Former Dominica State College lecturer, economist and businesswoman Ashma McDougall has been officially launched as the Dominica Labour Party‘s candidate for the upcoming Roseau North by-election.
McDougall was presented to supporters during a launch ceremony held at Lindo Park in Goodwill on Sunday evening, where party officials, supporters and residents gathered to hear her vision for the constituency and the wider country.
Addressing the gathering, McDougall said her decision to contest the by-election under the Dominica Labour Party banner was guided by her desire to serve the people of Roseau North and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“I choose the Labour Party because I know that this is where I can best serve the people of Roseau North and Dominica by extension,” she stated. “This is where I can create opportunities, solve problems and improve the lives of the people of the Roseau North constituency.“
McDougall, a former president of the National Youth Council of Dominica, highlighted what she described as the Labour Party’s record of investment in housing, education, infrastructure and social development, arguing that these achievements influenced her decision to join the party.
She pledged that, if elected, she would focus on expanding opportunities for young people, supporting small businesses, strengthening families and promoting employment creation throughout the constituency.
“A future built on opportunities for our young people, safer and cleaner communities, prosperity where small businesses thrive, and local talent is given the opportunity to succeed,” she said while outlining her vision for Roseau North.
Prime Minister and Political Leader of the Dominica Labour Party, Roosevelt Skerrit, endorsed McDougall’s candidacy, describing Roseau North as a constituency that requires dynamic and forward-thinking representation.
According to Skerrit, McDougall possesses the experience and leadership qualities needed to represent a constituency that includes entrepreneurs, professionals, students, public officers and retirees.
“The future demands fresh thinking. The future demands new energy,” Skerrit said, adding that McDougall is capable of engaging effectively with a wide cross-section of constituents while understanding their everyday concerns.
McDougall’s launch comes as political activity intensifies in Roseau North following the resignation of former Parliamentary Representative Miriam Blanchard on health grounds. The by-election is expected to attract considerable national attention as political parties and independent candidates continue to position themselves ahead of the contest.
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