As Belize prepares to kick off its annual national September Celebrations, one of the country’s most anticipated cultural gatherings is gearing up for a historic 2026 iteration. Pan Yaad, the beloved steelpan-focused festival, is set to welcome a groundbreaking international guest this year, bringing together top regional musical talent for a one-of-a-kind celebration of Caribbean identity.
作者： admin
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U92 Energy’s Lia (Guyana) “pretty confident” of finding more uranium, beginning production- geologist
In a major step forward for Guyana’s emerging clean energy strategy, Canadian uranium developer U92 Energy Corp. has announced a $5 million exploration investment this year through its fully-owned local subsidiary Lia (Guyana), as the company works to confirm sufficient reserves to justify a $150 million processing plant development. The project, which targets expanded uranium deposits in the Kurupung region of Guyana, already holds 20 million pounds of proven reserves, and company representatives say they are confident they will uncover at least another 30 million pounds of additional reserves within an 18-month exploration window to reach the 50 million pound threshold required for commercial viability.
Richard Spencer, an exploration geologist working with U92 Energy, noted that the company sees strong upside for expanding the known resource. He pointed to past exploration missteps that left half the potential deposit untapped, explaining that a revised drilling approach focused on a slightly different geological angle is expected to unlock the remaining unproven reserves. “I think it’s a very good chance that it will be an economic deposit of significant size,” Spencer said, adding that he expects to exceed the 50 million pound target well within the 18-month exploration timeline.
The exploration concession, previously held by French energy firm Cogema and Canadian junior explorer U308 Energy, already received $35 million in prior exploration investment from U308 between 2007 and 2012. After the 18-month exploration phase concludes, U92 will conduct a 12-month economic feasibility study to finalize a decision on whether to move forward with the $150 million processing plant construction. If developed, the mine would operate for 25 years, with uranium output targeted for markets in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Beyond export opportunities, U92 Energy frames the project as a key contributor to Guyana’s growing clean energy ambitions, amid the country’s rapid oil and gas-driven economic expansion. The company says local uranium production could support the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) across Guyana, providing low-carbon power to remote communities that are not connected to the country’s main regional grid. SMRs sited in these off-grid locations would only require refueling every three to seven years, offering a reliable, long-term clean energy solution.
Spencer also moved to address public concerns over potential environmental harm from the project, emphasizing that both mining operations and SMR deployment carry a minimal environmental footprint. He noted that naturally occurring radioactivity at the site drops to extremely low levels once topsoil is removed, and modern small reactors do not produce significant adverse ecological impacts. “What is crucially important about these things is that the environmental footprint is minimal and you can have them anywhere in the country; anywhere where power is required,” Spencer added.
The project is not without geopolitical uncertainty, however. The concession lies in Guyana’s Essequibo region, which has been the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute between Guyana and neighboring Venezuela. For decades, Venezuela has formally opposed all natural resource development, both onshore and offshore, in the contested Essequibo region. When asked about U92’s risk analysis related to potential Venezuelan objections, Lia (Guyana) in-house financial expert Gavin Singh declined to comment on the matter, saying “We won’t comment on that at this point in time.”
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Fonseca: “We Will Continue to Have This Issue” Until ICJ Rules
On September 10, 2026, a fresh territorial confrontation erupted along the Sarstoon River between Belizean civilian activists and Guatemalan military forces, reigniting long-simmering tensions over the undelimited border between the two Central American nations. Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca addressed the public the following day, framing the incident as just the latest in a series of recurring disputes that will persist until the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issues a binding final ruling on the contested territorial claim.
According to Fonseca, the confrontation unfolded when 14 armed Guatemalan naval vessels blocked the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), a grassroots civic group that carries out an annual expedition to Sarstoon Island to affirm Belize’s territorial sovereignty. The foreign minister noted that the scale of Guatemalan military presence in the area was far heavier than what is typically observed in the region, indicating a deliberate, coordinated show of force.
