May 05/2003 - A hotelier and village council chairman is almost certain to be an independent candidate in the Roseau Valley constituency challenging incumbent Norris Charles of the United Workers Party (UWP), The Sun can disclose.

    The former president of the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) Bobby Frederick has confirmed to The Sun that he will contest the next general election, possibly as an independent, although he had not ruled out running on a party ticket.

    "I'm planning on doing that. I haven't declared myself officially (but) I'd like to be the representative for the Valley in parliament because I feel I have a contribution to make especially in the tourism sector," Frederick revealed.

    Frederick said that he had delayed his announcement because of the options before him. While he has been contemplating a run as an independent candidate, two political parties have also approached him asking him to be on their tickets, the local hotelier disclosed.

    He seems to have already ruled out one - the Dominica Reform Party (DRP). However, Frederick has yet to decide on the second one, which he has refused to name.

    It seems inconceivable that he would represent the UWP whose candidate is the sitting Member of Parliament, and the Trafalgar village council chairman has said that he would have difficulty defending the current record of the Dominica Labour Party (DFP).

    But that does not mean that the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) would be the party of choice.

    "Growing up I only knew two parties, Freedom and Labour. My sympathies have been with Labour from way back as a little boy (but) I am totally disappointed with the current Labour regime, and with what is happening right now I cannot go out there and support that," said the potential candidate. "That is what is keeping me more inclined towards the independent platform."

    Frederick said that he had also not "really played my last card" because in the last few weeks the independents "have muddied the waters", referring to apparent differences between declared candidates Athie Martin and Bernard Wiltshire, and that to run as an independent would leave him "open for some licks."

    But he defended the move to revolutionize the political system with independents seeking to control the agenda and challenged those who have suggested that independent candidates would not make a difference, while sounding very much like a man who had decided to be an independent candidate.

    "Going as an independent can make a difference at this time. Those of us who are saying it is not time for an independent have our own agenda that fits into the (party political) system.

    "The traditional thinking is not paying attention to the fact that people are more informed now and are totally disappointed with the performance of the parties and they are more willing to take a look at the independent candidates," Frederick told The Sun.

    Even as he ponders his options, Frederick has been polishing his message, which he said would focus on tourism and the youth.

    "There is a lot of talk right now as to where tourism is going. I have a vision in that, and the Valley is a flagship for tourism (in Dominica)," he said.

    " I think if we can come with a proper plan tourism it can (provide opportunities for the youth). Youth programmes will definitely be part of my agenda."