New faces show interest in DFP for general election

Michael Astaphan

Acting political leader of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), Micheal Astaphan, has disclosed that five new faces have shown interest in contesting the next general elections for the party.

According to Astaphan the new potential candidates are of high integrity.

“I have some people who have very keen interest, who have positions, about five new people in addition to those who have been with us all along. They are from St. Joseph, Wesley, Roseau, Grand Fond and Soufriere,” he said.

Astaphan said the names will be disclosed in the next couple months.

He said agriculture, youth and security are high on the party’s agenda. “Just look at what’s going on in Dominica … too many young people are being killed uselessly, too much drugs … when people commit crimes we find them on the road … crime looks like it is not looked down in society,” Astaphan stated.

He also said the party is preparing to elect a permanent leader.

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50 Comments

  1. Un petite fere'
    January 19, 2013

    According to Astaphan the new potential candidates are of high integrity.
    So tell us Mike! What kind of Tea they drinking?
    I know the one from soufiere drinking Fishtea. lol Mike good luck any ways.

  2. Jaime Lewis
    January 18, 2013

    It’s good to hear that the DFP has come up with some people who are willing to join the race toward the next general election. Now the ground work must begin. Start reaching out to the various communities where you have identified a candidate, and begin developing a winning strategy in those constituencies.

    What will each candidate bring to the table? What will be the plans for development in areas of: job creation, health, social services like health, mental health, sexual abuse, domestic violence; criminal justice; tourism; education; taxes; agriculture?
    Each candidate will need financial support for the campaign. Use social media to reach out to the Freedomites in the Diaspora so they can consider supporting the party’s election bid.
    Each candidate needs to pull together an executive committee to develop an improvement strategy for the community.

    Don’t get stuck in petty politics. Remember the goal is to win some seats and to be in the house of assembly.
    Best wishes.

  3. January 17, 2013

    Michael, one would hope that the five new faces are not remnants, or rejects from the old UWP, and for that matter Labor party, or even from the DFP.

    New faces in my terminology actually mean new; as in just born; the first time involved, and was never involved with any other political party on the island.

    What we need are people with new ideas, new political ideology, people who can think beyond the status quo, and not people who will come along and say this is the way Mammo wanted it therefore this is how we should maintain it.

    We all remember Pirie Charles when he took over from where Rosie Douglas left off; he stated ” all of the programs Rosie Douglas has planed for the country will be implemented.”

    The fact is Rosie Douglas had nothing in the pipeline planned for Dominica, that is why within the five years of the governance of the coalition, nothing was accomplished. All we saw was chaos, even to a point where some so called minister was caught into something devious, remember the one who said he came to the United States to meet with some bank where he was going to get help for Dominica?

    That bank in question was never in existence, and still does not exists!

    You see one of the problems we have politically in our country, is that our politicians are recycled, they jump from one party to the other, some serves in one government, and after accomplishing nothing they simply jump ship, get on platforms and try to impress people that they are about to perform wonders in the country, if elected!

    I hope that this is not the case, because I don’t see how someone a career politician could be so barefaced, enough to swing from party to party, with no accomplishments would expect the nation to trust him/her who could not have done anything for the country in so many years, and all of a sudden have all the answers to our nations problems.

    The problem is that the people of the country who are the losers usually believe their lies, and mythical wishful thinking and vote for those roving revolving politicians.

    Results: Nothing every changes in the country!

    As it is I cannot say we have made no progress in recent months, or years, though costly, one do appreciate the State House, I have no appreciation for the Stadium, since that is something we did not have to depend on from China, the proposed new Hospital, I appreciate, and the new State Collage, will afford every secondary school graduate at least an two year collage education.

    Other than that where are our industries; where are our tourist resorts; and finally where is Dominica’s International Airport?

    The coalition government shut it down while under construction!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • January 19, 2013

      “You see one of the problems we have politically in our country, is that our politicians are recycled, they jump from one party to the other, some serves in one government, and after accomplishing nothing they simply jump ship, get on platforms and try to impress people that they are about to perform wonders in the country, if elected” Francisco

      FETe, I am one who was not born to be in politics, that is why I don’t like it and its aspects of Life. But you have a very good point above. And this time your message was well written. Hurray to that! You can really do it when you are focussed on the issue itself–not the Me, Myself, and I. Hehehehehehehehehe

      The fact of this “recycled” situation, of men of politics in Dominica, was born from the mentality of our people on the whole. The majority of us, too often accept one or two men, as the god over us, just because that majority like those persons–regardless of their attitude and conducts.

      For that majority never try to look into their own minds, that they might see their purpose in Life and to be determined to do that purpose–whatever its service and whoever it was meant to serve–here we are talking about the political service in Dominica.

