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Following the decision by the main opposition entity (United Workers Party) not to contest the December 6th general election, a total of 18 independent candidates were subsequently nominated in 15 constituencies. This is the largest number of independent candidates to contest a general election at any given time in Dominica.<\/p>\n
Running against a well established political party, some seven independent candidates have since organised themselves and channelled their thoughts and plans into a manifesto. After just 2 weeks of being thrust into the political arena, the coalition of independent candidates has titled their manifesto: \u201cUnifying Dominica through Policies and Action\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Key areas such as the economy, healthcare, agriculture, education, social protection, and sports are knitted into this overarching manifesto. The first heading: Governance, Equity and Access<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0speaks of the \u201csystematic dismantling of governance structures resulting in inequitable access to state-controlled resources and services \u201d parallel with the plans to address the gaps identified.<\/p>\n The second area-Revitalising the Economy<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0highlights the management of the economy by citing businesses that have departed Dominica\u2019s shores followed by the economic strategy. The section; Sustainable Social Development<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0also focuses on the need to strengthen the social service in order to \u201cdeliver and provide a range of support to at-risk groups and individuals\u201d. The\u00a0Human Resource Development- 2050<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>on the other hand highlights the need for a holistic and comprehensive educational approach to suit the needs of all Dominicans.<\/p>\n In its conclusion the manifesto notes that the \u201cThe Coalition has estimated that the Dominica Labour Party spent $72,000,000 financing its 2019 election campaign. We estimate a further $30,000,000 is being spent on this election campaign. We know that ordinary labour party membership fees do not cover the money the party spends. We understand that the cost of providing the Prime Minister and his family with accommodation and associated costs is $64,000 per month; that is $768,000 per year and $3,840,000 over a full parliamentary term. The Coalition believes that the 105,840,000<\/em>\u00a0being spent by the Dominica Labour Party and to accommodate the Prime Minister could fund the following housing initiatives in this Manifesto\u201d.<\/p>\n Housing Renewal Programme: Bring 1,000 old and abandoned properties back into use. Maximum Grants $30,000 per household – 30,000,000<\/p>\n Housing Adaptation Grant: Essential adaptations to enable 5,000 households with a disabled or\u00a0elderly occupant. A maximum grant of $6,000 – 30,000,000<\/p>\n Owner Occupier Grant: Citizens living in the estimated 2,000 properties without electricity, running water or flushable toilets are brought up to standard. A maximum grant of EC$6,000 – 12,000,000<\/p>\n Housing Renovation Grant: Households whose homes were severely damaged and families living in overcrowded conditions to add a bedroom. Estimated 3,000 households and a maximum grant of $15,000\u00a0 -45,000,000<\/p>\n Balance to be found by Government –11,160,000<\/p>\n Team Unity also launched its e-manifesto last week, however, with three more days to election day, the Dominica Labour Party \u00a0has not presented their plans.<\/p>\n