The executive of the United Workers Party (UWP) has taken a decision to suspend the party’s former deputy political leader, Joshua Francis in the wake of the public disclosure of utterances made by Francis in a private conversation gone viral.
Last month, during a private discussion, Francis was recorded without consent, according to him, and the information was then disseminated in the public domain.
In the conversation, the former deputy political leader heavily criticized and blamed members of his party for his political demise because he believes his growing popularity was seen as a threat.
He further accused some of his colleagues of being the “culprits of his public humiliation” which later led to his arrest, in a sexual assault matter. The charge has since been dropped.
Francis also described Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit as a better leader than his party’s own, Lennox Linton.
At a UWP General Council meeting held last evening, a decision was taken to suspend Francis for six months in the first instance, a source within the party told Dominica News Online (DNO).
The membership also set the date of December 12, 2021, for its delegates conference to elect a leader and other party officials.
At the meeting, it was also decided that delegates would assemble at four different locations for the conference in order to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.
UWP president Isaac Baptiste, speaking on Q95’s Hot Seat yesterday, confirmed that the party’s general council had met and taken a decision regarding Francis’ utterances. However, he stated that the party wanted to ensure that the former deputy leader was informed of the decision before it was made public.
Dominica News Online has not spoken to Francis since we learned of his suspension, but in an interview with a DNO reporter shortly after his recorded conversation went viral, Francis apologized, not for the content of his statement as according to him, “I spoke my truth” but for the manner in which it was made.
“While I feel awful about this and regret the forum in which I engaged in such conversation; nonetheless, I stand by the facts which I presented as well as by my opinions. I walk and commune with truth first and truth last-the beginning and the end,” he stated.
He pointed out that within the UWP, internal disagreements have been openly vented in times past by operatives of the institution.
However, Francis said that despite the “differences, harsh words and betrayals, I hold no ill-will towards anyone in the party, country and certainly mean no harm to anyone whatsoever. “
“I seek forgiveness from anyone who feels wronged by me. I too, forgive anyone and everyone who intended me harm and continue to seek my destruction in any way shape or form. I pray that humility and enlightenment will prevail in the land. Know the truth and live it!” he added.
The former UWP official said he would refrain from making further public statements on the matter in the interest of peace until he addresses any concerns in person with the parties involved, “at the appointed time.”
The attorney revealed to DNO during the interview that although, based on legal advice, a lawsuit for breach of privacy, can be filed against the individual who made the recording, no legal action would be taken against him.
Instead, Francis said he chose to forgive the gentleman but appealed to him to change his ways.
“Peace is better than war,” he stated. ”As much as what the gentleman did was wrong, I leave it to his conscience to help him and to avoid doing something like this in the future. I ask him to reconsider what appears to be a habit of recording people for whatever reason. Everything has a consequence and we may not always pay the price within days or months but it will return in years because wrongs do not go unpunished.”
The attorney also appealed to the authorities to put legislation in place to prohibit such practice.
“We need this legislation to protect people’s privacy because some people are malicious and reckless and we need the assistance of the state to control those behaviors.”
To : We Hardcore UWPees
………………………
Joshua must be honest with himself and stop playing games with the people of the UWP. We deserve better.
Enough is indeed enough. We must act decisively to either dismiss him from our Party or force his resignation. When will we stop and think deeply about how Joshua has adversely undermined our leadership and pretend as if nothing is wrong.
Even before his election we had heard of his DLP roots. Many quietly distrusted him but gave him a chance. I guess UWP was seen as a social climbing ladder and it was exploited. Well what came out of this. Charges of sexual wrongdoings against a minor key and even admittance to kissing. Marital demise. Stabbing. Confusión and more nonsense. Finish with politics, then keep things low , then return to Q95 for more smooth talking. We have had enough. You have failed yourself and others. We know that there are other hidden stuff to come out. Our UWP is better off without likes like you.
Let me get this clear.
So if I commit a murder and confess, I spoke the truth so I should not be punished.
If I cheat on my husband and confess, I spoke the truth so its ok. Let us live happily ever after.
If I have a problem with my family and I go about bad-talking them in public, I spoke the truth so its ok. We can make amends now.
Nooooo. Dominica have me really baffled. I cannot be reading these comments.
A quote from George Clooney: ‘Never re-friend a person that has tried to destroy your character, your money or your relationships. A snake only sheds it’s skin to become a bigger snake.’ .
Da Roots,they cannot remove Linton as leader,UWP belong to Edison James and the people of Marigot.When you have GOSSIPING uninformed coonuu like % as advisers,Linton will remain leader.
