Two candidates launch campaigns for Grand Bay by-election

(left) Julius Gabriel, (top right) Gabriel Christian, (bottom right) Sean Douglas

The race in the upcoming Grand Bay by-election is taking form as two of three candidates have officially launched their campaigns in the constituency.

Dr. Vince Henderson, the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) nominee and independent candidate Julius Gabriel, popularly known as Handbag, have begun unveiling, directly to Grand Bay voters, their plans and ideas for the constituency if elected in the November 25, 2021 by-election in that constituency.

Gabriel, who was launched over the weekend, told constituents that his development plans for Grand Bay include full economic enfranchisement for all, the creation of sustainable job opportunities especially for the youths, the establishment of a knowledge-based cultural center in Grand Bay, and a push to extend pioneer status to farmers and fisherfolks, who he claims have been unfairly treated by the DLP despite their decades-old loyalty.

The would-be parliamentary representative who claims to be more attuned to the needs of Grandbarians, during his official launch at Grand Bay on Sunday said, “I come to burst the chain of bondage in Grand Bay. I am here to save Grand Bay. We have too many people overseas, they want to come down and open businesses for young people to work and they cannot and that hurting me. To much people have to go down on their knees and cry to Skerrit.”

Gabriel expressed full confidence in his chances of winning at the poll.

“I dropped out of school to chase manicou and then I turn to a bus driver conductor. From conductor, I go to bus driver and from bus driver I’m going to be a Parlrep to serve my constituency,” the independent candidate declared.

Gabriel’s candidacy was endorsed by several individuals, one of whom was Dominica-born attorney Gabriel Christian who is based in the United States of America.

“I endorse tonight, Julius Gabriel, a young man from Grand Bay who does not depend on handouts. He does not depend on bribes to make a living, he earns his honest living by driving his bus and serving his community. Julius Gabriel is the David that will take down Goliath,” Christian proclaimed.

He said the once “liberated” Grand Bay can only return to such stature  by removing the incumbent government and pledged, with the help of Dominicans abroad like himself, to form a Grand Bay community development corporation, an organization that will allow constituents to come together to achieve several things around the constituency, if the DLP is defeated.

Other development proposals for the constituency under Gabriel’s stewardship include an institute of plant medicine and construction engineering in Grand Bay.

“In that focus on industry, we will also create in Grand Bay, a light industry…so that light industry in Grand Bay is to create textile, printed t-shirts and others,  handcrafts, shoes and also automotive parts.”

Former DLP Press Secretary Sean Douglas also spoke at the launch and provided a solid endorsement of Gabriel’s candidacy.

Douglas pointed out that the constituency now faces the possibility for the first time since 1961, of not having a Grandbarian as their sitting parliamentary representative.

He heavily criticized the DLP candidate’s eligibility in the race as according to him, “it is an insult to the people of Grand Bay and those gone, for the Roosevelt Skerrit government to impose Vince Henderson on you.”

Douglas continued, “It is a clear demonstration of the utter contempt that Roosevelt Skerrit has for you the people of Grand Bay. Pierre Charles built a political machine in Grand bay, so is  skerrit saying now that from this political machinery, he cannot find one person who can step forward and represent the people of Grand bay in parliament?”

Much has been made by non supporters of Gabriel of the bus driver’s limited education but Douglas argues that  while education is important, traits such as character, honesty and integrity are more necessary attributes of a good politicians than academic qualification.

“A vote for Handbag is a vote for Grand Bay. Vince Henderson is Skerrit’s choice, he is not yours,” Douglas, who hails from one of Dominica’s most prominent families, contended.

Dr. Vince Henderson campaigning in Grand Bay

Meanwhile, DLP hopeful for the Grand Bay constituency by-election Dr. Henderson has identified a  cultural revival as one of his major development objectives in the Grand Bay constituency if he is elected to serve as parliamentary representative.

His comments came at an event dubbed “Youth Link Up” in Grand Bay last week where he told attendees that the constituency needs to regain the title of the cultural capital of Dominica.

