Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidate for the Roseau North Constituency, Ashma McDougall, has outlined several areas she says need attention in the Gutter community, including footpaths, drainage, sanitation, community facilities and housing.
McDougall made the proposals during a recent meeting with residents in Gutter Village, where she said improving access and safety within the community would be among her priorities.
“We need to improve the footpaths and access routes through this village and we have already started collaborating with the Gutter Improvement Committee,” she said. “We have to examine the steps and handrails so that our elderly residents and children can move more safely throughout the community.”
Drainage was another concern raised by McDougall, who said attention would also have to be given to runoff affecting the area.
“We have to address drainage and runoff, including the concerns residents have raised regarding water coming from the hospital area,” she said.
McDougall also said there should be greater attention to waste collection and sanitation. She indicated that the government would work with the Solid Waste Management Corporation and the city council to improve services in the community.
Beyond infrastructure and sanitation, McDougall highlighted the potential role of the community facility in Gutter.
“We have to strengthen the community facility and make it a place where our children can learn, our young people can participate in programs, and residents can receive training that the community can gather,” she said.
She also identified housing as an issue that should continue to receive attention across the Roseau North Constituency.
Addressing residents directly, McDougall said she would seek to maintain an open and realistic relationship with constituents rather than make promises simply to secure their support.
“I will not promise you something simply because I want your vote. If I tell you I can work on something, I will work on it. And if something cannot happen immediately, I will tell you. And if I do not know the answer, I will find out,” she said.
“That is the relationship I want with the people of the Roseau North constituency and the Gutter village.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has encouraged Roseau North residents to participate in the by-election and vote for McDougall.
“And so my sincere advice to you is to come out and vote, but importantly vote for the better candidate that is available for this by-election,” said Skerrit.
The Roseau North constituency is set to go to the polls on September 7. MacDougall will vie against United Workers Party candidate Daniel Lugay and independent candidate Sherman Boston.
