Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has issued a forceful denial of Dominica’s involvement in any illegal activities following explosive reports linking Caribbean politicians to international drug cartels. The allegations surfaced in connection with a massive 700-page indictment filed in New York that details a sophisticated cocaine trafficking network operating across the region.
The controversy emerged after the dramatic detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores during a U.S. military operation in Caracas on January 3. The indictment alleges that drug traffickers systematically bribed officials along the ‘Caribbean route’ to ensure protection and political support, enabling seamless transportation of cocaine from Venezuela to the United States.
According to court documents, this corruption network extended from Colombian producers through Venezuelan transit points to Caribbean intermediaries and ultimately to distributors in Central America and Mexico. The scheme allegedly allowed traffickers to amass enormous profits while securing political backing that compromised institutional integrity and fostered political instability throughout the hemisphere.
During a Monday press conference, Skerrit addressed what he called ‘baseless allegations’ while defending Dominica’s energy agreements with Venezuela. ‘We entered into an agreement with Venezuela under the Petro Caribe initiative that helped sustain the economies of participating countries,’ Skerrit stated. ‘This agreement was completely transparent and brought vital foreign exchange while stabilizing petroleum prices.’
The Prime Minister emphatically declared: ‘We never engaged in any illegal activities that contravene international law, domestic law, or any regional or international treaties. This government has never involved itself in drug dealing or any illegal activities whatsoever. We can stand and say this anywhere with clear conscience.’
Skerrit highlighted his administration’s commitment to regional security, noting: ‘No government in our history has invested more resources in police and national security to ensure our country and region remain peaceful. I have engaged in highly sensitive security initiatives with international partners that I don’t even share with my cabinet due to their confidential nature.’
Meanwhile, President Maduro and First Lady Flores pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in a New York court on January 5, setting the stage for a landmark legal proceeding that could have profound implications for regional politics and international relations.