DOMINICA:Ruling party names diplomat to contest by-election

ROSEAU, Dominica– The ruling Dominica Labor Party (DLP) has named the island’s ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States (OAS), Vince Henderson, as its candidate to contest a by-election in Grand Bay, south of here, on November 25.

Prime Minister and DLP leader Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Thursday night that Henderson would contest the by-election to fill the seat following the death of the parliamentary representative, Fitzgerald Edward Register, on September 1.

 “Ambassador Henderson’s nomination was this week endorsed, first, by the executive of the Grand Bay Constituency Association and party stalwarts of Grand Bay, and subsequently approved by the full membership of the Association. The decision was then ratified by the central executive of the Dominica Labour Party,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.

He said he had already advised President Charles Savarin to issue the writ for the by-election. Nomination day is November 9, and political observers say the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) is not expected to name a candidate for the constituency that is a stronghold of the ruling party. In the 2019 general election, the DLP won 18 of the 21 seats in Parliament.

“Ambassador Henderson brings a wealth of experience as a former government minister, diplomat, and former member of the House of Assembly. I am confident his vast knowledge and insight in managing the affairs of state will place him in good stead to contribute to the further development of Grand Bay and Dominica,” Skerrit added.

Skerrit promised that the DLP would embark on a safe, responsible campaign, mindful of the threat of COVID 19, consisting mainly of non-traditional modes of campaigning such as meetings streamed via online platforms, radio, and television; and more targeted interactions via Zoom.

“We take an example from election campaigns held in other regional territories within the past year, which allowed for large crowds at campaign events, and the corresponding spike in COVID-19 cases in these territories,” he said.