      I am appalled by the huge praises that often goes to one person, as I read it from bloggers on DNO. And yet no one person can work for the good of his or her country–we need a team, with fortitude and hope for the betterness of our homeland, not praises, honors, and merits, which are the glory they are seeking for themselves.

      That is the reason corruption might be the norm of the day in our Dominica. The idea of raising one person to the top of the ladder for whatever the reason, does nothing else but fill up that person’s mind with the destructive mentality of self-conceit.

      Those persons will eventually fall off from the high top; and when they go down, the rest of the country goes down with him as well.

      I sincerely agree with you. If we are talking about new faces, those faces should also have new ideas, for efficient production in our Dominica–not the used faces and ideas that never worked out for out homeland in the beginning.

  4. TO CHOICE -X
    January 17, 2013

    You are so right.

  5. Pointe Michel-Roseau
    January 16, 2013

    Micheal, you should already start the campaign for financial contributions to the Freedom Party.
    Lets us know to which banks or to whom we can make donations.

  6. DA
    January 16, 2013

    Bring back the milk and horny, that we Dominicans so enjoyed under the Freedom Party.
    Parents, come on, tell your kids about those days when we could walk the streets in our towns and villages in complete safety.
    There are many people who want to go up for Freedom party.
    Keep the information coming, Micheal.

  7. Choice - X
    January 16, 2013

    Since the Freedom party sold over all their supporters to the Labour party in 2000, Dominica politics have never been the same. Remember at that time the war cry was to “get rid of the then govt. at all cost” Apart from the abject poverty, hard ships and underdevelopment that resulted from that marriage made in hell, there was a further pathological legacy: ie the complete destruction of the balanced political process as was customary.

    So GOOD candidates is of no use now. Big money and unethical practices determines the outcomes of elections. The Skeritt Labour party has become so well entrenched due to freedom party’s folly that allowing candidate to face the cleverly orchestrated might of skerittism is nothing short of of political suicide.

    • Not a herd follower
      January 17, 2013

      You are suggesting that things cannot change. You sound defeatist.

  8. Mahaut
    January 16, 2013

    I have always said that the Freedom Party will rise again.Because this is the only party that have ruled for so long and we did not hear anything about corruption.
    All Dominicans should support the DFP to bring back our good name,in this time of questionable leadership in D/ca

  9. I AM COMING BACK
    January 16, 2013

    Let us face the truth Freedom Party Governed Dominica well from 1980 to 1995. People benefited and were engaged in gainful activities throughout the Country.

    We experienced real growth and development in Roads, Marketing of our Products and Produce, Housing, Hospitals, Health Centers and Health Services. School Buildings Education, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Communication, Electricity, Youth, Skills Training, Fisheries, Air and Sea Ports, Cruise ship berths, Tourism, Job Creation, The Economy, Security, Law and Order, Policing, Local Government, Public Services, Transportation among others.

    I think that people should be honest with themselves and accept the fact that things were better for them under the Government of the Dominica Freedom Party and admit that things are very bad, hard and poor with them under the RED CLINIC LABOUR PARTY Government.

    I am always a Freedom Party supporter who gave Labour Party a help so all this old Labour talk about Freedom die encourages me to go back to my Freedom. Yes Mr. Michael Astaphan let the new good and honest people join the DFP because I am back to Freedom and will bring others with me for sure

    God bless the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Dominica Freedom Party

    • IPO
      January 17, 2013

      LOL…if all of that is true, why did lennox and the uwp sweep you out of powere…why did so many people leave? why wan’t an international aiprport built…lol

      Maybe you can ask Brio

      • Anonymous
        January 19, 2013

        Because Dominicans grew lazy and fat and greedy thanks to the stability and security Freedom brought to the country not to forget Cable TV. And, because Freedom’s polpicy was not to give the fish but to teach how to fish, UWP won using irresponsible promises and even then they never swept anything. Google the results.

        And dont get cocky with sweeping, mate, because freeodm was in for 3 terms how long was UWP in?

    • Toomatoe Tomato
      January 17, 2013

      Yes, that maybe true; The DFP in those days was a party to reckon with, was a very powerful party who did good for Dominica; but the Freedom Party of that era no longer exists. All that is left is the name. The UWP still have its people but most of the DFP are now with the Labour Party. DFP long gone.

  10. I WILL FOLLOW YOU
    January 16, 2013

    I am coming back; I am in full agreement with your comment about a Party that served us well. Yes the Dominica Freedom Party.

