People Come First

Summary
The United Workers Party was formed in July 1988 when a six-man committee headed by Edison James met and took the bold step to form a new political party.

The UWP held its first convention on October 22, 1988 at Londonderry in the north-east of the Island. It was billed at the time as the "mother of all conventions".

The party first faced the polls at the 1990 general elections and became the official opposition wining 6 of the 21 seats. Edison James became the Leader of the Opposition.

In 1993 the UWP won a by election in the Salybia constituency. That victory did much to enhance the party's national profile.

In 1995 the United Workers Party won 11 seats at the general elections forming the first UWP government headed by Edison James who was appointed Prime Minister.

In 1996 the Party added on more seat when it won another by election in Mahaut.

In 2000 the Party once again returned to the opposition benches winning only 9 seats.

UWP rocketed into Government

The United Workers Party emerged as a result of a few individuals responding the the calls of the people of Dominica.

In the mid 1980's there was a cry for a new breed of politicians with the necessary commitment, attitude to work, knowledge, ability and experience to move the country forward.

So it was on the afternoon of Sunday July 3, 1988 that a group of such individuals met and took bold decisions which have, as it turns out, revolutionised Dominica's politics and its economic and social well-being.

At the time the group was referred to as the 'Third force' - there being two other established political parties on the island. They were also called 'greedy businessmen', 'disgruntled freedomites' and even 'disgruntled labourites'.

By the time of its first convention on October 22, 1988 the name United Workers Party had emerged as a serious and powerful political entity. 

The process was set in motion by a six man committee which was set up at the July 3 meeting. That committee was headed by Edison James and included Julius Timothy and Norris Prevost.

The October 22 first convention held in the Londonderry in the northeast of the island is still referred to as 'the mother of conventions'. It attracted many curious persons anticipating that something positive was about to be born.

The UWP quickly moved into action setting up its constitution, party groups and a campaign of general national mobilisation.

It contested its first general elections in 1990 a mere two years after its formation and became the official opposition winning 6 of the 21 seats.

The successful candidates were:

Edison James - Marigot
Doreen Paul - St. Joseph
Earl Williams - Salisbury
Gertrude Roberts - Morne Jaune
Romanus Bannis - Castle Bruce
Edgar Jerome - Wesley

Like some carnival lovers do on ash Wednesday in anticipation of the next carnival, the UWP mounted a campaign for the 1995 general elections on the day after the 1990 elections. It was literal daily campaigning lasting 5 years.

In 1993 the true power of the UWP was tested in a by election in the Salybia constituency. The Party passed the test through its candidate François Barrie. That by election victory did much to enhance the UWP's national image.

It was therefore no surprise when in the 1995 general elections the UWP broke all records. In the short space of 7 years after formation it formed the government.

The United Workers Party won 11 of the 21 seats.

The successful candidates were:

Edison James - Marigot
Julius Timothy - Roseau North
Romanus Bannis - Castle Bruce
François Barrie - Salybia
Peter Carbon - Wesley
Vernice Bellony - Vieille Case
Earl Williams - Salisbury
Doreen Paul - St. Joseph
Norris Charles - Roseau Valley
Ron Green - La Plaine
Gertrude Roberts - Morne Jaune

A by election in the Mahaut constituency in 1996 gave the UWP a 12th seat through Julien Prevost.

The UWP however failed at its bid for a second successive term in office at the January 31, 2000 general elections.

The party lost three of its 12 seats and was not able to capture any new ones. 

The party therefore ended up with 9 seats, the Dominica Labour Party with 10 seats and the Dominica Freedom Party 2 seats.

The UWP however captured the most popular votes among the three political parties.

The UWP is therefore once again in opposition. This time to a coalition Dominica Labour Party - Dominica Freedom Party government.

Successful candidates in the 2000 elections were:

Gertrude Robets - Grand Fond
Ron Green - La Plaine
Norris Charles - Roseau Valley
Julius Timothy - Roseau North
Julien Prevost - Mahaut
Earl Williams - Salisbury
Peter Carbon - Wesley
Edison James - Marigot
Loreen Bannis-Roberts - Castle Bruce

Loreen Bannis-Roberts subsequently crossed the floor to join the coalition government.

To be continued