Dominica: DLP's Vince Henderson get landslide victory in Grand Bay by-elections

The Dominica Labour Party received a landslide victory in Grand Bay by-elections on Thursday. The DLP Candidate Vince Henderson is chosen as the new parliament representative of the constituency. Vince Henderson received 1211 votes, becoming the winner of the by-elections. Other candidates failed to mark a mark; Julius' Handbag' Gabriel received 161 votes while Clarenton "Twa Woche" Andrew only 03 votes. [caption id="attachment_39104" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Julius' Handbag' Gabriel (L), Clarenton "Twa Woche" Andrew (R)[/caption]

After the massive victory, Vince Henderson went to Grand Bay and addressed his new constituents. During his address, he thanked the people for showing confidence in him. He also asked the people to trust him and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his leadership.

"I feel humbled to step in these shoes, I feel proud to be a member of the Dominica Labour Party, and I know we will take you there, we will work for you, I remember everyones' face and will never forget you," said Henderson.

While conversing at a meeting held in Grand Bay, Henderson said, "I will never forget the welcome that you have given me, for your hospitality, I came here a few weeks ago, and I feel like I am a member of your family". Vince Henderson also stated that he always feel welcomed by constituents all across Grand Bay and nearby villages. He said the people have been so generous with him that he now feels like he "grew up" between them. Furthermore, he stated that Grand Barians would never regret voting for him, "From tomorrow, I am no longer the candidate for the Grand Bay constituency, I will be your parliament representative, and I will work for you, I will go to the parliament, and I will fight for you because I believe you have been true to Dominica Labour Party,". Making future promises, Henderson stated that the work he had been doing during the campaign is nothing compared to the plans he already had in mind for the Grand Bay constituency. He said "a lot" needs to be done, and he will transform everything in his term. He also stated that his victory could not be celebrated on bigger scale because of COVID-19, "We all know we have COVID around, we know we have COVID in our constituency, and it is our responsibility to be responsible; therefore, we cannot spend too much time celebrating together."

The by-elections were held after the sudden passing of Edward Registe in September. He had been Dominica Labour Party led parliamentarian since December 2019.