A self-destructive individual is this Joshua Francis (sadly), who continuously exhibit such behaviours that’s sure to cause him self-harm, whether it’s emotional or physical. Some of these self-destructive behaviours are more obvious, such as: impulsive and risky behaviours in the form of hypocrisy being a particularly sinister vice.
When you, be it during election campaigns or not, openly criticises PM Skerrit and the Labour Party…. to exactly what end gain were your utterances? Just to now change your tune completely…. Question: Are you to hop aboard the PM Skerrit groovy train, especially because you seeking for it to bring you an advantage?
You must accept unpleasant consequences: “After several years, as it appears from your recorded utterances that has gone viral, of deceiving Hon Lennox Linton and the UWP, the whited sepulchre finally had to face the music.”
Dear DEAR.
Politics has left you behind. Are you a true Blue Joshie ? You have been known to speak well of your leader on Que 95 and this private conversation has unmask you again. I think you lack credibility. These statements from you prove that you cannot be trusted. I do believe that you should leave our party in peace . You have caused us too much embarassment. Stop playing on the sympathy of many and using the blame deceptive game. You are a spent element and your sins are confronting you. No one was surprised at your disgraceful defeat in Roseau South. Examine what has happened yo your family especially your wife and kids. Are there more hidden issues to come out. Stop playing Mr. Snow White. People know better. You have not disappointed those who know you best. Seek help for your known medical and psychotic condition. Stop fooling yourself. You are hurting real bad inside. Happiness has long evaded you. Your problems are longstanding, deeply rooted and many. Go to God…
@Whocares, I agree with you. But I would not vote for him if he went up with the UWP–at least not that group of today, and I can’t see them becoming a better group in the near future–their supporters are also making it harder for them.
The other thing is: How is his mental state?
Joshua Francis 100% correct after the incident Lennox Linton was the first to throw Joshua under the bus.Linton said there was no place in UWP for people like Joshua.Edison James said UWP had it’s own COURT and would try him there and deliver justice.UWP took Joshua to Mahaut and there they CRUCIFIED him,it was there that they launched a massive attack on his political career to become leader of UWP.The only time Linton supported was when Joshua held a press conference to accuse his wife of conspiring with DLP to bring him down.Later because of political GREED Linton was heard to say JOSHUA FRANCE is innocent until proven guilty nby a court of law.UWP had already damaged Joshua’s political ambition of being UWP leader.They did the same to Julius Timothy and Ronald Isidore.When Isidore decided to contest the leadership of UWP,Lennox Linton his onetime tennis partner and UWP put him in the DOG HOUSE.When Dr.Ferreira left as deputy leader they MASHUP his building in Roseau.WICKED.
@Lin clown, it wasn’t Linton who made child molestation charges against Joshua. It wasn’t Linton who brought divorce proceeding against Joshua. For your information, Clown, Lennox won reelection in his constituency whilst Joshua lost his support of the people in his constituency. When will you see that Joshua is his own enemy. He inflicted wounds unto his political career. The only thing that matters is the facts. You only have suppositions.
I don`t know if Dr. Benjamin ever had the opportunity to examine Mr. Joshua`s mental state and to give his candid opinion, but nevertheless i believe Mr. Joshua would make a great PM.
@Whocares, I agree with you. But I would not vote for him if he went up with the UWP–at least not that group of today, and I can’t see them becoming a better group in the near future–their supporters are also making it harder for them. The other thing is: How is his mental state?
This story has been out for days but as of November 10th at 9am there has not been any comments posted; what’s up DNO?
ADMIN: We had a large influx of comments which created a slight back log. All comments should now be up to date.
It will be very interesting to find out who the advisers to this party’s executive are since they are consistently making errors in judgment. The entire world knows that what Mr. Francis said is the absolute truth, we know he talks the truth all the time and that this has been one of the attributes which have caused people to gravitate to him besides his litany of troubles. Why punish him for being honest? Why not admonish him in private and then take steps to right the wrongs he has highlighted? I think this would have better served the party rather than the ego of the failed leader.
I don’t like what DLP is doing but I cannot support hypocrisy either such stupidity either.
Wee Papa, mouth open and torrie jump out! How can you suspend the man, who has already suspended himself. Once the recording came out he took full responsibility! Poor Leno no wonder he took shelter under a stone. Some good came out from the recording, because they are now calling for shake up! In all fairness Lenox is the only one who can keep the party together. If he is removed you no longer have Marigot, because that’s their party.
