Dominica Democratic Alliance (DDA)

The Dominica Democratic Alliance (DDA) was a short-lived but significant political party in Dominica during the late 1970s. Founded by Michael Douglas, a former minister in the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), the DDA emerged from internal dissent within the DLP, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Patrick John. Douglas, who served as Member of Parliament for the Portsmouth constituency since 1975, was dismissed from the DLP cabinet in 1978 after being accused of “communist” sympathies.

Formation and Political Context

The DDA was initially known as the New Alliance Party. Its formation was part of a broader wave of political activism in Dominica during the late 1970s, marked by widespread dissatisfaction with the DLP’s governance. The DDA joined forces with other progressive groups, including the Popular Independence Committee (PIC) led by Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by Dr. William “Para” Riviere, and the Working People’s Vanguard (WPV) led by Bernard Wiltshire. Together, these groups formed the Dominica Liberation Movement Alliance (DLMA) in 1979, aiming to challenge the DLP’s dominance and promote a more equitable society.

Role in the 1980 General Elections

In the lead-up to the 1980 general elections, internal divisions within the DLMA led to the withdrawal of the DDA and PIC from the alliance. These groups subsequently supported the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DEMLAB) under Oliver Seraphin. The remaining DLMA constituents, primarily the PDP and WPV, continued as a unified organization under the leadership of Atherton Martin. In the 1980 elections, the DLMA secured 8.42% of the vote but failed to win any seats in the House of Assembly.

Merger and Legacy

By 1985, the DDA merged with the Dominica Labour Party, along with the United Dominica Labour Party, to form a reconstituted DLP. This merger aimed to consolidate opposition forces and revitalize the party’s appeal. Michael Douglas was then elected as the political leader of the Dominica Labour Party and served as Leader of the Opposition from 1985 to 1990. He resigned from the party leadership position in early 1992 due to health issues and passed away later that year.

The DDA’s formation and activities reflect a critical period in Dominica’s political evolution, highlighting the role of grassroots movements and alliances in shaping the nation’s democratic processes. Although the DDA itself was short-lived, its influence persisted through the political careers of its members and their contributions to Dominica’s governance.