Independent Roseau North candidate Sherman Boston is putting unity, employment and practical community development at the centre of his campaign as voters prepare to head to the polls on Monday, September 7.
Boston, a former Roseau City Councillor who describes himself as a “real street soldier,” is making country before party a central theme of his campaign while calling for practical solutions to longstanding issues in the constituency.
He is facing Dominica Labour Party candidate Ashma McDougall and United Workers’ Party candidate Danny Lugay for the Roseau North seat.
Boston previously contested the 2022 general election as an independent and served for a decade on the Roseau City Council. He has said he was approached about returning to the Dominica Labour Party but turned down the invitation.
“I was asked to return to the ruling Labour Party as the prodigal son. I refused,” stated Boston.
He has said his decision was influenced by what he describes as years of disappointment, arguing that Roseau North needs more than repeated political promises. A Roseau resident and graduate of the Clifton Dupigny Community College, Boston says his approach remains rooted in principle rather than party affiliation.
His platform includes a push for a stronger middle class, with a proposal for 70 per cent local employment in key areas. He is also calling for expanded skills and trades training, greater opportunities through local university education and remedial programmes, and stronger support for local businesses.
Boston says education and training, via a local university and remedial programmes, should also help tackle brain drain by creating more opportunities for people to build their futures in Dominica.
For Roseau North specifically, he has identified several priorities, including reducing unemployment, improving roads and connectivity, reviving recreational spaces and making access to land ownership easier.
The Stock Farm landfill is another major concern. Boston wants the existing site remediated and eventually relocated to what he describes as a safer, modern facility, with the aim of protecting surrounding communities and improving air and water quality.
He has also raised concerns about access to homes in communities including Stock Farm, Yampiece, Gutter, Tarish Pit and Fond Cole. Speaking at a recent Dominica Business Forum public discussion, he pointed to residents who own land but still have difficulty reaching their properties by vehicle.
“I can tell you about the people that leaving, and they have to walk for distance to their homes. They have to carry things, don’t have vehicle access. Although the government has sold land for them and they have land titles and no one is trying to give them vehicle access.”
Boston has similarly highlighted the need for better infrastructure, including sidewalks and roads, as well as improvements to facilities such as the Netball Stadium.
But beyond the individual projects, Boston says unity is the bigger issue.
“So I can stand there and give you a whole list of things that need to be done. But my priority tonight is to come and to tell you what we need is unity…,” he emphasized. “Every time it’s political tribalism that’s happening, and nobody is saying when it’s going to stop.”
He said “it needs to stop,” arguing that Dominica will need “all hands on deck” to deal with the challenges ahead.
Boston also points to his experience representing Ward 4, including his work with residents following Hurricane Maria and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I did not just hold a title,” contends Boston, adding, “Ward 4 was not left to fend for itself.”
He has cited the late parliamentarian Julius Timothy as an important political mentor, saying Timothy reinforced his belief that public service should put people first.
In the final stretch to voting day, Boston is asking Roseau North voters to consider an independent approach built around unity, local employment and practical community development.