    Freedom Party has done well for this Country and the people and can do it again

    WAKE – UP PEOPLE WAKE – UP AND IT IS TIME TO SAY TO LABOUR GOODBYE

    • wesleyman
      January 17, 2013

      Please, Please enlighten me about how the labour party came into power, The same freedom party of which you speak decided that they would make a deal with the same labour party that you now decry in order to get rid of the then government… if you give someone to drink, dont be surprised when the time comes for them to pee…. suck it up and realize that all the corruption that is going on in the government is done by the leader of the young freedom movement.

  11. "O" STRESS"
    January 16, 2013

    Good news for Grandfond we have to send a message to the Government. Complete our road,our play ground and stop teasing our people or else we will surely win with Mr Jules Pascal, Mr Thompson,Fontaine,and we have Mr John toussiant,Mr Mc-Kenzie thats our Government right there. So please do npt mess with the smart men and women from Grandfond.

  12. I AM COMING BACK
    January 16, 2013

    Let us face the true Freedom Party Governed Dominica well from 1980 to 1995. People benefited and were engaged in gainful activities throughout the Country.

    We experienced real growth and development in Roads, Marketing of our Products and Produce, Housing, Hospitals, Health Centers and Health Services. School Buildings Education, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Communication, Electricity, Youth, Skills Training, Fisheries, Air and Sea Ports, Cruise ship berths, Tourism, Job Creation, The Economy, Security, Law and Order, Policing, Local Government, Public Services, Transportation among others.

    I think that people should be honest with themselves and accept the fact that things were better for them under the Government of the Dominica Freedom Party and admit that things are very bad, hard and poor with them under the RED CLINIC LABOUR PARTY Government.

    I am always a Freedom Party supporter who gave Labour Party a help so all this old Labour talk about Freedom die encourages me to go back to my Freedom. Yes Mr. Michael Astaphan let the new good and honest people join the DFP because I am back to Freedom and will bring others with me for sure

    God bless the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Dominica Freedom Party

  13. Anonymous
    January 16, 2013

    I AM COMING BACK

    Let us face the true Freedom Party Governed Dominica well from 1980 to 1995. People benefited and were engaged in gainful activities throughout the Country.

    We experienced real growth and development in Roads, Marketing of our Products and Produce, Housing, Hospitals, Health Centers and Health Services. School Buildings. Education, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Communication, Electricity, Youth, Skills Training, Fisheries, Air and Sea Ports, Cruise ship berths, Tourism, Job Creation, The Economy, Security, Law and Order, Policing, Local Government, Public Services, Transportation among others.

    I think that people should be honest with themselves and accept the fact that things were better for them under the Government of the Dominica Freedom Party and admit that things are very bad, hard and poor with them under the RED CLINIC LABOUR PARTY Government.

    I am always a Freedom Party supporter who gave Labour Party a help so all this old Labour talk about Freedom die encourages me to go back to my Freedom. Yes Mr. Michael Astaphan let the new good and honest people join the DFP because I am back to Freedom and will bring others with me for sure

    God bless the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Dominica Freedom Party

  14. Reader
    January 16, 2013

    We want the Freedom Party again;
    Freedom Party must reign
    Come join me and say
    We sweeping the polls on election day.
    I say Freedom Party is Best
    Way above the rest
    Come join me and say
    We sweeping the polls on election day!!

  15. oh my
    January 16, 2013

    Mr. Astaphans, i am begging you, please dont take the people of soufriere seriously.There is absolutely nothing you can tell them at this stage to make them turn back, because you all forced them to turn front so many years ago. Now they are confused. You told them they were labofred(sorry for coining. I see that is the in thing to do). You see their dilemma. So they don’t remember what they are.

  16. Really
    January 16, 2013

    I hope cause last election DFP was pure rubbish with its new candidates

  17. Michael
    January 16, 2013

    Well, if people want the DFP to return to provide good governance, strong and honest leadership and economic development, they must put put their monies and energy where their mouths are. A few tired people cannot build an effective organization. They need the active support of others who desire a better Dominica.

  18. January 16, 2013

    Dominica never had a good leader before ,if dominica had a good leader from the past our country would have been advance,none of those leaders had no idea to invest and create revenues for our country,to me all were corrupt

  19. Anonymous
    January 16, 2013

    i want to run for mahaut. im a teacher at mps and live within the constituency. Send me like KING DICE say

  20. Dynamite Freddomite
    January 16, 2013

    Wes shalll overcome and like the pheonix we shall raise once again.

