United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for Roseau South, Edline Harris, says that she accepts the nomination to represent the United Progressive Party in Roseau South with “profound humility and an unwavering commitment to serve.”
At a press conference of the party, leader Joshua Francis said he would be the party’s flag bearer in the Kallinago constituency, and Harris would be for the Roseau South constituency.
Francis said, “I am going back to my roots, and this is a sure seat for the UPP.”
In her maiden speech, Harris stated that her entry into politics is “about the single mother who wonders how she will stretch her next paycheck…about the young graduate who dreams of building a future here but cannot find meaningful opportunities… about our senior citizens who have given so much to this country and deserve to live with dignity and security…about our small business owners who continue to persevere despite mounting challenges and about every family that believes tomorrow can be better than today”.
She stated that for too long, many people have felt “unheard” and, despite speaking, no one listened. “They have hoped, but little has changed. They have waited, believing that one day someone would truly stand beside them—not above them, not in front of them for a photograph, but beside them as a partner in building a better future,” she said.
“Today, I make that commitment. I believe leadership is not measured by titles or positions in society. Leadership is measured by service. It is measured by the lives we improve, the opportunities we create, and the trust we earn through our actions.”
According to the Roseau South hopeful, if entrusted with the responsibility of serving Roseau South, she promises that she will “never lose sight of why I entered public life. I will not be a representative who appears only during election campaigns. I will be present in our communities, listening, learning, advocating, and working every single day for a better constituency.”
Her vision, which she disclosed for Roseau South, is “bold” because the people deserve bold leadership.
“I envision a constituency where young people have access to quality education, meaningful employment, and the confidence to believe that their future can be built right here at home. I envision thriving small businesses supported by policies that encourage growth, innovation, and investment. I envision neighbourhoods that are cleaner, safer, and better maintained. Roads that are repaired. Public spaces that bring families together. Communities where our elderly feel respected and cared for.”
She continued, “I envision a juicing factory in Roseau South, which would provide significant economic, agricultural, and social benefits to the constituency and to Dominica as a whole. I envision a clean, attractive, and well-maintained bayside in Roseau South, lined with trees and landscaped green spaces that create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. A revitalized waterfront would provide a pleasant place for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the bay. It would also make the area more appealing to tourists arriving by yacht, encouraging them to spend more time exploring local businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions. By enhancing the bayside, Roseau South can become a vibrant destination that supports tourism, improves quality of life, and contributes to sustainable economic growth while preserving the area’s natural environment.
“I envision the construction of a bypass road from Newtown to Loubière to improve the flow of traffic into and out of Roseau. This new route would reduce congestion on the existing road network, shorten commuting times, and help workers, students, and businesses reach their destinations. I envision our twin sister communities of Eggleston and Giraudel becoming the flower basket of our constituency and of Dominica as a whole. By strengthening the floriculture industry and enhancing the Flower Show Site as a premier attraction, year-round. These communities can draw more visitors throughout the year. Increased tourism would create new opportunities for local vendors, farmers, artisans, and small businesses. It would also generate more income for our bus and taxi drivers, who play an important role in transporting visitors to and from the Flower Show Site and other attractions. This vision celebrates our rich floral heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities and showcasing the natural beauty of our communities to the world.”
“I envision a Roseau South where every community is connected by well-paved and properly maintained roads. Quality road infrastructure will improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, reduce vehicle maintenance costs, and make travel more comfortable and efficient. Better roads will also enhance access to homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities, while supporting tourism, commerce, and emergency services. Investing in paved roads is an investment in the development, connectivity, and overall quality of life of the people of Roseau South. I envision a constituency where government works with people instead of talking at them. Where transparency replaces secrecy. Where accountability is not a slogan but a standard…most importantly, I envision a politics that restores hope,” she stated.
Politics, she stated, should never divide people so deeply that they forget their neighbours, friends, and one people.
“We may not always agree, but we can always choose respect. We can always choose dialogue. We can always choose to put country before self and people before politics. I know the road ahead will not be easy. There will be challenges, criticism, and obstacles. But I also know that every great transformation begins with people who refuse to give up on their community,” she stated.
She encouraged everyone to go out and get confirmed and get registered to vote. “It is your democratic duty to vote,” she concluded.