@Look it, are you sure that Marigot is voting UWP because of Lennox or do they still love Eddison James? And if the latter is true, Lennox or not the people would keep their vote. How I wish I was wrong!
Hope at the upcoming conference. They can take out the party leader. Because he is not helping the party. Win an election. As a matter of fact. He is not helping the party by any way or means. As a uwp supporter, I found him to be a total disgrace.
Does Dr Benjamin need to have an audience with Mr. Francis?
The PPP have reverted into oblivion, one would have thought that this would have been the ideal time for a UWP post mortem, but when volcanoes starts unraveling, Roseau should be on the look out. Egos continues to be the downfall of the Africans in the Caribbean. Crabs in the barrel syndrome, dressed up in the global political attire of jacket & tie. Political Pettiness,historically have had a place and space at the home of the UWP, this has been well documented over time.
Francis is a disgrace to himself, and embarrassment to the UWP; if indeed he said that Roosevelt is a better leader than Lennox; that is an indication that he is nothing more than a plant; another of Roosevelt puppets in the UWP party.
We experience something like that in the past; first we saw Timothy stabbed Edison James in his back; then we saw the bread boy Isaac, stabbed Lennox in his back.
Now it is Francis time, serving Roosevelt Skerrit; by election time he will bow low enough to kiss Roosevelt behind so that he can obtain something from Roosevelt.
Oh; how low can some people get; we saw a medical doctor who claimed to be a member of the UWP, nevertheless, when his business was sabotaged by Roosevelt; the one and the same Roosevelt it is alleged offered (gave him) four million dollars, and a job to say something good about him.
A dropped charge does not mean innocence when the culprit admitted he kissed the minor!
Con:
Fire him!
When one is suspended; that means to temporarily prevent that person from continuing in a position, or being in force or effect; when the person is expelled: that person is deprived of membership, or any involvement in an organization, such as a political party, or even from attending a certain school.
At this point Francis should be expelled from the UWP; being a member of the party does not help; it does not guarantee he will ever win a seat even if he is allowed to represent any constituency ever again; he tarnished his name and chance of ever been elected in Dominica again!
He is now playing the blame game; when he is the one who damage himself by admitting to kissing the minor (child).
What about his marriage; he screwed that up too; can he blame that on the UWP?
Get rid of Francisco…a bad Apple is not a good Apple. Let him go and join de evil gang. This guy is falling. He wants some of the ill gotten gains and money from the other side. He knew full well that what he said would be known to his party. Let Francisco Go.
“Peace is better than war,” he stated. ”As much as what the gentleman did was wrong, I leave it to his conscience to help him and to avoid doing something like this in the future. I ask him to reconsider what appears to be a habit of recording people for whatever reason. Everything has a consequence and we may not always pay the price within days or months but it will return in years because wrongs do not go unpunished.”
The attorney also appealed to the authorities to put legislation in place to prohibit such practice.
“We need this legislation to protect people’s privacy because some people are malicious and reckless and we need the assistance of the state to control those behaviors.”
RIGHT THERE… What goes around comes right back… I never heard you condemn the private recording of Ian Douglas when he spoke of his relationship with Skerrit… you and others CELEBRATED……. Wicked Soul.. TAKE IT I SAY!!!!!
Yes sir. Some people only know and recognize wrong when it is done to them.
It’s surprising that Joshua didn’t come out and say that his wife colluded with the leaders of the UWP to help take him down. What a troubled soul. He should just be a man and throw in his hat with the ruling cabal like the current speaker of the house. The exception is that the current speaker is more of a man than Joshua because he didn’t snitch on the sly.
But the Man right when anyone is more liked than their leader the set to destroy that person. It was first Isidore and now Francis!
What about Pierro and Roosevelt Roosie? Those men were loved we boy. I followed their campaign trains from GBay to everywhere around Dominica. Do you have any idea of who set to destroy them???
Pierro did not like Roosie. He complained everyday the Roosie was going on overseas trips and come back empty handed. It took Skerrit to get things moving in Dominica. Today, Dominica is blessed.
Is that why addicts chose cocaine because they like it so?
DNO, you are quick to publish this story involving internal problems within the UWP with one of its prominent members. It’s fair for there is public interest in this story.
My problem with you is this. It was confirmed by eye witnesses and a gentleman who was intimately involved in this saga. The gentleman spoke about it on live radio giving all the sordid details.
A sitting minister of government was caught redhanded in the home of a nurse/assistant during working hours and using a government owned vehicle engaging in a salacious activity.
In any other Eastern Caribbean country that Minister would have been summarily dismissed. But, there was no mention of this on your news site, not one word. Do you realise why many accuse your news outlet as being biased and in bed with the DLP?
