In a stark address to the nation, United Workers Party Leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine has issued grave warnings about Dominica’s escalating political and environmental crises following his recent re-election as opposition leader. Speaking at a press conference, Fontaine identified two immediate threats: impending U.S. travel restrictions against Dominican citizens and systematic destruction of the country’s protected rainforests.
The political leader revealed that beginning January 2026, thousands of Dominicans will face denied entry to the United States, mirroring similar sanctions already implemented by Canada and the United Kingdom. Fontaine emphasized these restrictions would severely impact students pursuing international education, families attending overseas ceremonies, and patients requiring specialized medical treatment abroad.
Fontaine directly attributed these diplomatic consequences to the Roosevelt Skerrit administration’s mismanagement of the Citizenship by Investment program. He alleged that fifteen years of inadequate due diligence enabled criminal elements to exploit Dominican passports, resulting in eroded international trust. ‘This government had ample opportunity to reform the program but instead channeled billions into projects benefiting a select few while ordinary citizens face the repercussions,’ Fontaine stated.
The UWP has initiated legal action demanding accountability for the CBI program’s finances, with a court hearing scheduled for January 26, 2026. Fontaine recalled raising concerns about passport sales as early as 2009, only to be dismissed as unpatriotic by the ruling administration.
Regarding environmental degradation, Fontaine accused the government of orchestrating an ‘unprecedented assault’ on Dominica’s natural heritage. He specifically condemned quarrying operations within the Central Forest Reserve at Deux Branches, conducted without mandatory environmental impact assessments. Contrary to government claims that these activities are essential for airport construction, Fontaine noted that alternative rock sources exist throughout the island.
The opposition leader connected current rainforest destruction to earlier incursions at Cabrits National Park, warning that unchecked exploitation threatens Dominica’s international reputation as the ‘Nature Island.’ He pledged solidarity with affected communities in Concord, Kalinago Territory, and Marigot, alongside environmental advocates demanding immediate cessation of quarry operations.
Amid growing economic hardship and social unrest, Fontaine described citizens as facing ‘a bleak Christmas and an even darker future.’ He urged Dominicans to demonstrate compassion for vulnerable communities and muster courage to demand systemic change through democratic processes. ‘We must fight for accountability, transparency, and environmental preservation,’ Fontaine concluded, positioning these issues as central to the nation’s survival.