Roosevelt Skerrit

Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

I met recently with the executive of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) to hear their concerns and discuss the issues affecting persons with disabilities in Dominica.

Our discussions focused on practical measures to strengthen inclusion and ensure their voices are reflected in national decision-making.

Among the proposals under consideration is the establishment of a dedicated Government department or unit to advocate for the rights and interests of persons with disabilities and coordinate policies and programmes on their behalf.

Government will continue to work closely with the DAPD to advance meaningful reforms and build a society where every Dominican has the opportunity to participate fully and equally.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

STATEMENT BY THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENTS OF THE PARTICIPATING EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES ON CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

The Heads of Government of the participating Eastern Caribbean States met in Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, on the 10th of July, 2026, at the invitation and under the chairmanship of the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, to consider recent developments concerning Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes and the implications of the European Union's revised visa suspension mechanism.

Present at the meeting were Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica; Hon. Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Also present was Hon. Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Heads of Government reviewed the recent communication from the European Commission and exchanged views on the potential implications for the economic resilience, sustainable development, and long-term prosperity of their respective countries, as well as on the appropriate collective response of participating States.

The Heads of Government reaffirm the strong and enduring partnership between our countries and the European Union, founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a common commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development. We welcome continued dialogue with our European partners and remain committed to engaging constructively in addressing matters of mutual concern.

The participating States recognize the importance of maintaining the highest standards of security, transparency, integrity, and good governance in the operation of Citizenship by Investment programmes. Over the past several years, our governments have undertaken significant reforms, including the strengthening of due diligence frameworks, enhanced information sharing, greater transparency measures, and the implementation of rigorous regional standards designed to ensure that our programmes remain among the most robust in the world.

The establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority represents a major advancement in regional governance and oversight. Through this institution, participating States have demonstrated their collective commitment to harmonized regulation, enhanced compliance, and continuous improvement in accordance with evolving international best practices.

The Heads of Government underscore that Citizenship by Investment programmes have become an important pillar of economic resilience and development financing for small island developing states. Revenues generated through these programmes have supported critical investments in climate resilience, disaster recovery, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education, and fiscal stability. These programmes have enabled our countries to respond to extraordinary external shocks while reducing dependence on unsustainable borrowing and preserving macroeconomic stability.

Against this backdrop, the Heads of Government note that future adjustments to existing arrangements must take full account of the economic realities and development vulnerabilities of small island developing states. Any transition affecting a significant source of national development financing must be accompanied by a comprehensive framework that safeguards economic stability, protects development gains already achieved, and supports the creation of sustainable alternative sources of financing.

We therefore welcome the European Commission's commitment to continued engagement and technical dialogue. To advance this, the Heads of Government have agreed to pursue a coordinated programme of diplomatic engagement with the institutions of the European Union and the governments of Member States. In that regard the Heads of Government have agreed to undertake a high-level mission to Brussels at the earliest appropriate opportunity to engage directly with the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

These engagements will seek to deepen mutual understanding of the unique vulnerabilities and development realities of small island developing states, to explore practical and mutually beneficial solutions to the issues identified by the European Union, and to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the European Union and the Eastern Caribbean.

Recognizing the importance of preserving economic stability and development gains achieved through Citizenship by Investment programmes, the Heads of Government have agreed that discussions with the European Union should also encompass opportunities for enhanced development cooperation, strategic investment partnerships, climate resilience financing, economic diversification initiatives, and other appropriate support measures capable of strengthening long-term economic resilience and facilitating any future arrangements that may be agreed between the parties.

The Heads of Government have also directed their Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers responsible for Citizenship by Investment Programmes, Ambassadors, and senior officials to coordinate closely in support of these efforts and to ensure the presentation of a unified regional position in all engagements with European counterparts. They further mandate the establishment of a coordinated diplomatic outreach programme to key European capitals in support of the objectives outlined herein.

The Heads of Government believe that solutions can and should be developed through genuine partnership, reflecting both the legitimate policy objectives of the European Union and the legitimate development needs of small island developing states. Any future framework should be guided by the principles of proportionality, partnership, shared responsibility, and sustainable development.

The Heads of Government reaffirm their readiness to engage constructively in this process and express their confidence that, through dialogue and cooperation, balanced and durable solutions can be achieved.

https://t.co/bnck6K6XqX

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

Monetary Council Chairmanship Hand-over and Unveiling of Notes Ceremony.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

Honourable Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, who served as Prime Minister of Dominica from 1980 to 1995, is featured on the newly redesigned EC$20 banknote issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), a proud moment for Dominica.

