Statement by Leader of the Opposition on the revocation of appointment of Senator Sean Douglas

On Monday, November 6, 2023, as Leader of the Opposition, in accordance with section 35 (2) of the Dominica Constitution, I advised Her Excellency the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, to revoke the appointment of Sean Douglas as a Senator with immediate effect.

As a servant of the State, responsible for the senatorial appointment of Mr. Douglas on January 13, 2023, this was a particularly difficult decision for me.

However, it came after weeks of careful consideration of the importance of protecting the dignity and credibility of our democratic governance processes from individual excesses.

I deeply regret this course of action which became necessary because of a significant breach of trust, callus disregard for the principle of collective responsibility in the Parliamentary Opposition, and a refusal to be responsible for unilateral actions that undermine the work of the team.

These behaviours conflict with the values that are essential to the effective discharge of our oversight and representational responsibilities in Parliament.

Further, this severally frustrates upholding integrity, ethical conduct, and the commitment to the highest standards of national service that we strive to honour and uphold at all times.

I note the verbal abuse directed at me, the calls for my resignation, the double standards, and the misogynistic disrespect for my decision that have flooded the airwaves and social media in recent times.

First and foremost, I serve the people of Salisbury, Coulibistrie, and Morne Rachette as their representatives in Parliament. It is because of their votes that I also serve at this time as Leader of the Opposition. I serve faithfully to the best of my ability and absolutely at the pleasure of the constituents of Salisbury, Coulibistrie, and Morne Rachette who have the democratic right and responsibility to terminate my services at any time. Until such time, I will continue to discharge my duty as a creature of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica with great honour and pride, without fear or favour, affection or ill will according to law.

May God continue to bless Dominica.