Against a backdrop of simmering internal divisions that have drawn public scrutiny across Dominica’s traditional and social media spaces, the leader of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Dr. Thomson Fontaine, has launched a public push for reconciliation, calling on party members and the broader Dominican public to set aside disagreements and refocus on solving the country’s pressing economic and social challenges.
In a comprehensive public statement addressing recent unrest within the party, Fontaine acknowledged that divergent opinions are a natural and healthy component of any democratic political organization. But he stressed that the current moment, which he described as a critical crossroads for the island nation, demands an end to infighting that distracts from national priorities. “I welcome differing views as part of a healthy democracy,” Fontaine noted in his address. “However, I will not allow distraction, division, or misrepresentation to derail the serious national conversation we must now have.”
With the current ruling administration having held power for more than 25 years, Fontaine argued that Dominica has grown stagnant, with widespread economic hardship, missed development opportunities, and a political culture that prioritizes incumbents’ survival over public good. He positioned the UWP as a responsible, solution-focused opposition ready to govern, rather than merely criticize government policy. The UWP leader emphasized that the opposition is prepared to offer tangible, actionable fixes for the challenges that hold the country back.
A core priority of Fontaine’s address was healing long-simmering rifts within the UWP itself. He revealed that party leadership has spent months working behind the scenes to bridge internal divides and rebuild collaborative relationships between factions. In a direct appeal to disaffected party members, Fontaine extended an olive branch, inviting those who have grown alienated to return to the fold and work through outstanding disagreements openly. Acknowledging his own imperfections as a leader, he emphasized his commitment to centering all productive ideas in the party’s mission to serve the Dominican public. “I do not pretend to be a perfect servant, but I am a public servant committed to taking all ideas on board,” he said.
To outline the party’s vision for national progress, Fontaine highlighted the UWP’s signature policy platform: the “Ten Pillars to Shared Economic Prosperity for all Dominicans.” The plan centers on five key priorities: reviving Dominica’s struggling agriculture sector, expanding domestic manufacturing to create new jobs and reduce import dependence, unlocking commercial potential in the country’s water resources, reforming the national tax system to create greater fairness, and delivering immediate relief to households grappling with skyrocketing cost of living.
Fontaine urged UWP supporters to remain calm and disciplined, avoiding provocations that could further deepen divisions. He stressed that the party’s long-term success depends entirely on unity, shared purpose, and constructive engagement with all segments of Dominican society, rather than performative political conflict. He extended his call for collaboration beyond party ranks, appealing to all Dominican citizens regardless of political affiliation to set aside personal and partisan ego for the national good.
Describing the current moment as a rare opening for national renewal, Fontaine framed collective action as the only path to building a stronger, more prosperous Dominica that delivers opportunity for all residents, particularly young people. “This is not a moment for political gamesmanship. This is a moment for national renewal,” he said, closing his statement with a call for collective wisdom and shared commitment to advancing the country’s development.