What’s your defence for not airing this story which generated a of public interest? Are you truly impartial as you have often touted?
Publish the truth regardless of party.
ADMIN: We consider this a personal matter concerning the individuals involved.
Had there been some sort of legal action or even an official statement from the opposition parties, the government or a civil organization addressing the matter or calling for his dismissal then we may have pursued a story on it.
ADMIN please tell me you are kidding. You consider this a personal matter? Did it not involve a public figure, using a public vehicle? Please don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining.
Ibo Lucifer, is on the crying game again, to DNO ha ha ha 🤣 baby girl lost her ragdoll.
Ad decision, wrong timing and making war in public over a simple thing that could be solved behind the scenes. At the end of the day they have shamed me, embarrassed me and ridiculed me when I am trying to get over the embarrassment caused by West Indies in the World Cup. At the end of the exercise their foolish decision to punish Joshua Francis, proves that he was not wrong because Ian Douglas saiid basically the same thing about Skerrit and instead of punishing Ian Skerrit brushed that away as if Ian never said anything. It’s my party but they behaving like little girls seeing their period for the first time
A big man lawyer, officer of the court, supposedly full of intelligence, and he let a cell phone do this to him. A man of this stature should know when to gripe, and when to be diplomatic. Some of us want too much to be one of the boys, and are too full of ourselves. It always lead to negative results. So much for a future leader. Hopefully a little rehabilitation, some soul-searching, and a more mature disposition might renew the verve and energy for a rejuvenated intelligent political career.
He gripes everywhere and anywhere, then he plays innocent, and blames people for his actions.. He pretends that he is NEVER wrong. Kudos to the person who recorded him!! Enough of this!!
That delegates conference is just BS.Lennox Linton will be voted as leader UNOPPOSED.Ronald Isidore had the intention to try for leadership,UWP ended his political career.Julius Timothy tried the same thing with Edison,he was thrown to the DOGS.Joshua Francis is saying what the MAJORITY of Dominicans has been saying for years.,about the greed and jealousy of UWP.Even though LINTON lost two back to back elections,the last by 1,163 votes and 18 seats,he CANNOT be removed as leader.That is UWP DICTATORSHIP.PAPA RUN THINGS.
You are concerned about UWP delegates conference CLOWN???
I dont expect someone like you to know that, but the corrupt labour that you are kneeling to like a sycophant has had no delegates conference since about 2013.. So this DLP does not even have legitimate officers serving the party CLOWN!!
ISNT THAT OF CONCERN TO YOU CLOWN???
Kindergarten graduate, one thing you need to remember is that no candidate of the UWP has ever fairly lost an election.
How can one loose what is stolen from them?
Let it be known when Roosevelt stabbed me cousin St. Hilarie in his back and became leader of the party, I believe he won his first election fairly, because Dominicans were fascinated with his youth and they say his good looks; so based on that they voted for him.
Since then, Roosevelt uses money and lies to hijack all the following elections.
Dominicans have fallen victim to their own greed, Roosevelt gives them free food and money, pieces of lumber, and nails; not enough to build a house, as in the case of my sister whom they gave one sheet plywood.
That’s how he buys people vote.
UWP do not have any illegal sources of money by voted so what will as long as Roosevelt exists?
Time to stop stealing elections in Dominica!
UWP can’t win because they don’t thief election!
Mr. Francis felt that members of the leadership of the UWP were conspiring to tarnish his name because he was getting too popular shows that the man has an over inflated ego.
His statement that Mr. Skerrit is a better leader than Mr. Linton was made to ingratiate himself with the DLP leader and his wackadoodles. We should not be surprised to see Joshua in the embrace of Skerrit soon.
Joshua was so convincing that no one dared to examine his horns. Now those horns seem fake.We should have taken heed when his wife was trying to send us that unmistakable message about him. When a fish comes out of the sea and says that shark is in there, we should believe it.
This is a truism. Everybody has a price.
I truly respected Joshua Francis for being unflappable in times of crises, for his quick-wittedness and his ability to explain complex issues so that the average person could easily comprehend.
Unfortunately, in recent times, I thought of him as a next Joseph Isaac. Mr. Linton has his weaknesses like all of us. But, for Mr. Joshua Francis to blame the UWP loss of elections on Mr. Linton not being likable, when he fully knows it was due to the most corrupt electoral system in the Caribbean, floored me. For him to opine that Mr. Skerrit is a better leader than Mr. Linton is beyond ridiculous.
