Rumours abound that Roseau South MP Joshua Francis is considering calling it quits in Dominica’s politics

​Rumours are abound that Roseau South MP Joshua Francis is considering calling it quits in Dominica’s politics. The UWP MP is allegedly embroiled in a court matter, and was recently relieved of his position as Deputy Leader of the party. Sources indicate that Mr Francis may be thinking about taking some time off, to focus on his law practice, his family, and clear his name with respect to the said court matter.
 
There have been some questions as to Francis’ alleged reduced visibility in the Roseau South constituency, with many people saying this substantiates speculation that he will be leaving the political arena.
 
Francis has reportedly missed two consecutive sessions of Parliament, and it is uncertain as to whether he gave any reason to House Speaker, Alix Boyd- Knights, as regards his absence. The UWP has not commented on the matter so far.
 
Francis burst onto the political scene in August 2013, when he signaled his intention to unseat Dominica Labour Party (DLP) stalwart Ambrose George. Most onlookers felt that was an impossible task, since George was MP for the constituency since February 2000, and was part of the upper crust of the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP), and was also serving as deputy leader.
 
George had held many ministerial portfolios, and had also acted as prime minister on several occasions, in the Skerrit Administration. He appeared confident of a fourth “huge” win in the December 8, 2014 general election, since he had won the previous election by a considerable margin. On November 27, 2013, Francis officially declared his candidacy for the UWP, and described himself as “a man of the people.”
 
In the ensuing general election, Francis triumphed over George in probably the biggest upset of the polls, gathering a total of 2,185 votes. George received only 1,948. In February 2015, Francis signalled his intention to run for the position of Deputy Leader of the UWP after Claudius Sanford who held the post at that time, did not make himself available to contest at the party’s delegate’s conference. That conference was held on March 1, 2015. Linton was elected as leader, and Francis was elected Deputy Leader.