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Dominica’s Lennox Linton steps down as political leader of UWP

LoopNews

October 5, 2022 4:41 PM ET

5 mins read

Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) in Dominica, Lennox Linton has resigned from his post. 

On Monday, October 3, Linton made a public statement confirming his resignation which was handed in three days earlier. 

He says his decision stems from a need for something different. 

“My resignation from the post of Political Leader of the United Workers’ Party emerges from the national yearning for change that is a must,” he said via a Facebook live on Monday.  

Linton, who also serves as the Leader of Opposition in the House of Assembly since 2014, became the political leader of the UWP in 2013.  During his tenure, he led the party to contest two general elections in 2014 and 2019 both times failing to bring the party to victory over the incumbent Dominica Labour Party. 

“I stepped up to the responsibility of political leadership in response to the need for change.  I served in the responsibility of political leadership on the agenda for change and I have stepped down from the responsibility of political leadership in the embrace of change,” he remarked.   

“It was never till death do us part, it was always do the best with all your heart,” he said. 

He says the leadership of political parties must periodically rethink policies, renew systems, and rebuild organisational structures to remain relevant. 

While the former Journalist, Radio Announcer and Corporate Executive did not give the exact reason for his decision to step down, besides change, his suggestions of “infighting” in the political organisation may have played a role in his decision.  

“All political parties have their challenges with infighting and leadership succession.  The United Workers Party is no exception…a house divided unto itself cannot stand.” 

“Nine years at the helm trying to usher in the benefits of change to secure the best Dominica for all Dominicans has not been an easy road.  Dominica is hurting joblessness, worsening poverty, spiralling dependency and relentless attacks on freedom of the human spirit are destroying the right to lives that matter.” 

“And yes, there has been the infighting, the vilification from within, the backstabbing and the treachery, but I’m alive, I survived to stand aside, to continue to serve, committed to secure a course correction so that the leadership of the party going forward is protected from similar impediments to ensuring that Dominica is on the ballot, and not the parties and interests we define in mindless prejudice, of colours,” he said. 

He hopes his resignation “presses the leadership reset button” for the UWP. 

“If there is no enemy within the enemy outside can do us no harm,” he declared. 

But Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and political leader of the Dominica Labour Party does not believe that Linton’s resignation will make a difference.  Speaking on local radio after the announcement, Skerrit said, “I am not surprised at the development. The reality is that no matter who comes in or who goes out does not make a difference.” 

Linton thanked his family for their support and the thousands of Dominicans at home and abroad whom he says saw him through the journey in countless ways.   

On Wednesday, October 5, the management of the UWP released a statement confirming Linton’s resignation calling it a selfless act. 

“This selfless act by Honourable Linton has once again brought to the fore his personality as an inspirational Statesman committed to the growth and development of everyone who resides in the Nation-State, as envisioned by him in his oftentimes repeated passionate, truthful and sincere statement that he wishes Dominica to be the best to work, live in and to enjoy life,” the statement said. 

The statement said the Party’s Constitutional Provisions shall be activated, which will trigger the process of electing someone to be the Party’s Political Leader.  

In the interim, Senator Francisca Joseph, Deputy Political Leader will assume the duties of Political Leader of the Party. 

Linton continues to be the Parliamentary Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentary Representative of the Marigot Constituency.