Statement on the 2005 Dominica General Elections

The Dominica Academy of Arts And Sciences (DAAS), one of the main organisations of the Dominica Diaspora, urges all Dominicans to exercise their civic rights and to participate in the electoral process in the upcoming general elections.

DAAS is however concerned about reports of elections contributions from foreign governments and lament the potential, corrosive influence of such foreign contributions on our national sovereignty and democracy.

DAAS also urges all Dominicans to pay careful attention to the issues and to consider their choices on the basis of the issues rather than partisan accusations. The major issue of this election, in the view of DAAS, is the Dominica economy and who can best manage it going forward.

While DAAS declines to take sides in the current debate, the Academy feels strongly about the virtue of fiscal prudence and overall sound management of the nation's economy. DAAS hopes that the final days leading up to the May 5 Elections will afford Dominicans a meaningful debate on all the relevant issues and especially the economy.

Dr Clayton A. Shillingford
President, Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences (www.da-academy.org).

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