The Commonwealth of Dominica confronts an unprecedented national emergency as it grapples with severe diplomatic repercussions from the United States. For the first time in history, Dominican citizens face stringent U.S. visa restrictions, mandatory visa bonds, and mounting pressure to accept third-country deportees merely to restore basic travel privileges. These developments signal a critical erosion of the nation’s international standing and credibility.
This crisis stems directly from the controversial management of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), which critics allege was transformed into a ‘passport mill’ operation. Under this scheme, national sovereignty was effectively commodified, with citizenship traded for immediate financial gain without adequate consideration of long-term consequences. While benefiting a select few, this approach has now jeopardized the travel freedom and global reputation of all Dominican citizens.
The Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) has announced a major public forum to address this escalating situation. Scheduled for January 13, 2026, at the DPSU Conference Room, the gathering will feature united opposition leadership, immigration experts including attorney Tamika Jude, and influential voices from the global Dominican diaspora. The forum aims to comprehensively examine how irresponsible passport sales damaged international relations, analyze the tangible threats posed by current visa restrictions, and formulate concrete strategies for national recovery.
This initiative represents a rare moment of political unity, transcending partisan interests to address fundamental questions of national survival and dignity. The collective response underscores a determined effort to reclaim control of Dominica’s future and restore the integrity of its national identity on the world stage.