“Grand Bay has always been known as the cultural capital of Dominica and we need to reclaim that. We need to ensure that at a minimum, we must recognize those who have contributed to making Grand Bay the cultural capital that it is,” Henderson said. “We must embrace them and we must take every opportunity to memorialize them so that they will be known for generations to come.”

Dr. Henderson also said that focus will be placed on the continued development of Ma Toutou’s Park and other sites in Grand Bay as he is hoping to increase the tourism sector in the southern communities.

“We need to ensure that we develop the tourism sector in Grand Bay and one of the things we must do, is to see how we can develop sites and services. For example, the Geneva river,  in Layou, they have river tubing and that is something we can seriously pursue here to grow…and these projects will generate revenue for the Grand Bay constituency,” he explained.

The former government minister and diplomat further revealed that he and the parliamentary representative for the Petite Savanne constituency, Dr. Kenneth Darroux, are jointly pursuing plans for a fisheries complex in the south.

He said the establishment will not only facilitate fisherfolks but can be used as another port of entry, thereby involving the yachting sector in the south of the island.

The DLP hopeful encouraged the youths to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them while assuring National Employment Programme (NEP) workers that efforts are being made to secure permanent employment on their behalf.

He further averred that a location must be identified in Grand Bay to honour heroes, the people who have made great contributions, “that we should at least let the world know what Grand Bay has produced.”

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27 Comments

  1. Lin clown
    November 19, 2021

    Mr.Toto which Rosie and which Pietro?I hope is not the same Rosie you,% and the UWP called a jailbird,a criminal an arsonist and a deportee?I hope it is not the same Pietro you,% .,Crazy T and UWP put his face on the body of a JACKAS..Every morning before your programme you,and yours played the braying of a JACKA.S ,referring to Pietro.UWP pressured Pietro to death.Now Rosie and Pietro are no more,these wicked,habitual criminals crying CROCODILE tears.

  2. En Ba La
    November 18, 2021

    Gabriel Christian mean to tell me he and Shawn Douglas could not help the UWP find a candidate. UWP said they are not contesting why? You mean to tell me they and the UWP could not find a candidate.

    The ante is up.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
    • Toto
      November 19, 2021

      Man, don’t be so shallow. UWP don’t want to fight the election, Freedom don’t want to fight the election, APP don’t want to fight the election because is not a normal election. It is Skerrit wanting to impose his rule on Grandbay Come high or low water. Is a fight between him and the people of Grandbay.

  3. Eagle-Eyed
    November 17, 2021

    Well, Gabriel Christian is keeping his form by endorsing high school dropouts. Firstly, he endorses Lennox Linton (a high school dropout) for PM. Now he endorses another high school dropout to try and represent the people of Grandbay. Gay-boo just like creating mischief because he is not residing in DA.
    Even if the people of South City experience a brain freeze and decide to overlook a doctor for a high school dropout, what can he realistically achieve for Grandbay if he is not backed by the Party in power who decides on how resources are allocated? All the development plans the late Registe had for this community would just be washed down the drain. Grandbarians should vote with their heads and ignore the drivel fed to them by the likes of Gay-boo in the US. Vince is the man to take them forward. Furthermore he is likely to be PM once Skerrit steps down. This would be even more advantageous for them having their Parlrep as PM. :twisted: :twisted:

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 11
  4. Dumpling
    November 17, 2021

    Every voter havr a choice,what do you love the most, the labour party or Dominica.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
    • Toto
      November 18, 2021

      I would not mind dumpling but this is not the Labour Party we voted for under Rosie and Pierrot. This bunch of misfits have hijacked that party that only exists in name. Labour Party supposed to be caring and be social for all, taking care of everybody never mind their colour, religion or even political affiliation but this regime is more like a maffia. You see any equitable distribution between those who have and those who don’t. Eh Ben garçon, I rest my case.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  5. Lin clown
    November 17, 2021

