ROSEAU, Dominica – Political tensions have escalated in Dominica as the opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) demands the immediate suspension of a recently signed agreement with the United States concerning third-country deportees. The controversial pact enables Washington to transfer individuals who cannot be returned to their countries of origin to the Caribbean nation.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit defended the arrangement during a Monday press briefing, emphasizing careful negotiations with the U.S. State Department to exclude violent individuals and ensure national security protections. Skerrit characterized the agreement as a strategic move to strengthen bilateral relations, noting it would safeguard Dominican citizens’ access to lawful travel, education, employment, and family connections while reinforcing governmental cooperation.
However, the UPP has condemned the administration’s approach, accusing the government of making unilateral decisions without public consultation or parliamentary scrutiny. The opposition party criticized the declaration of the agreement as ‘a done deal’ despite previous promises of governmental transparency from Skerrit.
The UPP has issued multiple demands, including the immediate release of the full agreement terms, detailed security vetting procedures, financial compensation details, and integration plans for deportees. They have called for comprehensive stakeholder consultations involving opposition parties, civil society organizations, and affected communities before any implementation moves forward.
When pressed about the national origins of potential deportees during the conference, Skerrit acknowledged limitations in public disclosure, stating that certain operational details remain confidential under the memorandum of understanding. He maintained that Washington had demonstrated respect and understanding throughout negotiations regarding Dominica’s security concerns.