Dominica’s main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has scheduled a key public outreach event for Friday, June 26, 2026, kicking off at 6:30 PM in the Tarish Pit community, as the party positions itself for an upcoming by-election triggered by a sudden parliamentary vacancy. As outlined in an official notice from the party, the gathering will center on giving Daniel Lugay, UWP’s candidate for the Roseau North constituency, a platform to lay out his policy vision, outline local development plans, and restate his dedication to serving the area’s residents.
The vacancy that prompted the impending by-election opened earlier this month, when sitting Roseau North Member of Parliament and former government minister Miriam Blanchard formally submitted her resignation in a letter dated June 9, 2026. The resignation was publicly announced by the party on June 12, with Blanchard citing ongoing health concerns as the core reason for her decision to step down mid-term.
In a statement following the announcement of Blanchard’s departure, the United Workers Party extended sincere gratitude to the outgoing legislator for her years of public service, highlighting her meaningful contributions to national progress both in her role as a cabinet minister and as the elected representative for Roseau North.
UWP Political Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine noted in a recent address that Blanchard’s exit clears the way for a by-election in the constituency, which he characterized as a historically strong base of support for the UWP. Fontaine confirmed that electoral rules require the by-election to be held within three months of the vacancy occurring, and he made clear that the party has already begun preparations to compete for the seat. Reassuring local voters of the party’s readiness, Fontaine affirmed that UWP is fully prepared to retain and hold the Roseau North parliamentary position once the by-election is officially called.