    Dominica is not improving ,this idiot must be living in a basement on White Plains Road and 23rd.After Maria was wiped off the face of the map.Today people who could not afford a house are now living in $250,000 and $300,000 houses and apartments,with the compliments of Skerrit and the DLP.Out of a population of 72,000 Dominica can boast of,a total of 37,000 registered vehicles.Dominicans no longer use pit toilet.They no longer travel on vehicles with wooden boxes,and they no longer pay HOSPITAL USER FEES.Every Dominican has two(2)cell phones or one(1) phone with two(2) chips.Dominica today is not the Dominica under UWP just take a look at UWP candidate for Grandbay.These UWP coonuu put the face of Pierre Charles on the body of a JACKAS.,today a JACKAS. is the face of UWP.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
  6. Lin clown
    November 17, 2021

    The MEDIA PROSTITUTE told us on q95 that Gabriel Christian is a law professor and senior lecturer at the Gabriel Christian law academy.Lennox Linton is buried up to his eyebrows in lawsuits,Gabriel Christian,with all his law degree he has NEVER represented neither Lennox Linton nor UWP.WHY?

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 19
    • a padna that know things
      November 17, 2021

      because he is a lawyer in American lawyer and not a Dominican barred lawyer

    • Me
      November 18, 2021

      Media prostitute? It takes one to know one!

  7. Gary
    November 17, 2021

    When I read the statements made by Gabriel Christian, he is only unmasking himself. The decision to choose someone to Political office should be done with reason and knowledge, why should hatred, vendetta and nonsensical Political antics superseded reason. Telling a constituency quote, “I endorse tonight, Julius Gabriel, a young man from Grand Bay who does not depend on handouts. He does not depend on bribes to make a living, he earns his honest living by driving his bus and serving his community. ” Isn’t that silly nonsensical political rhetoric, is this all what the people of Grandbay need to decide the person to represent them.
    I’m not against Julius Gabriel for participating in the electoral process, it is sad to see how he is being manipulated by other people to carry out their Political agenda. I wonder if Julius Gabriel had approached the UWP to run in Grandbay would he be given the opportunity and financial backing. What a tangled web they weave, UWP, always to deceive

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 19
    • Ibo France
      November 18, 2021

      Gary, I could never consider you a serious nor honest person. You commented that people want to use Mr. Gabriel for their own political agenda. That exactly the reason given by Mr. Skerrit for singlehandedly picking Vince Henderson as the DLP candidate for this by-election. He did not choose him because he thinks Vince is the best person for the people of Grand Bay. He chose him for his (Skerrit’s) own personal benefit.

      Why have you made such an obvious omission? Your comments are unhelpful and worthless. No wonder the people in this forum and the wider community give you the cold sholder. You CHARLATAN!

  8. Lin clown
    November 17, 2021

    Patrick John was arrested and charged for conspiring to overthrow the Government in OPERATION RED DOG .He was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in jail.Uncle Lenny was caught red handed conspiring to launder and did launder money into Dominica.There is audio evidence and there is documentary evidence,including two(2) signed MOU.There was also the TERRY BARON money laundering matter,the black briefcase.Uncle Ugly is still walking free.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 15
  9. November 17, 2021

    “Julius Gabriel is the David that will take down Goliath,” Christian proclaimed.”

    What foolish words coming from someone who may be claiming education! Gabriel, are you saying that there is no man of some kind of intelligence in Grandbay, who can independently, represent their constituency at parliament, besides a high school dropout, in the year 2021?

    “Handbag” cannot even speak proper English. Today, with the internet and high-tech devices everywhere, which are used for proper and quick communication, the man calls himself “Handbag”; can he handle more than a bag, which is only garbage bags at parliament?

    He claims that people from Grandbay who live over want to “come down” return home to do business in the village, but they can’t. So why can’t they?

    If they want to do business, then they should have the finances and plan to start their business to employ their people, who or what is stopping them?

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 19
    • November 17, 2021

      You have made a fool of yourself with David and Goliath’s prophecy. Unless you only know about David pertaining to Goliath, you should know that God had a lot of plans for David, who was the King of Israel, for 40 years under God’s own Power–not even his own.

      David is one of the most influenced writers of the Old Testament through the Book of Psalms–there is no comparison between him and a “Handbag”. God had David under His claws, according to David himself:

      “Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed, and in Your book they were all written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” Psalm 139: 16.

