Even after his fall from grace, the temerity of such an individual persists, and like a leader of an occult, has found lost sheep in the pastures of a wandering Workers Party under the leadership of Lennox Linton or is it Thompson Fontaine?

What seems like a perpetual purgatory imposed by the 20-year mandate given to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit by the people of Dominica, Workers is not waving, but drowning in a directionless quest. After a series of unfortunate events from the year 2000 to the present day, the most recent show of desperation was the invitation extended to Anil Roberts, a disgraced politician from Trinidad and Tobago. His antics at what was dubbed a discussion on Electoral Reform in Dominica would be predictable to PM Keith Rowley and déjà vu to PM Roosevelt Skerrit who has had to tolerate the ire of Linton. The irony of this occasion has not been lost on many that, Anil Roberts, nor the UWP have had any reform or reconciliation of their past failures in public life, and lack the moral standing to lecture anyone, let alone a prime minister.

Is this all they have to offer? A seasoned opposition party can only muster the likes of Roberts to lecture a lost opposition and its acolytes on good governance? A simple Google search will equip an 8-year-old with all the information of the sordid and scandalous life of Anil Roberts, particularly in his political life. His often controversial behaviour, which was on display on January 11, 2024, in the Nature Isle was nothing new and not surprising. Such behaviour not only reflects poorly on his character but also undermines his ability to effectively lead or provide meaningful guidance to others, especially an opposition in need of structure and strategy.

If UWP is to have any chance of a Political Renaissance – they should be guided by the adage, “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” The likes of Anil Roberts lack the moral standing to lecture anyone, including the UWP acolytes, they deserve better.

His reported involvement in corruption scandals and his questionable behaviour have eroded any credibility he may have once had. It is essential for leaders to possess integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct, qualities that Roberts has consistently failed to demonstrate, yet he dares lecture a prime minister on governance which he is incapable of performing.

Every country deserves a good opposition however, UWP has not been able to provide the people of Dominica with any noteworthy checks and balances on the government. Their politics, similar to that of Roberts’ personal attacks and character assassination provide the true and tested recipe for a life in the wilderness where UWP will continue to dwell.

- La Domnik

The contents published in the article are the sole views of the named author and do not represent those of SNO.