Despite the tense standoff, Fonseca highlighted a positive outcome from the incident: no injuries or violent clashes occurred between the opposing parties. The Belize Defence Force (BDF) and Belizean Coast Guard were still able to conduct a planned flag-raising ceremony at the country’s Forward Operating Base along the border, with members of the BTV in attendance to participate in the event.
Fonseca reaffirmed that bilateral diplomatic engagement between Belize and Guatemala remains active, including ongoing direct dialogue between Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo to manage escalating tensions. In line with standard protocol following such border incidents, Fonseca confirmed that Belize has formally documented the Guatemalan military’s incursion and submitted an official diplomatic note to Guatemala, registering Belize’s clear objection to the actions of the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF).
The foreign minister also addressed growing public calls to revoke Belizean fishing licenses held by Guatemalan fishermen who hold permanent residency in Belize, after several of these fishermen were reported to have participated in Thursday’s confrontation. Fonseca explained that a full military investigation into the incident is nearly complete, and its findings will be reviewed by Belize’s National Security Council—an agency that holds legal authority to revoke the licenses if violations of Belizean law are confirmed. “If they have violated any of our laws, we will certainly take action,” Fonseca emphasized.
To date, the ICJ has not scheduled oral arguments for the territorial dispute case, nor has it set a timeline for releasing its final binding ruling. Until that decision is delivered, Fonseca made clear that similar border confrontations can be expected to continue along the disputed Sarstoon River region.
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Four aspiring engineers recognised at award ceremony
On August 7, the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) held a celebratory award ceremony to recognize the first cohort of recipients of the newly launched Angus Edghill Scholarship Fund, marking a key milestone in investing in the next generation of engineering talent across the Caribbean nation.
Four outstanding young engineering students – Nicholai Downes, John-Bernard Yearwood, Ajani Headley, and Alec Kellman – were selected as this year’s scholarship winners. Each recipient will receive a one-time grant of BBD $25,000 to cover tuition, materials, and other academic costs associated with their undergraduate or graduate engineering studies.
Beyond the financial support, the ceremony created a valuable networking opportunity for BAPE’s active professional membership to connect with the new cohort of awardees. For the coming academic year, the four recipients will also be granted affiliate membership with BAPE, giving them early access to the organization’s professional network, industry events, and developmental resources.
The scholarship fund was established through the joint effort of the Angus Edghill and Richard Edghill Families, with a clear dual mission: to remove financial barriers for ambitious young Barbadians pursuing engineering careers, and to strengthen the long-term capacity of the engineering profession across the country. The annual program awards up to four grants to Barbadian citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 who are already enrolled in, or planning to attend, an accredited engineering degree program.
Importantly, the fund prioritizes applicants specializing in engineering fields that align directly with Barbados’s national development goals. These priority areas include critical infrastructure development, climate and environmental resilience, renewable energy innovation, national water security, sustainable transportation, and affordable housing – all sectors central to the country’s long-term economic and social growth.
To select this year’s inaugural cohort, BAPE’s independent Selection Committee conducted a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process. Reviewers assessed each applicant on a range of criteria, including past academic achievement, personal statements outlining career goals and commitment to engineering in Barbados, and confidential letters of recommendation, before identifying the top four candidates.
Grace Edghill, daughter of the late Angus Edghill, presented the awards on behalf of the founding families. She shared that the organizing committee was pleasantly surprised by both the large volume of applications and the exceptionally high quality of candidates who submitted materials for the fund’s first award cycle.
Rey Moe, a professional engineer and current president of BAPE, shared his enthusiasm for the program and its impact in comments delivered during the ceremony. “It was a pleasure to celebrate the achievements and potential of this year’s four scholarship recipients,” Moe said. “We congratulate them on this important milestone and look forward to supporting them throughout their studies, connecting them with mentors and opportunities within the engineering community, and, in time, welcoming them into the profession. We are proud to invest in their journey and in the future of engineering in Barbados.”
