Statement from Joshua Francis Attorney-at-Law & Notary Public and former Roseau South MP
I stand with you Dominica, but to answer your call, I will not be a candidate in the December 2022 General Elections. The boycott of this election by most if not all may be justified, whilst those who may contest as Independents are well within their constitutional and political rights.
On November 6, 2022, most of us were shocked by the news that general elections were announced for December 6, 2022. Yet again, another election without the promised electoral reform.
Many are enraged because, in recent times, we have experienced and witnessed a corrosion and perversion of our political behavior to the point of compromising electoral integrity., I join my voice in calling for all to stand for our democracy. But this is not a call just for me or a select group of Dominicans, this is a call for all of us to rise and stand with bravery to restore and protect the honor of our democracy. Our nation belongs to all of us, and each of us has an equal duty to support and make it work to its best, Dominica needs you; Dominica needs me.
Dominica will regain its soul from any evil loop because we Dominicans will stand against the forces of darkness. We will not surrender nor will we cower because we are right-thinking Christians, who are dependent on the spirit of Jesus Christ, but also on that of our Kalinago and African ancestors. We are resilient and wise enough to know that we are at a crossroads, and our future lies in our hearts and minds.
WE WILL NOT LOSE THE FIGHT!
We will not relent until we are assured of an uncontaminated electoral process.
As one of your loyal servants, I take a stand with you for a better Dominica, I firmly urge you to make your request heard by peaceful and orderly protest. May our voices be unified in peace, love, and harmony, yet echoing decisively to let the world know that we stand for what is just and right. But remember, that we are to always act with respect for the rule of law.
I also call on law enforcement officers to exercise their duty without fear or favor, but with discretion and balance in duty between “us and them”.
We stand against and divorce ourselves from injustice, and abuse of power. Dominica shall prevail!
O Dominica, today I do not weep, but I reaffirm my love for your truth and zeal, I stand with you and will fight for your honor and glory; I will not abandon you.
DOMINICA WE WILL RISE AGAIN!