      Can you ever perceive this kind of wisdom from someone who claims to have dropped out of school to go after “agouti and manicou”? But the wisdom of David is that which God chooses to lead His people–wherever they are because He wants to be involved.

      That is how I know that your prophecy is false–and that is just too bad!

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 4 Thumb down 16
      • paul
        November 18, 2021

        before David was crowned king wasn”t he a keeper of sheep?[shepherd]

  10. Me
    November 17, 2021

    I shall not address mr. Vince Henderson as Dr. It devalues the achievements of those of us, Dominicans with genuine Ph.D’s.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 7
  11. Real Dominica
    November 17, 2021

    There is much difference between Ideal and Reality and Intentions and Outcomes.

    Grandbay, you continue to suffer. Grandbay will not improve because Dominica is not improving.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 9 Thumb down 6
  12. Imputing Improper Motives (IIM)
    November 16, 2021

    So should be 5 take 7 years (Reggie) talking about Handbag en. Boy pot like to call the kettle black.

  13. November 16, 2021

    You know I honestly dont like with these labour individuals. Here comes Vince and skerrit acting like it’s the first time this government is in power smh. You all have been there for over twenty long years and did nothin for grand bay and now comes to tell the people about plans you all have for them
    Man these folks would be very foolish not to teach u all a very good lesson
    Lord have mercy

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 1
  14. Trouble I see
    November 16, 2021

    I continue to ask myself what the hell Vince Henderson was doing in Dominica two months before Edward Registe died. Did he and Skerrit know months before Ed Registe was going to die? Was that bi-election planned and arranged months before Ed Registe died? I know the cause of death was some kind of medical problem but is that all there is to it Dr Skerrit and Dr Vince Henderson?
    I am worried because I see a trend in Dominica these days that’s very disturbing. Skerrit and Vince Henderson were brought into politics by Rosie Douglas in 2000 and it’s no secret that they didn’t like the leadership of Rosie. Less than 9 months later, just a day after an international trip, Rosie died and was buried by Skerrit and Vince. Pierro of Grand Bay became PM and Skerrit and Vince didn’t like him and somehow pierro died and Skerrit jumpedd in as PM. Today Skerrit wants to become president so Vince is in Da months in advance and low and behold Ed Registe dies and Vince ready to be PM. God help us

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 3
    • CIA DOM
      November 19, 2021

      …maybe they knew that Ed was about to pass?

  15. Son of Grand Bay
    November 16, 2021

    Julius Gabriel for Grand Bay, Grand Bay for Julius Gabriel. Vote for Julius Gabriel a son of Grand Bay, and let us begin the revival of our beautiful community.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 2
  16. Ibo France
    November 16, 2021

    Vince Henderson has a record as a FAILED politician. It can be easily verified by the constituents of St. Joseph. This man has his snout in the public trough and his sole purpose in government is to help himself.

    Unlike Vince Henderson, Mr. ‘Handbag’ Gabriel is as genuine as they come. No one can accuse him as being fake, lazy, depending on a government cheque and a carpetbagger.

    Grand Bay – Handbag all the way!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 2
    • November 18, 2021

      I have a couple handbags in my kitchen cabinet and, I only use them for grocery shopping. Can I send you one? How do you know he is as genuine as they come? The only people who depend on a Government cheque are the ones who work for the Government and that is understandable. Oh IBO, you just trying to spite Skerrit that is all. I do not think you care a hoot about handbag. If a manicou were to run for Grandbay as an Independent you would still vote for that manicou. Anything to harm Skerrit. The man cannot even talk proper English; that is an insult to the Queen, Queen Elizabeth. Ah bet you he cannot even spell Macy’s, my favorite store.

  17. Toto
    November 16, 2021

    Is only one Dr. Henderson I recognise, is Dr. Tom Henderson who was born in Grandbay and grow up there and died in Trinidad. He had a proper Ph.D. and was a professor, unlike Vince. Anyway, I would not vote Vince, he is just a straw man for Skerrit.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 2

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