The Most Honourable Richard Edghill FB, one of the co-founders of the fund, also spoke to the significance of investing in young Barbadian talent. “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet these young Barbadians and their families, who are working with such purpose pursuing their interests, studies, and careers,” he said. “We congratulate all four recipients and look forward to following their progress.”
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Young Piton Boys heading to U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan
A squad of 14 elite young footballers from Saint Lucia is preparing to make history next month, as they travel to Eastern Europe to compete in the first-ever FIFA Under-15 Boys World Cup & Festival. Held in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the landmark tournament will run from October 22 through 31, marking the launch of what will become a recurring global youth football showcase.
Many of the athletes vying for a spot on Saint Lucia’s national U-15 side, nicknamed the Young Piton Boyz, already earned competitive experience earlier this year at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Boys’ Challenge. Over the past four weeks, a shortlisted group of 25 promising prospects have been intensively training under the guidance of Michael McLaughlin, FIFA’s dedicated talent identification coach, to refine their skills and earn selection for the historic trip.
The majority of the candidates currently train out of the Saint Lucia Football Association’s High Performance Centre, a specialized hub developed to nurture emerging football talent across the island nation. Only 14 of the 25 shortlisted players will ultimately secure a place on the traveling roster. McLaughlin, who has overseen the team’s preparation, has spoken highly of the young cohort’s work ethic, highlighting their consistent discipline, outstanding eagerness to absorb new tactical and technical knowledge, and unwavering enthusiasm for the game.
Once the team arrives in Baku, Saint Lucia will compete in small-sided match play, though the full official match schedule and confirmed opponents have not yet been released to the public. Multiple other Caribbean football territories have also confirmed their participation in the inaugural tournament, with many using the event as a critical preparation opportunity ahead of next year’s Concacaf Under-15 Championship.
In a major boost for participating nations, global governing body FIFA will cover all core travel and hospitality costs, including round-trip flights and on-ground accommodation for every competing delegation at the 2024 event. This inaugural boys’ edition is just the first step in FIFA’s long-term plan for youth global football: a corresponding girls’ U-15 World Cup is scheduled to launch in 2027, with the organization set to introduce annual back-to-back boys’ and girls’ tournaments starting in 2028.
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Lí-Lí Octave releases highly anticipated new single “More Than Me”
Acclaimed Dominican recording artist, songwriter and global cultural ambassador Lí-Lí Octave, widely known by her industry nickname ‘The Caribbean Neo Soul Queen’, has launched her highly anticipated new single titled “More Than Me” — stylized as “>ME” — across all major international streaming and digital music platforms as of September 11, 2026. The release marks a landmark new milestone in Octave’s career, cements her status as a pioneering trailblazer of the burgeoning Caribbean Neo Soul genre, and opens an exciting fresh chapter in her artistic evolution.
Musically, the track weaves together rich, indigenous Caribbean soul stylings, organic acoustic instrumentation, and Octave’s signature deeply expressive vocal delivery to explore the interconnected dynamics of self-worth, romantic love, and intentional selflessness. Penned entirely by Octave, the song offers a provocative reimagining of long-held cultural narratives around sacrifice: rather than framing sacrifice as an act of self-denial that requires erasing one’s own needs, Octave reframes it as an outflow of deep emotional and spiritual fullness. In her own words explaining the core philosophy of the track: “The idea is you must fill yourself with love and overflow into the other – this is my definition of selflessness.”
The origins of “>ME” stretch back to 2025’s Jazz ’n Dine event, where Octave first debuted a stripped-back intimate acoustic version of the track for a crowd of music fans and industry insiders. Her raw, emotionally resonant performance left such a lasting impact on attendees that widespread calls for a polished, studio-recorded release began almost immediately. That growing buzz carried into 2026, when Octave delivered a standout headline set at Dominica’s annual Jazz and Creole Festival, blending jazz, neo-soul, and traditional Dominican musical heritage to widespread critical acclaim.