    KEEP HOPE ALIVE

  21. Morihei Ueshiba
    January 16, 2013

    We need a total clean up of Dominica, all corrupt ministers jail, all white collar crime prosecuted, jail, all pastors taking bribes jail, all companies with income tax injunction lifted, all police involved in crime jail, bring back hanging, punish, punish, punish dem fellas, we need no nonsense leaders who are willing to punish all the evil doers in our land!
    Bring this country back to the Dominica we all grew up in with less crime, more love, and friendliness. Make us proud again.
    :mrgreen:

  22. aye
    January 16, 2013

    the only way to beat the labour party is by having several independent running for political offices in various constituencies. (split the votes)

    • Better yet...
      January 16, 2013

      Better yet, abolish party politics and have all candidates stand as independents.

    • Anonymous
      January 16, 2013

      Nobody not beating labor. Sorry

      • Inquirer
        January 16, 2013

        You think?? every party will be beaten at some point. Layborr time will come.

    • Anonymous
      January 16, 2013

      only the opposition votes will be split, labour shall remain labour, more parties more votes for labour

  23. No Freedomite again
    January 16, 2013

    Seriously Michael, Soufriere, Ha Ha. So long Freedom die in that area. We love our Labour Party and we are gonna stick to them. Freedom days are over Sir!

    • January 16, 2013

      That is why people like you must suffer!!!!!!!!!!

      • Anonymous
        January 18, 2013

        Dominica is poor for a reason.

  24. tee
    January 16, 2013

    Dont’ get me wrong the DFP is just like the Republican.

    • Republican
      January 17, 2013

      Nah dfp is the green party/ enviromental party. REPUBLICAN COLOUR IS RED LIKE LABOUR and DEMOCRAT COLOUR IS BLUE LIKE WORKERS.Please do not confuse the people of Dominica

      • tee
        January 18, 2013

        Dont worry about the color. Do you who are the republican?

  25. Stanly
    January 16, 2013

    I believe they should change the name of the party. Dominicans will not buy into this new faces theory.

  26. Good Luck
    January 16, 2013

    If Thompson Fontain becomes the next leader of the DFP where does that leave you Mr. Astaphan?

    • Jay
      January 16, 2013

      Please, read the headline before commenting. Mr. Astaphan is only “acting” leader of the DFP and he is quoted as saying:”the party is preparing to elect a permanent leader”. It should be clear from this that he has no intention of occupying that position permanently and would be quite happy to hand over leadership to someone else.

    • Anonymous
      January 16, 2013

      We definitely DO NOT WANT Thompson Fontaine. Thank you.

  27. Anonymous
    January 16, 2013

    GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Geez!!!!

    Under that is agriculture obviously but the mantra should be just those 3 words.

    Private sector growth.

    Private sector growth.

    Private sector growth.

    Private sector growth.

    Private sector growth.

    Private sector growth.

    Achieve that and youth will no longer be a problem as there is now opportunity for them.

    Anyway great news on 5 new entries! Looking forward to hear who it is.

  28. Piper
    January 16, 2013

    Michael, I think you are beating a dead horse. According to Kenny Rogers you have to know when to fold.

    I have spoken to some ardent fomer DFP supporter and they have given up on the party. These are people whose lineage go back to the days of DUPP. If you lost those people, how do you intend to resurrect the party? The brand is dead and no amount of tinkering is going to bring it back to life.

    • Mwen
      January 16, 2013

      The Dominica Labor Party was once in an identical situation. The Dominica electorate is strange. Very Strange things happen in DA. I wont just count Freedom Party out just yet.

    • TRUEMAN
      January 16, 2013

      ***THEN YOU SHOULD KNOW***

      Just remember the early days of the DFP against the DLP. Few people thought that DFP was going to succeed.

      Seems like history WILL repeat itself.

    • just saying
      January 16, 2013

      Thats Bull! who are yu to determin that. Leave this decision to us. Don’t you think that we are fed up of this nonesence in government?

      Are yu afraid that if freedom party is restored we will be a force to reckon with?

    • Citizen Kane
      January 16, 2013

      Piper … your reasoning sounds fickle… your comment epitomizes the frailty and lackof independent thought that so cripples our country .. the want it now, “i come for the rum and the party” syndrome ….

      The entire Arab spring was inspired by one man who stood up against injustice and a desperate situation.

      Gandi .. one man stood against the oppression of colonial rule … he won their hearts and minds and brought along the masses

      Mandela .. fought the good fight and liberated South Africa from the clutches of appartheid…

      Fight the good fight Mr. Astaphans!!!

      • Piper
        January 16, 2013

        Citizen Kane, do not blame me for point out the obvious. I did not kill the party, Eugenia Charles did because of her dislike/hatred(??) of Brian Alleyne.

        Michael Astaphan is trying to climb a glass wall with his bare hands. It is not going to happen.

      • Anonymous
        January 19, 2013

        Citizen Kane I admire your passion but please do not put Michael Astaphan in the category of Ghandi. Please dont 8-O

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