With campaign activities warming up for candidates of Dominica’s political parties ahead of the Roseau North by-election, independent candidate Sherman Boston, a self-described “real street soldier,” has officially announced that he is throwing his hat in the ring, saying that this is his return to the political arena with a commitment to integrity, community service and practical solutions for residents.
After contesting the 2022 snap general election as an independent candidate, Boston, a member of the Roseau City Council for a decade, said in a statement shared on his Facebook page that he was once again seeking the support of Roseau North constituents.
The resignation of former MP, Dominica Labour Party cabinet member, Miriam Blanchard, has set the stage for a mandatory by-election within 90 days.
Leading to Boston allegedly being approached about rejoining the ruling Dominica Labour Party, though he says he declined the invitation.
“I was asked to return to the ruling Labour Party as the prodigal son. I refused,” stated Boston.
He argued he could not return to the party after what he described as 26 years of disappointment, saying that Roseau North deserves more than repeated promises.
A resident of Roseau and graduate of the Clifton Dupigny Community College, he stated that his political philosophy has remained unchanged, emphasizing that he continues to stand on principle rather than party affiliation.
Highlighting his years of service representing Ward 4, described as the largest section of the Roseau North constituency, Boston stressed that integrity guides public service and pledged to place the interests of constituents ahead of political office, personal gain or financial reward.
He reflected on his leadership during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, saying he worked alongside residents to help the community recover during two of the country’s most difficult periods.
“I did not just hold a title,” contends Boston, adding, “Ward 4 was not left to fend for itself.”
If elected, he says one of his top priorities will be to create employment opportunities. His proposals include establishing skills and trades training programmes within Roseau North, expanding support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and advocating for priority employment for Roseau North residents on both government and private sector projects within the constituency.
The independent candidate also pledged to address environmental concerns surrounding the expired landfill in Stockfarm. He said he would push for the site’s remediation and eventual relocation to what he described as a safe, modern facility, citing the need to protect the health of nearby communities through cleaner air and water.
Boston further pointed to his political mentorship under the late former parliamentarian Julius Timothy, saying Timothy’s example reinforced the belief that public service should always place people first.
