ROSEAU, DOMINICA-Aug, 2026-Prominent Dominican attorney Cara Shillingford has been elected by the United Workers Party (UWP) constituency branch to be its candidate for the next general elections in Dominica.
Shillingford collected 104 votes while the former MP Hector John got 1. A noted constitutional lawyer has worked throughout the region on constitutional matters and was the lead counsel against the Ralph Gonzales government in the vaccine mandate case, which is now before the London-based Privy Council.
In an exclusive interview with journalist Matt Peltier of Q95 Hot Seat, moments after the results were announced, thanked the people for placing their trust and confidence in her, and promised to represent them honestly.
“As you are aware, I was unanimously elected to be the next candidate for the United Workers Party (UWP) for the Salisbury/Morne Rachette/Coulibistrie constituency. I am immensely grateful to members of my constituency for placing their trust and confidence in me. I will try my best to ensure that they receive the representative that they deserve and also to ensure that Dominica receives a government that it deserves. A government that cares about the people of Dominica and uses the resources of the country to benefit the people,” she stated.
“I am very committed to ensuring that the UWP forms the next government. After 26 years in government, I can say that the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) does not have the will and the capacity to do what is necessary to improve the lives of Dominicans…things are getting from bad to worse. I cannot with good conscience simply sit by and allow my country to go downhill.”
She continued, “Yes, I have my legal practice and will continue practicing law. However, I believe that there comes a time when everyone must decide to do what is necessary to save their country.”
She stated that all over the world, people go to war and fight and lay down their lives for their country, and in Dominica, “we have to decide to put the interest of our survival first and ahead of any love for any party-political leader.”
“We have to do what is necessary to save Dominica. There is only so much that we can do in a courtroom. The change that Dominica needs, the change of laws, policies and economic decisions can only be made by a sitting government that cares about the people. The DLP has demonstrated that they do not care about the people. The UWP is a solid team, a better alternative, and I am encouraging Dominicans to rally around the UWP and vote for change in the next general elections,” she said.
She also had praise for former MP Hector John, who she stated has “done a lot for the constituency even in opposition.”
“He did not betray the people…and I am happy to continue working with him for the constituency.”
