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Skerrit holds on as Dominica Prime Minister, Snap Elections decimates the Opposition UWP
By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#Dominica, December 7, 2022 – The big story of the night was not that Roosevelt Skerrit and his Dominican Labour Party were able to hold onto electoral power in Dominica, but that independents caused an upset, denying the DLP a sweep of all 21 seats.
The snap election victory proved not to be a snap for Skerrit, who on a social media aired radio show congratulated the two independent candidates now holding seats in parliament.
Skerrit’s DLP was still unable to sway the constituents of Marigot and Salisbury; they continue to prefer other political options and this time, Anthony S. Charles won the Marigot constituency with 491 votes, securing – unofficially – a popular vote of 59.44 per cent.
Jesma Paul won with 617 votes with a voting turnout of 57.13 per cent and Lynsia Frank of DLP lost, receiving 463 votes 42.87 per cent from the Salisbury Constituency.
In a sixth consecutive political victory, the Dominical Labour Party gained one seat over their 2019 finish. With a notable boundary change, the DLP took Rousea Central which had last time gone to the now, decimated UWP.
Elections are due every five years in Dominica; this election should have technically been held in 2024, however, Skerrit last month called the General Election early.
As prime minister he has the prerogative to call for an election anytime within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. Still, the early call and boycott of the process by unprepared political parties drew in two election observer teams.
One from CARICOM, the other from the OAS.
Organization of American States dispatches team led by former Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie after concerns were voiced by residents and opposition members on the snap election called by Dominican Prime
Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to be held on December 6th the country’s leaders invited the Organisation of American States to witness the elections.
The OAS spoke to local media after ballots closed around 5pm explaining that for the most part they had not observed any questionable practices.
Perry Christie, former Bahamian Prime Minister who was part of the 16-person team told reporters
“We are aware of the extent to which there was concern about the electoral process. And or job simply is to make a report and recommendations all with the intention of advancing the democracy of this region— we are generally finding that the facilities are adequate, [though] there are one or two recommendations we will make.”
There were 15 seats up for contention since the ruling Dominica Labour Party was elected unopposed in five seats across the country as the main opposition party the United Workers’ Party boycotted the elections.
Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.
Our world is unequal and divided.
Hunger and poverty are rife.
The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
We can choose to eradicate poverty.
We can choose to end inequality.
We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.
We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.
Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.
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AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024) set to strengthen Africa-CARICOM linkages
Speakers at ACTIF will include global superstars Viola Davis, Serena Williams, Didier Drogba and African and CARICOM Heads of States
Nassau, Bridgetown, Georgetown, May 28, 2024 – Excitement mounts as The Bahamas prepares to host the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) from 12 – 14 June 2024 in The Bahamas. Themed “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,” ACTIF2024 is set to forge significant pathways for economic prosperity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Other distinguished speakers will include Heads of State from seven CARICOM countries, former Prime Ministers, Ministers of Trade,
Economic Development and Finance, Dr. Roger W Ferguson, Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, USA, Prof. Andreas Klasen, Professor of International Business and Director of the Institute for Trade and Innovation at Offenburg, and many more.
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said: “We are witnessing shifts in the global economic landscape and the trade strategies of major economies, making it imperative for African and Caribbean nations to unite for mutual prosperity. The Afreximbank Annual Meetings and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in The Bahamas will serve as a strategic platform to enhance our economic bonds. These events indicate a vibrant assertion of our shared destiny. We are poised to harness the dynamic economic growth within our regions, enhancing our collective resilience and prosperity.”
The event promises to be a pivotal platform for high-level discussions on economic development and regional integration.
Building on the successes of the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022 and the gathering last year in Guyana, this year’s Forum in The Bahamas will further elevate and expand upon the discussions and initiatives previously set in motion. ACTIF2023, which focused on strengthening economic bonds and creating new investment opportunities, sets a precedent for meaningful collaboration between Africa and the CARICOM nations.
Afreximbank invites industry leaders, trade organisations and other stakeholders in the CARICOM region to participate and attend.
Registration is now open at https://2024.afreximbankevents.com.
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