For Joshua Francis to blame his former colleagues for his present difficulties is ludicrous. They were all self inflicted. Despite the DLP’s robust ridicule, the UWP leadership was unphased and stood firmly with Mr. Francis as allegations of sexual allegations swirled around him.
Mr. Francis has permanently lost all credibility. Regrettably, he’s now a political derelict.
Joshua consistenly runs his mouth against people in his psrty, and he thinks that he has no personal responsibilty for his actions. He thinks he can do what he wants, where he wants, how he wants, and then he comes spotless blaming others for his actions.
I think he has been given a slap on the wrist. He should have been expelled from the party. When will it end????
Could not have said it better %. You comments are 100 000% accurate. Joshua Francis believes that he is untouchable because of his perceived popularity in the UWP. The man is delusional, egotistical and mischievous. Joshua Francis and trouble are conjoined twins.
I don’t know the specifics of Joshua’s sexual assault case, but he cannot and should not blame party executives, or any other person, for his involvement in a sexual assault case. If he was involved, he got himself involved with help from no one.
“He further accused some of his colleagues of being the “culprits of his public humiliation” which later led to his arrest, in a sexual assault matter… In the conversation, Francis also described Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit as a better leader than his party’s own, Lennox Linton.”
UWP has been my party from the day they were formed. But I must admit that they have not taken wise political decisions and that’s why we are where we are.
It was damn bad decision to run call election in 1999 when we had so much going for us and and almost a year to call election.
It was a damn bad decision when they among themselves by passed a well loved and popular Julius Timothy as deputy leader of the party and somehow made Earl leader.
This time a very damn poor decision to suspend Joshua Francis for something they could bring healing to behind the scenes. The advice to them is Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to act. It’s a decision that will hurt us more than heal us
Mr. Francis spoke his truth and he, “stand by the facts which he presented as well as by his opinions. “He walk and commune with truth first and truth last.” A six months suspension and with the delegates conference set for December 12, they are effectively eliminating him from any leadership position in the party. Boss move by the ones he spoke his truth about.
December 12 will be a make or break day for the UWP.
#OneLoveDominicans #OLD767
It’s not the first time they did this to him.. What a shame he was suspended for speaking the truth.
I am not a fan of Joshua Francois but I find my party, the UWP is acting too hasty. The man went through a situation and I don’t see anything wrong with him expressing his feelings to a friend or anyone. If that person chose to record him whether with his knowledge or not and the video went viral then so be it. In fact even if Joshua knew it was going viral so be it because people have a right to express their feelings. I just find the leadership of UWP must be wise and understand the season we in. What Joshua said is gone and history now but definitely the actions of UWP to suspend Joshua will further hurt the party. Ian Douglas was in that same hot fire when he criticized Skerrit in a recording and like Joshua Ian too is a lawyer and knew what he was doing. But Skerrit and the DLP embraced Ian and life goes on. I find UWP meet with Joshua and those he offended and try to bring healing instead of their harsh actions that make them look firm but in all honesty they are breaking down
Oh Dominica! Land of bowdel. Every day is a drama from the left and the right; and nothing lasts. time next week we will have forgotten this and moved on to a hotter drama. Shameful! Dominica, my sweet island, Ms. Waitukubuli… must be weeping!
This was a very very unprofessional move by Joshua Francis, but i am not surprised, because numerous people have alleged Francis of making similar pronouncements to them..While he, Francis, is appearing to be a good guy, but the problem is, he refuses to take responsibility for his own actions..To him he is NEVER WRONG.!! He similarly ABANDONED HIS 2014 CAMPAIGN TEAM,(the best team the country had seen), and thought he was so popular, that he could win on his own. Then he blamed his demise on other people, and other factors.
The guy seem to be smart but not clever. He is a VERY POOR TEAM MEMBER!!!!
I think that the punishmnent was too lenient!! This has been going on for too long!!! HE WILL NEVER STOP!!
Qudos to the person who recorded him!!!
I agree with you, %. Joshua Francis is a typical politician. He has created a reasonable and affable public persona when he is as deceptive as a snake and self-absorbed like a peacock.
He reminds me of the Mighty Chalk Dust song ‘To Be A Politician’. You are in one political party while favourng the other opposing party.
Through thick and thin the executive of the UWP gave him their unwavering support which led to the most most scathing criticism of the party by the other side. The man’s public image and the real Joshua Francis are apart from each other like the North Pole is from the South Pole. He reminds me of the present president of Ethiopia.
So in other words the person who released the recording did not break any law. Allu like to threaten to sue too much. You spoke the truth and thousands heard it. Bon.