Jesma Paul-Victor

Jesma Paul-Victor is a Dominican educator and politician who was the Leader of the Opposition of Dominica from December 20, 2022, to June 20, 2024. She represented the Salisbury Constituency in the House of Assembly as an independent Member of Parliament.

Early Life and Education of Jesma Paul-Victor

Born in Roseau, Dominica’s capital, Jesma Paul-Victor grew up in the village of Barroui. She attended Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS), where she completed her secondary education.

Political Career

In the December 6, 2022, general elections, Paul-Victor contested the Salisbury seat as an independent candidate and defeated the Dominica Labour Party’s (DLP) Lynsia Frank by a margin of 617 to 463 votes . Her victory came amid a boycott by the United Workers Party (UWP), which resulted in no UWP candidates being elected to the House of Assembly.

Following her election, Paul-Victor was sworn in as the Leader of the Opposition by President Charles Savarin on December 20, 2022. She became the second woman to hold this position in Dominica after Dame Eugenia Charles, who served from 1975 to 1979.

Paul-Victor’s appointment was part of a power-sharing agreement with fellow independent MP Anthony Charles of the Marigot Constituency. Under this arrangement, she was to serve as Opposition Leader for 18 months, after which Charles would assume the role for the remaining term.

Legislative Contributions and Initiatives

Paul-Victor played a significant role in Dominica’s parliamentary proceedings during her tenure. She nominated Anette Thomas Sanford, a registered nurse and former opposition senator, for the presidency in 2023. This nomination opposed the government’s candidate, Sylvanie Burton, highlighting the active role Paul-Victor took in shaping national leadership discussions.

As Leader of the Opposition, Paul-Victor appointed senators to the House of Assembly. She initially appointed Sean Douglas, a former press secretary, as an opposition senator. However, she later revoked his appointment, which attracted public attention and discussions about internal opposition dynamics.

Personal Life

Jesma Paul-Victor is known to maintain close ties to her community in Bawi. She has expressed gratitude to her supporters and has spoken about personal experiences, including the loss of her mother to cancer in 2022, which she mentioned during her swearing-in ceremony.

Her approach to politics emphasises collaboration and community development. Upon taking office, she pledged to work with the government to bring progress to her constituency and the nation.