Octave doubles down on her core message in the single, arguing that meaningful generosity can only grow from a foundation of personal fulfillment. “Self-love isn’t selfish; it is the prerequisite for true generosity,” she emphasized. She explains that when an individual is emotionally fulfilled, giving love and support to others does not deplete their own reserves — instead, it creates a continuous, expanding flow of care that lifts all parties involved. The studio recording features layered bass performances from Anika “LukaBassGirl” Luke-Balthazar and Lindsay George, which build a warm, rich sonic foundation that complements Octave’s vocals perfectly.
The launch of “>ME” kicks off the next phase of Octave’s artistic journey, coming on the heels of her high-profile Jazz and Creole Festival set and her ongoing work to establish Caribbean Neo Soul as a distinct, globally recognized musical genre. Fans can stream the single now on all leading platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music and YouTube Music, and a companion conceptual visualizer is set to premiere later the same day.
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Saint Lucia ready to ignite new era of cricket with Volcanoes
After years of informal discussions and groundwork, one of the Caribbean’s most storied regional cricket franchises is putting down new roots. On Friday, leadership from the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) and Saint Lucia’s Department of Youth Development & Sports formalized a landmark agreement at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, signing a memorandum of understanding that will move the professional Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise to Saint Lucia effective October 1.
WICB President Clement Marcellin emphasized that the relocation has been in the works for far longer than the current round of negotiations, marking the culmination of multiple previous offers for Saint Lucia to host the team. Launched in 2014 ahead of Cricket West Indies’ first full professional domestic season, the Volcanoes have cycled through three previous host bases across the Windward Islands: starting in Dominica, followed by Grenada, and most recently St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Marcellin attributed the successful finalization of the move to the relentless initiative of Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) President Wayne Auguste, crediting his bold leadership and willingness to navigate uncertainty to push the project across the finish line. “When you have brave leaders, people who are unafraid of uncertainty and will really put their best effort towards getting it done, it’s what makes life worth living,” Marcellin said in his remarks at the signing. He went on to praise the transformative potential of the relocation, noting “Saint Lucia has a lot to offer in the advancement of Windward Islands cricket, and by doing so, contribute significantly to West Indies cricket.”
Beyond the franchise itself, Marcellin highlighted the key benefits the move will bring to emerging cricketing talent in the region. Professional coaches and senior Volcanoes players will now have regular access to the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre, where most of the academy’s rising athletes are already part of the Windward Islands development pathway. He also commended the Saint Lucia government for its consistent focus on advancing youth development through sports, a policy priority that aligned perfectly with the WICB’s long-term goals for the franchise.
Auguste echoed that optimism, framing the partnership as a natural extension of Saint Lucia’s existing investments in elite cricket. The island established the first dedicated national high-performance cricket program in the Caribbean, a milestone that Auguste says demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to building an elite environment for athlete success. “Saint Lucia is well positioned to make the most of this partnership,” he added, noting the agreement aligns with ongoing government investment in high-performance sports infrastructure across the country.
Saint Lucia’s Sports Minister Kenson Casimir called the Volcanoes’ arrival the next critical phase of the island’s holistic sports development strategy. Over the past five years, the current administration has poured significant resources into upgrading core cricket infrastructure, including major renovations at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and improvements to Mindoo Phillip Park. The government has also upgraded community sports facilities in districts including Des Barras and Balata, with plans to enclose playing fields at Mon Repos and La Fargue over the next four to five years. Casimir acknowledged that some of these major infrastructure investments faced criticism when they were first announced, but argued the upgrades have now positioned the island to host elite international and regional cricket operations.
While Casimir stressed the government supports all sports, he emphasized that cricket holds unique transformative power for young Saint Lucians. “One CPL season can change somebody’s life forever. One performance at a regional match with the Volcanoes can put you on a West Indies squad that can change your life forever,” he said. He encouraged young local athletes to commit to discipline and consistent practice, noting the franchise’s arrival will create unprecedented pathways for young Saint Lucian cricketers to advance to regional, national, and global cricket, with accompanying social and economic opportunities that can reshape their lives.
