ROSEAU, DOMINICA, July 2026- Pharmacist Martha Augustus, retired educator Ernie Lawrence Jno-Finn, along with Jean Francois, were launched as the latest candidates for the United Workers Party (UWP).
Teacher Ernie, as she is best known, contested the Castle Bruce constituency and narrowly lost to Octavia Alfred of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP). She was later appointed as an opposition Senator in the Dominica parliament. Francois will be the candidate for the Wesley constituency.
For pharmacist Marta Augustus, her decision to enter the political arena was driven by what she describes as “a hopelessness that’s unfortunately pervasive over the entire country of Dominica.”
“I’ve witnessed the despair that’s all too common; I’ve witnessed it among my people. In my role as a Pharmacist at Quickare Pharmacy, I’ve seen the realities that statistics cannot tell. I have comforted worried parents, advised our elderly, helped families through difficult illnesses, and listened to countless stories of struggle, sacrifice, and hope — a false hope, a forced resilience and will to survive adapted by our people. I see the ravages of drugs on our young men and women, lives left destitute with no help for them, no solution — simply left behind, ignored and uncared for. Bright futures dimmed, destinies destroyed, parents and families watching helplessly,” she said.
According to her, sadly, there’s no real vision for our children’s future. “That crisis needs a solution. Our young people need help. We have to save our young people; the future of Dominica is at great risk. Growing up, I was prepared for the future; today the outlook for the next generation is grim. Really very grim! I will stand up for the future of Dominica as the voice of the people of Roseau South.”
She stated that those painful experiences have taught her one very important lesson that “caring for people goes beyond dispensing medication. It requires compassion, empathy, a keen listening ear and a determination to take action. And that’s why I am taking action right now! Today, I am stepping forward because I believe our people deserve better. We deserve better! Roseau South deserves better! Dominica deserves better!”
She criticized the healthcare system in Dominica, describing it as “poor”.
“As a healthcare provider, I’m qualified to deliver an in-depth, intelligent, analytical, solutions-based, innovative healthcare perspective to offset the low standard of healthcare that currently exists in our country…I’ll be pleased to use my experience to advocate for improved healthcare as part of the United Workers Party.”
She warned that she was not entering politics because she has all the answers. “I’m entering politics because I’m prepared to work, to listen and to serve — to be your voice. Leadership is not about power; it is about service — solid, trustworthy leadership for all people. It’s about putting people first and making decisions to improve the lives of all people, not some people.” She stated.