by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service
 Hon. Prime Minister of
Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit
Dominica’s Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has announced the date of the by-elections in the Salisbury and Marigot seats. The Dominica leader made the announcement during a press statement on Monday 7th, June, 2010.
“I have also advised that nomination day should be 21st of June, 2010 and that polling day should be on the 9th of July, 2010.”
The Prime Minister expressed desire that the constituents of these two affected areas consider wisely what is at stake there.
“It is my fervent wish that voters of these constituencies would consider carefully the issues at stake in those by-elections and vote on Friday, 9th July, 2010 to ensure competent and reliable representation for these constituencies in our parliament.”
Insert of Prime Minister Skerrit
Hon. Prime Minister explained the why the by-election arose:
“As soon as the results of the December 29th, 2009 General Elections, was announced, the leadership of the United Workers Party (UWP) decided to boycott sittings of the House of Assembly. Interestingly, when it became apparent that by virtue of the relevant provisions of the sanding orders of the House of Assembly, its three (3) seats in the Parliament could and would most likely have become vacant, the UWP strategically advised its elected member for Roseau Central to attend the third sitting of Parliament and be sworn in as a member of the house.
It is to be noted that the Roseau Central seat was won by a mere three (3) votes and therefore would have been considered marginal in the event of a by-election. The UWP opted for its elected member to take the oath of office and be sworn in as the duly elected for that seat, it indicates quite clearly its recognition of the danger and consequence of not so doing. That alone, fellow Dominicans, speaks to the complete disregard that the United Workers Party has shown for the Parliament of this country and equally important, for the interest of voters of the Marigot and Salisbury constituencies. That members would have deliberately refused to attend and participate in sittings of the House of Assembly merely as a means of making a political statement is most unfortunate and is to be regretted.”
Prime Minister Skerrit who is also leader of the ruling Dominica Labour Party says the DLP will contest both seats at the upcoming by elections. |
