The leadership of the United Workers Party (UWP) is seeking to turn the page on recent internal tensions, with Party Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine issuing a public appeal for unity, reconciliation and renewed focus on the country’s future.
In a statement released amid ongoing public discussion surrounding the party, Fontaine acknowledged differing opinions within the UWP but stressed that the time had come to move beyond division and concentrate on the issues facing Dominica.
Addressing supporters, critics and the wider public, Fontaine said the country is facing significant economic and social challenges that require collective attention rather than political infighting.
“I welcome differing views as part of a healthy democracy,” he stated. “However, I will not allow distraction, division, or misrepresentation to derail the serious national conversation we must now have.”
The UWP leader argued that after more than 25 years under the current administration, Dominica needs what he described as renewed energy, stronger accountability and a clear vision for the future. He maintained that the opposition party is prepared not only to challenge government policies but also to offer practical solutions to national problems.
A central theme of the statement was the party’s desire to heal divisions within its own ranks. Fontaine revealed that the UWP’s leadership has spent recent months working to bridge differences and encourage cooperation among members.
“It is in that same spirit that I want particularly to extend an olive branch to all disaffected members of the United Workers Party to come together in a conscious effort to trash out any issues that continue to fester,” he said.
Acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in any political organization, Fontaine urged members not to allow personal differences to overshadow the broader mission of serving the country.
“I do not pretend to be a perfect servant, but I am a public servant committed to taking all ideas on board,” he added.
The statement also highlighted the party’s proposed “Ten Pillars to Shared Economic Prosperity for all Dominicans,” which Fontaine said focuses on revitalizing agriculture, expanding manufacturing, commercializing the water sector, reforming the tax system and addressing the rising cost of living.
While calling for calm among supporters, Fontaine emphasized that the UWP’s future success will depend on unity, discipline and constructive engagement. He appealed not only to party members but also to citizens across the political spectrum to work together in the national interest.
“Let’s put our egos aside and focus on the needs of Dominica and the several people who depend on us to do the right things,” Fontaine said, describing the current moment as an opportunity for national renewal and a chance to build a stronger future for the country.
The statement concluded with a call for wisdom, cooperation, and a shared commitment to Dominica’s development.
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Read full statement here:
UWP Statement on Recent Matters Surrounding the Party
My Dominican family and friends, I address you today in the wake of recent events circulating on both traditional and social media regarding the United Workers Party (UWP) that I lead.
At a time when our Nation stands at a critical crossroads, where the economic future of every
Dominican is at stake, I feel compelled as Leader of the United Workers Party to share my vision for a better Dominica, as well as clear the air.
I welcome differing views as part of a healthy democracy. However, I will not allow distraction, division, or misrepresentation to derail the serious national conversation we must now have.
After more than twenty five years under the current administration, it is evident to many that our country is in need of renewed focus, fresh energy, and a clear path forward.
Too many of our people are struggling. Too many opportunities have been missed. And too often, the national interest has taken a back seat to political survival.
The United Workers Party stands as a responsible, prepared, and determined opposition, ready not merely to criticize, but to lead, not merely to point out problems, but to implement solutions.
Our mission is not rooted in division, but in the urgent need to restore balance, accountability, and purpose in the governance of Dominica.
To those who have publicly expressed concern, I say this, your voices are part of our democracy, but the tone and direction of our national dialogue must uplift, not undermine. If we are serious about rescuing and rebuilding Dominica, then we must move beyond rhetoric and commit
ourselves to constructive engagement and shared responsibility. We will never all agree on strategy, style or substance, but we cannot let down Dominica and pander to our egos.
That is the reason why our party has proposed the ‘Ten Pillars to Shared Economic Prosperity for all Dominicans.’ It is a plan rooted in the resuscitating of the agriculture sector, developing a robust manufacturing sector, commercializing a water industry, fixing our tax system, and providing relief to the high cost of living, among other initiatives.
To our supporters, I urge calm, discipline, and focus. We must remain grounded in our purpose and not be sidetracked by provocation. The strength of our movement lies not in noise, but in vision, credibility, and unity.
This is not a moment for political gamesmanship. This is a moment for national renewal. The task before us is to restore confidence in leadership, create real economic opportunity, empower our young people, and ensure that every Dominican feels seen, heard, and supported.
I call on all right-thinking Dominicans to join us is focusing on the greater good. If we genuinely love our country, then we should be prepared to sacrifice for her. Over the past few months, the leadership of the Party has worked relentlessly to bridge any semblance of division and to get everyone working together.
It is in that same spirit that I want particularly to extend an olive branch to all disaffected members of the United Workers Party to come together in a conscious effort to trash out any issues that continue to fester. I do not pretend to be a perfect servant, but I am a public servant committed to taking all ideas on board.
The United Workers Party under my leadership is ready to do the work of rescuing Dominica. But true progress will require all of us, supporters, critics, and undecided citizens alike, to come together in the best interest of our country.
Let us rise above division. Let us demand better. And let us work, together, to secure a stronger future for Dominica. We can come together to craft an economic revitalization for the country we claim to love. Let’s put our egos aside and focus on the needs of Dominica and the several people who depend on us to do the right things.
May wisdom guide us, and may unity strengthen our path forward.