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Free mental health support available across Saint Lucian communities
Even as Saint Lucia continues its slow progress chipping away at deep-seated stigma surrounding mental health, many residents may be unaware that low-cost and completely free mental health support is already available in nearly every corner of the island. Speaking to local outlet St. Lucia News at a recent Suicide Prevention Awareness Fair held Thursday, veteran community mental health nurse Maria Charles outlined the scope of existing services, their limitations, and how locals can access the care they need.
As a 17-year veteran of the island’s Community Health Nursing Services, Charles helps run the free client-centred counselling program that operates out of community health centers across the country. Unlike structured clinical therapy that follows a provider-led agenda, these sessions are tailored to what each patient wants to address, putting control of the conversation firmly in the hands of the person seeking support.
Charles explained that community counselling acts as an accessible first entry point for people navigating mental health challenges. Nurses on the ground are equipped to help patients manage common, mild concerns such as everyday anxiety, and can connect those requiring more intensive specialized care to appropriate clinical pathways through formal referrals. For conditions such as moderate to severe depression that require the care of a licensed clinical psychologist, Charles noted that in-house community services do not currently offer this level of specialized care. However, most patients can be referred for free treatment at the island’s central Mental Wellness Centre – though long wait times at the public facility sometimes leave patients with no option but to seek paid care from private providers. For those looking for a middle ground between free public services and full-price private care, the local organization Turning Point offers sliding-scale counselling at just $15 per session, a far more affordable alternative for uninsured or low-income residents.
Over her 17 years working in the field, Charles has observed significant shifts in public attitudes toward mental health. Across the general population, far more people are willing to openly discuss their mental health struggles than in previous decades, a marked improvement that has encouraged more people to seek initial care. Still, notable gaps remain: men in particular are far less likely to complete follow-up care after their first appointment, a trend Charles says points to persistent gendered stigma around seeking help.
Despite progress expanding access to basic care, the public mental health system still faces significant structural hurdles. Public services suffer from widespread under-resourcing, including a persistent shortage of practicing mental health counselors and practitioners working within public hospitals and community centers. Charles pointed to low pay and unfavorable working conditions, compared to the private sector, as key factors that discourage mental health professionals from joining the public service, perpetuating the staffing shortage.
Even amid these systemic challenges, frontline practitioners like Charles remain committed to expanding access to affordable, compassionate care for all Saint Lucians who need support.
### Full List of Accessible Mental Health Support Services in Saint Lucia
Compiled by the Community Health Nursing Services Unit under the Ministry of Health and Elderly Affairs, the following free and low-cost services are available to residents:
1. **Free Community Health Centre Services**: A full range of mental health support is available at community health centers across the island, including home visits, diagnostic evaluations, admission screenings, emergency care, crisis intervention, psychotherapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, medication management, treatment administration, and formal referrals to specialized care. Note that some centers operate on specific clinic days each month, and a small number are currently closed; officials recommend visiting the nearest open center if your local facility is closed. Contact details and clinic schedules for all participating centers are as follows:
– Anse La Raye: 468-7810/7800, first Tuesday of every month
– Babonneau: 468-7723/7722, first Wednesday of the month
– Belle Vue: 468-7977/7976, second and fourth Tuesday of the month
– Bexon: 468-7782/7781, fourth Thursday of the month
– Canaries: 468-7763/7761, second Tuesday of the month
– Castries: 468-8880/8881, third Friday of the month
