By: Staff Writer
November 8, 2022
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Sunday night announced December 6 as the date for a snap general election in Dominica.
In a radio and television broadcast, Skerrit, who led the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) to victory in the 2019 general election, said Nomination Day will be November 18.
Skerrit told the nation that he had already asked President Charles Savarin to dissolve Parliament with immediate effect and issue a writ for Dominicans to go to the polls.
In the last election, the DLP won 18 of the 21 seats with the remainder going to the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP).
Skerrit is now in his fourth term and 20th year as Prime Minister of Dominica.
In his address, Mr Skerrit announced the need for a “national reset,” in light of all that has taken place in the country in the last two years. He said: “I believe that the reopening of our country and our economy – post-COVID, is the best time for us as a country and indeed, as a government, to stop for a National Reset. In the game of basketball, it’s called a time out. We cannot wish the COVID-19 pandemic away. We cannot act as if this country and its economy were not afflicted by the ravages of this global setback. Every country in the world has had in the last two years to go back to the drawing board. Dominica is no different!!This current Dominica Labour Party administration was elected in 2019 with a particular mandate. We outlined policies in pursuit of a Dynamic Dominica.”
He also said: “The Dominica Labour Party has not shirked from making changes that enables it to remain dynamic, relevant and inspiring. In the last general elections, we introduced to you a new slate of candidates that included 11 new, young and energetic faces. The challenges that they have faced have not been for the faint hearted. They would have come into office at one of the most difficult times in our history.
“What we had hoped to achieve has been in many ways set off course by the COVID pandemic. We are at a crucial stage of national development, Ladies and gentlemen, and we have to ensure that we have The Right Team For These Times! The road ahead will be challenging. It will be difficult. We believe that the Dominica Labour Party must look across the country and secure the perfect skill set for these unchartered waters.
“Accordingly, there will be some changes to our Parliamentary team. We have discussed these changes among ourselves, and the time is coming, very shortly, when they shall be revealed to the country.”