Dominica PM: 'Unfortunate' Francis stepping down and not Linton

Last updated: 19 December 2017, 2:53 pm

Speaking at the island's daily press briefing, Roosevelt Skerrit said that “as a rule, neither the government nor the political party that I have the honour to lead embroils itself" in thw workings of the opposition United Workers Party.

However, he did go beyond simply noting the announcement.

"What I will say is that in passing, however, is that from purely a national perspective, in terms of what’s best for Dominica, it is a tad bit unfortunate that such a letter was sent to the current political leader of that party and did not actually emanate from the individual that leads that party."

When pressed by reporters for clarification, Skerrit confirmed that he meant that the announcement should have related to Lennox Linton standing down instead of Francis.

"That we, we believe, would have been a good thing for all of Dominica."

Francis, member of parliament for Roseau South, announced he would not fight the next election on 14 December.

In a letter, he thanked his party but described his “political journey” as “turbulent”.

He plans to fulfil the remainder of his term, and there is no indication his decision means he has resigned from the party.

The former deputy leader of the UWP caused one of the biggest upsets of the last election with his victory over long-serving Dominica Labour Party candidate Ambrose George, who had held the seat since 2000.

Skerrit was asked if this turn of events would help his party claim the constituency whe it is next contested but the prime minister said he had not been thinking ahead to the general election.

He did add that “the people have been disappointed by the representation given to them by the United Workers Party – no only Roseau South but the entire country."