– Ciceron: 468-7704/7705, second Thursday of the month
– Delcer: 468-7757/7758, second Monday of the month
– Dennery: 468-7664/7650, first Wednesday and third Monday of the month
– Desruisseaux: 468-7717/7719, second and third Tuesday of the month
– Entrepôt: 468-7936/7937, second Friday of the month
– Etangs: 468-7768/7766, fourth Tuesday of the month
– Fond Assau: second Thursday of the month
– Fond St Jacques: 468-7772/7771, second Wednesday of the month
– Grace: 468-7754/7753, every Wednesday
– Gros Islet Polyclinic: 468-7635/7633, third Thursday of the month
– Grand Rivière: 468-7700/7703, fourth Tuesday of the month
– Jacmel: 468-7728/7727, third Thursday of the month
– Laborie: second Tuesday of the month
– La Croix: 468-7736/7738, fourth Wednesday of the month
– La Clery: 468-8533/8531, fourth Tuesday of the month
– La Fargue: 468-7794/7793, first Thursday of the month
– La Guerre: 468-7743/7744, third Monday of the month
– Micoud: 468-7956/7957, first Friday, first Thursday and second Friday of the month
– Monday: 468-8542/8540, second Monday of the month
– Mongouge: 468-7787/7786, third Tuesday of the month
– Mon Repos: 468-7707/7708, first Tuesday and fourth Thursday of the month
– Richfond: 468-7926/7027, second Thursday and third Wednesday of the month
– Saltibus: 468-7778/7776, first Tuesday of the month
– Soufriere Hospital: 468-7613/7603, second and fourth Thursday of the month
– Ti Rocher, Castries: 468-7748/7746, second Tuesday of the month
– Ti Rochier, Micoud: 468-7714/7712, third Monday and second Thursday of the month
– Vanard: 468-7732/7733, third Monday of the month
– Vieux Fort: 468-7988/7985, second Monday, third Friday and fourth Monday of the month2. **24/7 Crisis Hotline: Dial #203**: A free, confidential crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone experiencing a mental health emergency. Dialing #203 from any mobile or landline connects callers immediately to a trained crisis responder.
3. **Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)**: This free program is available to all public service workers navigating professional or personal challenges. Designed to support government employees’ well-being, it offers up to six one-hour counselling sessions addressing a wide range of concerns including job stress, emotional challenges, substance abuse, health issues, domestic violence, marital conflict, grief, medical stress, anxiety, depression, financial instability, and trauma. The service is free for all eligible government employees. To connect, contact 468-2269/2260, 285-6252, or 453-1305.
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Eustace Marshall backs Dominica squad ahead of CONCACAF Nations League
As Dominica’s Senior Men’s national football team ramps up its final preparations for the upcoming 2026–27 CONCACAF Nations League, national squad and South East FC midfielder Eustace Marshall has extended public congratulations to all teammates who earned their spots in the final roster.
Marshall shared his remarks during an official press conference hosted at the Dominica Football Association (DFA) Headquarters located in Bath Estate. In his address, the midfielder emphasized that the chance to pull on the national team jersey and represent Dominica on an international regional stage is one of the greatest sources of pride any athlete can experience.
Looking back on the exhaustive selection process that preceded the final squad announcement, Marshall noted that the road to making the roster has been grueling for all contenders. “It’s been a long month and a half of running, training, and fighting for places,” he said. “I just want to take a moment to thank every single person here for committing themselves to this team and this country. It’s a profound pride for each and every one of us that gets to wear this badge, and I’m so proud of everyone who made the final cut.”
Looking ahead to Dominica’s opening fixtures of the tournament, Marshall made clear that the entire squad has entered its final preparation phase with clear focus and determination, particularly for the matches that will be hosted on home soil. “The boys are fully up for this challenge. We are ready both mentally and physically,” Marshall stated. “We’re going to put our best foot forward in every minute of every game, and we’re here competing to take maximum points from our opening matches.”
The 2026–27 CONCACAF Nations League is scheduled to kick off in September 2026 and run through the final knockout rounds in March 2027. Dominica is set to play its first two group stage matches on September 24 and 27 of this year, kicking off the country’s campaign in the regional tournament.
