose anymore. and yes I am a labourite, but I am not happy with the poor representation, and lack of foresight and one set get all policy of this labour party
I am on Joshua’s train this term. I wish you luck.
pc stop make a fool out of yourself..you labourites need to wake up aso the smell the coffee..ambrose geroge has failed the people of the roseau south and u guys know it..so stop with all that crap..yrs now we the people of the roseau south keep voting ambrose and he keeps on failing…..
How great to see men & women of substance, people that want to see their nation improves run for political office. Shows that D/ca is growing, and will be a nation of the future. We hope that people will make their votes, their conscience work come election day. How blessed this country will be when such people are elected.
Benn Haynes, dont hold your breath to hard, a few bottles of rum and a few dollars can change things just like that in the poor communities.
good job Joshua. You are making headway and I do believe that you are going to win this seat. continue striving and making headway in the political arena
May the Lord bless and protect you, Joshua Francis. You are a good and serious man; out to do the peoples business. You have them trembling.
Ambrose ka couri…to where…
The good news that I have been waiting for is here with me now. I AM A LOUBIERE VOTER, AND I AM ROLLING WITH YOU ALL THE WAY.
congratulations to one of my former teachers.i have never met a teacher who cares for his students the way u did.workers all the way!