Ruling Dominica party set to ‘turn up political heat’

In a sign that the political season here is about to heat up, the ruling Dominica Labour Party has announced that it will formally launch one of its many new candidates this weekend.

The party says the candidacy of educator Gretta Roberts will be launched at a rally in the eastern village of Grand Fond on Sunday.

Roberts who will be the candidate for Morne Jeuene/River Cyrique is one of 13 new candidates the party has indicated it will field in upcoming general elections – in a move seen as unprecedented and bold.

The DLP is also set to run a record number of women candidates.

Roberts, who five years ago was named the Primary School Principal of the Year, is the first of those.

Though she has been a teacher most of her life, she also has some political stock, being the daughter of Gertrude Roberts, a former MP herself.

The elder Roberts had represented the opposition United Workers Party for three terms and once served as Minister of Community Development and Women’s Affairs.

“I did not envisage my children getting involved in politics as I did, but Gretta has found herself with the right kind of people, and so I am very excited,” the elder Roberts, said in an interview this week.

“The DLP has proven, under the leadership of Prime Minister (Roosevelt) Skerrit that its heart is in the right place and that it can deliver for people; and therefore I fully endorse my daughter’s move,” she said.

“I am inspired as much by my mother’s history of service, as with the opportunities that are ahead for the next generation,” the younger Roberts said in response to her candidacy.

General elections in Dominica could be held as late as the first quarter of next year, but observers widely believe that the poll will be called this year.

The DLP has 15 seats out of 21 in the current parliament.

Campaign Manager Vince Henderson said his party is confident of defending all the seats it currently holds, and is confident that it is well placed to “pick up” some of those held by the opposition.

“We believe that we have a strong history of delivery; that coupled with the fact that we have added some exciting new faces who are brining fresh perspectives to the table,” Henderson said.

“We are moving forward with the comfort of continuity, and yet with the boldness of change,” he said.

Henderson said that the DLP has shown the importance of leadership following the country’s devastation by hurricane.

“Dr Skerrit has led this team well, and has done even better by bringing on new members of the team,” he said.

The political leader himself has been upbeat about the chances of Roberts, inspite of her being a first-time candidate.

“We are very excited about the candidacy of Gretta, She has a history of achievement and a record of community involvement, and she is a wonderful addition to our team,” he said.

“She has shown the strength and the energy needed to build on the strong foundation we have laid in the community; and she is well-placed to be able to lead the charge going forward given the transformation that’s taking place there.,” the Dominican leader said.