ROSEAU, Dominica, Jun 16, CMC -The ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has named economist and businesswoman, Ashma McDougall, as its candidate to contest the Roseau North constituency by-election, following the resignation last week of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Minister, Miriam Blanchard.
Last August, Blanchard, who had been a member of the cabinet since 2016, had sought medical treatment overseas for an undisclosed illness. Last week, she announced her resignation citing health reasons.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in supporting McDougall, said her “ candidacy reflects the Dominica Labour Party’s continued commitment to attracting capable, energetic and forward-thinking individuals who are prepared to contribute to the country’s development and improve the lives of its citizens”.
Prime Minister Skerrit said that the party’s base is energised and anxious to hit the ground running and that he will provide details for the campaign over the weekend. The by-election must be held within 90 days of Blanchard’s resignation.
In a statement, the DLP said that McDougall was nominated “unopposed” by the Roseau North Constituency Association and thanked Blanchard “for her dedicated years of service to the people of Roseau North and the wider Commonwealth of Dominica, while extending its full support and best wishes as she focuses on her recovery”.
“I am humbled and honoured by the vote of confidence reposed in me by the Dominica Labour Party, the Roseau North Constituency Association and the many constituents who have encouraged me to step forward at this important time.
“I do not take this responsibility lightly. Roseau North is a constituency rich in talent, resilience and potential. I am committed to listening, learning and working alongside the people of the constituency to help create opportunities, strengthen communities and deliver meaningful results,” said McDougall.
She is expected to come up against former opposition United Workers Party (UWP) legislator, Daniel Lugay, who first ran unsuccessfully for the Roseau North Constituency in 2009 before being victorious in both the 2014 and 2019 elections.
He did not contest the 2022 elections after the UWP choose to abstain from fielding any candidates.
“My ground campaign has begun….I have been letting the folks know that the United Workers Party and Danny Lugay will be taking part in the upcoming bye-election,” he said, urging supporters “to join the campaign”.
In the last general election, the DLP won 19 of 21 seats in the Parliament, with the remaining two seats won by independent candidates, Jesma Paul in Salisbury and Anthony Charles in Marigot.
The UWP, which previously held three seats in the parliament, did not contest the general elections, citing the need for electoral reform.
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