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Gregor Nassief–Roosevelt Skerrit dispute escalates over CBI concerns, government responses and economic policy
A high-profile public conflict has broken out between prominent Dominican businessman Gregor Nassief and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, centered on long-simmering concerns about Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme and broader government policy, with the two sides clashing directly over whether the businessman’s complaints have ever received a meaningful response.
Nassief, who first raised alarms about the program privately for years before going public with his claims, argues that he has spent roughly seven years sending 14 separate letters to the prime minister outlining what he frames as serious irregularities in CBI operations. The dispute burst into wider public view after a June 17, 2026, letter from Nassief was leaked and circulated widely across the country. In that correspondence, Nassief alleged that CBI citizenship is being sold at discounted rates below the legal minimum thresholds set by Dominican law. He claims this practice is not only robbing the national treasury of hundreds of millions in expected revenue, but also creates an unfair, unlevel playing field for legitimate developers that have been approved to participate in the CBI programme.
Beyond allegations of improper discounting, Nassief has called for sweeping, independent oversight of the program: he is pushing for a full independent forensic audit of CBI operations, and has suggested that a formal Commission of Inquiry may be required to fully resolve the issues he has raised. He has also tied his concerns to Dominica’s standing on the global stage, pointing to the country’s recent loss of visa-free access to the United Kingdom as a direct consequence of weak CBI governance, and warning of further risks to its travel and immigration relationships with the European Union and United States.
Nassief’s criticism extends far beyond the citizenship investment program, covering a wide range of government policies that affect the Dominican economy and public life. He has raised public questions about the government’s overall economic management, state concessions and financial support for the island’s critical hotel sector, the national minimum wage, and the Alien Landholding Tax. Most recently, he has turned his attention to electoral rules, sending a new round of correspondence to Skerrit demanding reform.
In an open letter published on August 31, Nassief doubled down on his claims that the prime minister has refused to engage meaningfully with his concerns, writing, “Fourteen letters over seven years on CBI. Eight more letters over the past six months raising electoral concerns. And still, the fundamental questions remain unanswered.” He challenged Skerrit to publicly identify which questions he has responded to, putting the onus on the prime minister to prove he has taken the allegations seriously.
However, during a recent press conference held at the Financial Centre conference room, Prime Minister Skerrit pushed back forcefully against Nassief’s narrative that he has ignored the businessman’s complaints. Skerrit confirmed that his administration has engaged with Nassief through multiple channels: written correspondence, private WhatsApp exchanges, and in-person face-to-face meetings, though he acknowledged that the government did not respond to every single letter, nor did it engage in the way Nassief demanded. Most notably, Skerrit revealed that all of the allegations and supporting evidence Nassief submitted regarding CBI irregularities were formally forwarded to Dominica’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for official investigation.
Skerrit also addressed the other policy concerns Nassief has raised, noting that the government held extensive discussions about hotel sector support and the businessman’s request to roll back the Alien Landholding Tax. The prime minister confirmed that after careful review, the government determined that eliminating or reducing the tax would not be fiscally prudent at this time, and declined to make the change Nassief requested.
At the core of the unresolved standoff is one critical question that neither side has answered publicly: what exactly came of the FIU investigation into Nassief’s CBI allegations, and what conclusions, if any, did investigators reach? Nassief insists that despite years of warnings, no meaningful action has ever been taken to address the flawed practices he has exposed. For his part, Skerrit has pushed back on claims of inaction, arguing that the allegations were not swept under the rug, but instead followed proper protocol by being sent to the appropriate investigative body.
The disagreement has now evolved far beyond a he-said-she-said over whether correspondence was exchanged. It now centers on the substantive question of whether appropriate follow-up action was taken: were the allegations thoroughly investigated, and were any findings or policy recommendations produced as a result? What began as years of private, behind-the-scenes warnings from a prominent local businessman has now become a full-blown national conversation, with broad implications for CBI governance, government transparency and accountability, national revenue security, and the long-term economic sustainability of Dominica’s development model.