The announcement was made during the ECCB Monetary Council's Unveiling of the Notes Ceremony in Dominica on Thursday evening. The redesigned banknotes honour distinguished national heroes and prominent figures from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, celebrating their lasting contributions to the region's development.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

2/2 - Today’s press conference provided an opportunity to update the people of Dominica on key national issues and the work Government continues to advance on your behalf. Here are the highlights.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

1/2 - Today’s press conference provided an opportunity to update the people of Dominica on key national issues and the work Government continues to advance on your behalf. Here are the highlights.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

I am saddened by the reports of destruction and loss of life following the two powerful earthquakes that struck Caracas, Venezuela yesterday.

The government and people of Dominica extend sincere condolences to the families affected and express our solidarity with the government and the people of Venezuela during this difficult time. Venezuela is our neighbour and friend, and we stand ready to provide support where possible.

We also acknowledge the efforts of the emergency personnel responding to this tragedy and wish the nation courage and strength in the days ahead.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

I welcomed New Zealand's new High Commissioner to Dominica, Her Excellency Linda Charlotte Te Puni, following the presentation of her credentials to Her Excellency the President on Friday.

We had a productive discussion on opportunities to strengthen cooperation between our two countries as Dominica continues to advance its sustainable development agenda. I look forward to working closely with High Commissioner Te Puni to deepen our partnership in areas of mutual interest and benefit.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

(2/2)

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

This morning's press conference highlighted continued progress on the International Airport, the commissioning of our geothermal power plant, a $70.2 million climate resilience investment under DOMCREP, preparations for the 2026/27 National Budget, new measures to strengthen the Citizenship by Investment Programme, hurricane season readiness and significant milestones in our health sector - including Dominica's first locally performed brain tumour surgery. (1/2)

#Dominica #PressConference

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

I convened a meeting of the National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) today to review preparedness efforts and assess readiness at the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

We are strengthening coordination among key departments and agencies to ensure the country remains prepared for potential impacts throughout the season.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

Today, the Dominica Community Resilience Enhancement Project (DOMCREP) was officially launched, an EC $70.2 million investment to strengthen climate resilience and support agricultural livelihoods in some of Dominica’s most vulnerable communities.

Through targeted support to more than 520 farmers and agro-processors in the communities of Campbell, Colihaut, Coulibistrie, Pichelin, Bagatelle, Good Hope, Petite Soufriere and San Sauveur, the project will help strengthen food security and improve livelihoods.

#DOMCREP #ClimateResilience #Agriculture #FoodSecurity #Dominica #CCCCC #CARICOM

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

Official launch of the Dominica Community Enhancement Project (DOMCREP)

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins, I want to encourage every Dominican to remain prepared and vigilant.

Just weeks ago, several communities across the East and Northeast were impacted by heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides from a trough system. The experience reminded us that preparedness must remain a national priority.

Since Hurricane Maria, Government has invested heavily in resilience through stronger homes, improved shelters and enhanced emergency response systems. But resilience is also the responsibility of every citizen. I encourage all households to review emergency plans, secure essential supplies and stay informed through official sources throughout the season.

Storms may test us, but they do not define us. What defines us is our strength, unity and determination as a people. Together, we will continue building a safer and more resilient Dominica.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

We continued our consultations with stakeholders in Marigot on Thursday as we advance plans for the operationalization of the Marigot Fisheries Complex as an official port of entry.

The meeting with fishers focused mainly on their role in the initiative and how fishing activities and port operations can successfully coexist at the facility.

I assured the fishers that port operations will not negatively impact their livelihoods or disrupt their regular activities. Instead, this is intended to create new opportunities while supporting the continued growth and development of the fishing sector in Marigot and the wider northeast.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

I congratulate Prime Minister Hon. Philip Davis on his victory in general elections held in The Bahamas on Tuesday.

On behalf of the Government and people of Dominica, I convey best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of The Bahamas.

His reelection comes at an important time for our region, and I look forward to continued engagement and cooperation between our countries in pursuit of shared regional goals and sustainable development for our peoples.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

Keeping you informed on matters of national interest.

Tune in at 11:00 a.m. today as I address key issues and take questions from the media.

#PressConference #Transparency #Leadership #WorkingForYou

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

#HappeningNow

Meeting with residents of Antrizzle, Atkinson and the Kalinago Territory at the Salybia Primary School to provide updates on ongoing interventions and response efforts, following the impacts of last weekend’s trough system.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

Yesterday, I spent time on the ground in Antrizzle, Atkinson, the Kalinago Territory and Castle Bruce, meeting with residents who were directly affected by the recent weather system. I listened carefully as they shared their experiences: damage to their homes and the disruption to their daily lives.

These conversations will help guide our response and ensure that the support we provide is based on the real needs of the people.

[Roosevelt Skerrit @SkerritR]

Walk-through and meeting with residents of hard-hit Antrizzle, Atkinson and the Kalinago Territory following Sunday's trough system. We also made stops in Castle Bruce.

We are actively coordinating response efforts on the ground, including damage assessments and the mobilization of resources to assist affected families.