Real Talk with Dr Thomson Fontaine and Glenroy 'Soso' Cuffy

Summary of “Real Talk” (Real Talk with Dr Thomson Fontaine and Glenroy “Soso” Cuffy)

The show was a political discussion focused on Dominica’s upcoming Roso North by-election (scheduled for September 7) and, more broadly, on the voter confirmation/registration process required before a voter can be on the list and vote. The speakers argued that the process is moving too slowly nationwide and is now at “crisis” levels, urging supporters to get confirmed immediately.

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1) Back on air; by-election preparation in Roso North

• Dr. Thomson Fontaine said the program had been off live for about two weeks and that the team is now resuming live broadcasts.
• He described outreach over the weekend in the Roso North area, emphasizing:
  • helping voters understand the new ID requirements for confirmation/participation in the by-election,
  • ensuring voters obtain the necessary documents (or guidance to get them),
  • and mobilizing people for upcoming ground activities, including transport to confirmation centers.

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2) New ID requirements for voting/confirmation

Fontaine explained that, unlike older practice, voters now must have some form of ID to vote in the by-election, listing options such as:

• passport
• driver’s license (with birth certificate)
• social security card (with birth certificate)
• birth certificate alone (with a picture ID and a certified picture from a justice of the peace)

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3) “Emergency” voter confirmation: pace and national numbers

A major portion of the program argued that confirmation is not nearly complete enough to meet the deadline before an election.

Key claims

• The speakers said the country is only about 50% confirmed nationally after 10 months of the confirmation process.
• Fontaine said the national average is around 49.2%, with some constituencies far behind.
• Examples of low-performing areas were cited, including:
  • Roso South at ~34%
  • Salsbury ~34%
  • Roso ~39%
  • St. Jose ~48%
• Comparatively better-performing areas were cited as:
  • KolIio ~61–64%
  • Roso Central ~61.9%

Roso South case study (as stated)

Using Roso South as an example, Fontaine claimed:

• over 4,000 people voted there in 2019, but
• only ~1,632 had been confirmed at the time of speaking (implying a large remaining group).

“Crisis mode” projection

He argued the math is grim:

• With “two months to go,” remaining confirmations would require processing roughly 10,000 voters per month.
• Fontaine declared “crisis mode” and urged supporters not to delay.

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4) Risk if voters wait or rely on extensions

The discussion warned that:

• some people believe they can register later if they miss the confirmation window,
• but the speakers said there is no guarantee late registration will still allow voting in the next election.

They also noted timing risk:

• If elections are called in December, key freezes could happen around October, making later registration potentially ineffective.

They further argued that while legislation may allow extensions, it is not automatic:

• they urged the government/electoral authorities to consider an extension because past delays and ID issues slowed confirmations.

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5) Condolences and calls for justice in the “Jobiah/Jubia Paul” case

A segment addressed a tragic crime involving Jobiah/Jubia Paul:

• The panel expressed condolences to the victim’s and perpetrators’ families.
• They said multiple perpetrators were arrested and that court processes should be expedited.
• They framed the incident as deeply troubling and said it reflects a society “upside down.”
• They raised concern about whether an earlier case involving Kenisha remains active for police investigation, emphasizing the need for tools and independence for law enforcement.

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6) Political messaging: anti-violence and anti-intimidation

• The hosts urged Dominicans not to resolve disagreements with violence, intimidation, or “vectives” (threats/weapons implied).
• They argued Dominicans should focus on lawful democratic change rather than confrontation.

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7) Criticism of the current government (Labor Party) and broader governance grievances

Throughout the show, the speakers repeatedly attacked the government’s performance, including claims of:

• worsened blackouts and unreliable electricity
• economic stagnation and lack of impact from the budget
• issues tied to scholarships/tuition not being paid
• continued travel/visa restrictions
• lack of transparency and “govern by deception” rhetoric
• long-term stagnation over 26 years under the Labor Party

The program also referenced infrastructure and development topics (e.g., tourism, airport delays/expectations, public works equipment), arguing the country’s problems persist despite government claims of progress.

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8) Election-related instructions: what voters must do at confirmation centers

The panel included practical guidance and complaints about electoral administration:

• They said confirmation should be quick (claimed can take under 10 minutes).
• Required documentation again included IDs plus a certified photo involving a justice of the peace.
• They urged voters to bring someone who is registered in the same polling district to sign/verify identity where required.
• They criticized the Electoral Commission’s information transparency, saying:
  • lists should be posted outside confirmation centers,
  • lists of justices of the peace should be posted publicly,
  • and centers should make it easier for people to check their status without needing to ask inside.

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9) Link to the United Workers Party “10 pillars” plan

The discussion tied voter confirmation urgency directly to political transition:

• Dr. Fontaine emphasized that the UWP’s “10 pillars” are meant to reverse Dominica’s economic and social problems.
• He said the plan aims to leverage Dominica’s resources (agriculture, water, essential oils, manufacturing/processing potential, etc.) to create jobs and promote shared prosperity.
• He argued the 10 pillars cannot be implemented unless they win government—and that winning depends on completing the voter confirmation process.

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10) Closing appeal

Both presenters reiterated:

• confirmation is necessary for voting and for achieving political change,
• supporters should mobilize in their communities,
• and the country needs a new government after long-term dissatisfaction.

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Presenters / Contributors

• Dr. Thomson Fontaine (Honorable Dr. Fontaine; political leader, United Workers Party)
• Glenroy “Soso” Cuffy (host/presenter)