Whitney Melinard, 20, has emerged as the 2nd deputy political leader of the Alternative People’s Party (APP). The social activist will manage the progress of the youths and empowerment of the women under the aegis of the newest political party in Dominica.
Prior to her appointment, Melinard has always been vocal for women and child rights across Dominica and more importantly for the Kalinago territory. Many people noted that her passion for the development of the indigenous people of the Kalinago as well as her advocacy for children rights were instrumental to her new position with the APP.
The teenager said she has always advocated for youth engagement in politics, even though her new appointment will not make her a political candidate at the moment. She is still a law student and not open to taking up an elective candidacy within the APP just yet.
At this moment I do not wish to be a candidate. I do not believe that right now is the moment to consider being a candidate. I would like to focus as much as possible on advocacy and helping the youth and women as much as I can.
Whitney Melinard
Melinard however supports the involvement of the youths in politics. She said her young age does not bar her from speaking or getting involved with politics and that the same is true for every youth in the country. She however noted that the APP will provide her with the political platform needed to raise her voice over matters of political concerns in Dominica and specifically for the Kalinago.
She stated that she is ready to face criticisms and negativity but she would not allow people to intimidate her on account of her young age or unique perspectives. She also noted that many people will victimize her for aligning with the APP, but that she is not fazed since she believes in the rightness of her political choice and actions. She added that she is still the same person with the same values regardless of her new affiliation with the APP.
I am still Whitney Mélinard; I have not changed. Me aligning with the Alternative Peoples’ Party does not mean that I have changed who I am or what I believe in. I will continue to be an advocate for the people. That has not changed; that remains the same.
Whitney Melinard
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