DLP Candidate Says Focus Will Be on Connecting Constituents to Opportunity, Investment and Representation
By Konnect Media News Desk
News Without Borders. Stories Without Limits.
ROSEAU, DOMINICA — Dominica Labour Party candidate for the upcoming September 7 Roseau North By-Election, Ashma McDougal, has outlined what she describes as a people-centred vision for the continued development of the constituency, promising stronger representation and a greater connection between residents and national opportunities.
McDougal, a former National Youth Leader, addressed Labour Party supporters and members of the National Executive during a meeting held at the auditorium of the Goodwill Primary School, declaring that her campaign is centred on what she described as “delivery” for the people of Roseau North.
“This by-election is not about personalities or noise,” McDougal told supporters. “This by-election is about delivery.”
Acknowledging Progress and Unfinished Business
In her address, McDougal pointed to government investments in housing, social programmes, education, healthcare, small businesses and national infrastructure, while also acknowledging that challenges remain within Roseau North.
She said her interactions with residents over recent months have brought her face-to-face with the concerns of single mothers, elderly residents, young people, business owners and fisherfolk.
However, McDougal maintained that Roseau North has also benefited from national investment and development initiatives, adding that acknowledging areas requiring further attention should not diminish previous achievements.
“There is still unfinished business in Roseau North,” she said, arguing that this should strengthen the case for the next phase of development.
Connecting Major Projects to Everyday Opportunities
A major feature of McDougal’s presentation was her argument that national capital investments must translate into tangible opportunities for ordinary Dominicans.
Using the proposed international airport and the fisheries sector as an example, she argued that improved access could create new markets for fishermen and other entrepreneurs.
McDougal said that greater connectivity, improved fisheries infrastructure, storage, processing and access to external markets could potentially create increased demand and economic opportunities for local producers.
She stressed that major projects should not simply become physical symbols of development but should create opportunities that citizens can access and benefit from.
“Our people must be able to say Labour built that and because Labour built that, I got an opportunity,” she said.
A Constituency-Specific Approach
McDougal also outlined a development approach that she said would recognise the different needs of communities across the Roseau North constituency.
She identified areas including Goodwill and Pottersville, where she said attention should be given to commercial enterprise, infrastructure, traffic and accessibility.
She also pointed to opportunities involving fisheries, sports and economic activity in Fond Colé, while identifying education, skills development, employment, housing and community renewal as important priorities for communities including Tarish Pit, Gutter and Yampiece.
For Stock Farm, McDougal spoke of the need for stronger spaces and opportunities for young people.
She also highlighted the importance of addressing everyday community concerns such as footpaths, drains, streetlights, roads, community facilities and housing repairs.
“Sometimes the project that transforms someone’s life does not cost ten million dollars,” she said, emphasising the importance of ensuring that smaller but meaningful community concerns are addressed.
From Assistance to Opportunity
McDougal said she wants to see greater emphasis placed on connecting citizens with government programmes, financing, ministries and agencies.
She described her intended role as one that would involve bringing the concerns of constituents from their communities into national decision-making spaces while following up on matters affecting residents.
Looking ahead, McDougal said she believes the next phase of development should focus on moving more people “from assistance to opportunity, from vulnerability to security, from unemployment to skills and employment” and towards sustainable enterprise and wealth creation.
Call to Supporters
As the September 7 vote approaches, the Labour candidate used her address to urge party supporters to participate in the by-election, declaring that the campaign is being fought with the objective of securing victory in Roseau North.
McDougal said she entered politics not simply to occupy a parliamentary seat but to advocate, collaborate and work on behalf of constituents.
“I came to work. I came to challenge where necessary. I came to collaborate and above everything else I came to deliver,” she told the gathering.
The Roseau North By-Election will take place on September 7, 2026, marking an important electoral contest in the constituency.
Konnect Media will continue to follow developments surrounding the campaign and provide coverage of the issues, candidates and events leading up to the vote.
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