The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has officially named Ashma McDougall as its official candidate for the imminent Roseau North parliamentary by-election, according to an official party statement released to the public on Monday. The electoral contest was triggered by the recent departure of sitting Member of Parliament Miriam Blanchard, who stepped down from her role citing pressing health concerns that require her full attention.
McDougall’s path to the candidacy came after an internal party nomination process that saw her put forward unopposed by the Roseau North Constituency Association, with the party’s National Executive Committee subsequently voting to unanimously approve her selection. In the same announcement, the DLP took time to recognize Blanchard’s years of public service to both the Roseau North constituency and the wider nation of Dominica, extending sincere gratitude for her years of dedicated work and wishing her a smooth and full recovery.
A lifelong resident of the Roseau North area, McDougall was born in Bath Estate within the constituency and currently lives in Goodwill. After her selection was confirmed, she shared her gratitude for the broad support she has received from both party leadership and local constituents.
“I am humbled and honoured by the vote of confidence reposed in me by the Dominica Labour Party, the Roseau North Constituency Association, and the many constituents who have encouraged me to step forward at this important time,” McDougall said in her first public remarks after the announcement. “I do not take this responsibility lightly. Roseau North is a constituency rich in talent, resilience, and potential. I am committed to listening, learning, and working alongside the people of the constituency to help create opportunities, strengthen communities, and deliver meaningful results.”
Per the DLP’s press statement, McDougall brings a robust and diverse professional background to her candidacy, with deep experience spanning economics, private sector business, and youth development work across the island. She previously held the presidency of the National Youth Council of Dominica and later served as Executive Director of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce. Her work advancing youth empowerment, supporting local entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive economic development has earned her recognition at both national and regional levels, the party confirmed.
Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica and DLP Political Leader, has already issued a full endorsement of McDougall’s candidacy, framing her selection as aligned with the party’s longstanding approach to nurturing and advancing new leadership talent across the country.
“Ashma’s candidacy reflects the Dominica Labour Party’s continued commitment to attracting capable, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals who are prepared to contribute to the country’s development and improve the lives of its citizens,” Skerrit stated.
The by-election is required under Dominica’s constitution to fill the vacant parliamentary seat, and is scheduled to be held in the coming weeks. Skerrit added that DLP supporters are already energized and ready to launch the campaign, with full official details of the party’s election campaign plan set to be announced publicly this coming weekend.