{"id":216235,"date":"2019-03-21T08:29:31","date_gmt":"2019-03-21T12:29:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=216235"},"modified":"2019-03-22T07:44:55","modified_gmt":"2019-03-22T11:44:55","slug":"commentary-if-the-uwp-wins-will-it-be-because-of-their-strength-or-a-dying-dlp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/features\/commentary\/commentary-if-the-uwp-wins-will-it-be-because-of-their-strength-or-a-dying-dlp\/","title":{"rendered":"COMMENTARY: If the UWP wins, will it be because of their strength or a dying DLP?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Dominica has always been unique in many ways.\u00a0 We are the only island in the Caribbean with remnants of pure indigenous people. We are sandwiched between two French islands (extensions of France). We can boast of several intellectuals all over the world in leadership positions. Shamefully, we\u2019ve been associated with corruption in many forms, international gangsters and dictators who we vehemently defend. We are the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’, among others.\u00a0 I said all that to say, we are more than what we see or believe!<\/p>\n

Politics in Dominica has become entrenched in our subconscious mind.\u00a0 Our daily activities are influenced by the party we are affiliated with.\u00a0 Where we buy our bread or where we do our grocery shopping is subconsciously determined by the inner machinations that we have allowed to define who we have become!\u00a0 Where and by whom we sit in church is somehow a blue or a red thing!\u00a0 Party politics have to a large extent become a master of our mind.<\/p>\n

After 10 years of existence, the United Workers Party (UWP) under Edison James formed the government in 1995.\u00a0 From all accounts, they were a productive party but were defined in opposition circles as being corrupt.\u00a0 This essentially led to their loss at the polls in 2000.\u00a0 My opinion is that this was a fa\u00e7ade put on by the opposition.\u00a0 They were supported by the well-to-do’s in Dominica.\u00a0 Also, James may have taken his party\u2019s success, perceived or otherwise, for granted and called early elections.\u00a0 They lost and a coalition took over the reins of power in Dominica.<\/p>\n

Fast track to 2014.\u00a0 I concluded then that this was the best chance for the UWP to regain leadership of the country because they were, like Bob Marley says, \u2018coming in from the cold\u2019<\/em>.\u00a0 However, throughout the years there have been calls for electoral reform because of a bloated voter\u2019s list, accusations of bribery by the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) locally and the literal transportation of voters from overseas in time for Election Day.\u00a0 Granted, the UWP was not as \u2018strong\u2019 and organized as it was in its heyday.\u00a0 Observers have accused the ruling party of manipulating the system to their advantage.<\/p>\n

But is the electorate satisfied with the DLP\u2019s performance and management of the political climate on island?\u00a0 While the natural overnight drift from the DLP to the UWP and from the UWP to the DLP continues, the majority thinks that the UWP is on the rise again.\u00a0 Crossing the floor is not considered a high status move from a party\u2019s point of view.\u00a0 In Dominica, it is always considered a personal payback.\u00a0 It was a rocky start for their leader, Lennox Linton and although he is still not liked by some, he seems to be coming into his own.\u00a0 Criticism is rife that the Prime Minister has some dictatorial tendencies based on his decision-making methods and practices.<\/p>\n

The radical decision made by the DLP leader with regard to 13 constituency contenders, is a risky one.\u00a0 In my opinion, the move could be extremely wise or extremely dumb.\u00a0 The DLP has not been very vocal as in previous election seasons.\u00a0 Is that a sign of weakness, less support or fading confidence?\u00a0 Political strategists study voting and other trends and the behaviour of voters.\u00a0 Interestingly, a name that stands out is Crispin Gregoire who switched support from the DLP to the UWP and is presumably their chief strategist.\u00a0 The UWP claims to be ready whenever the elections are called but simultaneously taking its time to put together the best team for all 21 constituencies.<\/p>\n

Having said that, the DLP should not be taken for granted despite all the negatives that have been postulated against them.\u00a0 The Labour party is not as formidable as it was in the early 2000s.\u00a0 Their popularity seems to be waning.\u00a0 But, they have the experience, the financial wherewithal, and they are in government. A party in power should only lose reelection when the peoples\u2019 interest is worn out!\u00a0 Is that the case right now?\u00a0 Twenty years is a very long time.\u00a0 Electors are the ones who put parties in government and their democratic power will transfer into a prodigious but enduring force on Election Day.<\/p>\n

There will be change if this election cycle is going to be defined by:<\/p>\n