Dominica is actively negotiating with the United Kingdom (UK) government to reinstate visa-free travel for its citizens, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit revealed during a recent press conference. This development follows the UK’s decision in July 2023 to impose visa requirements on Dominica nationals, citing concerns over the island’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI). The UK Home Office expressed apprehensions about the misuse of the CBI scheme, particularly the granting of citizenship to individuals deemed a potential risk to the UK. Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized these issues in a statement to the British parliament, leading to the implementation of the new visa regime on July 19, 2023. Prime Minister Skerrit remains optimistic, highlighting ongoing discussions with the UK and the appointment of a new High Commissioner in London, who has been instructed to prioritize this matter. Skerrit expressed confidence in the strength of Dominica’s case for the restoration of visa-free travel, underscoring the importance of regional agreements and legislative measures in influencing the UK’s decision.
分类： politics
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Dominica Electoral Commission confirms October 15 start for voter confirmation process
The Dominica Electoral Commission has unveiled plans to initiate a comprehensive voter confirmation process starting October 15, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s electoral reform efforts. The announcement, made by Commission Chairman Duncan Stowe during a press conference on October 7, 2025, underscores the initiative’s role in restoring public trust in electoral institutions. Stowe described the process as a cornerstone of Dominica’s broader democratic modernization agenda, aimed at enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the electoral system. Since the enactment of the Electoral Reform legislation earlier this year, the Commission has focused on operationalizing these reforms through extensive staff training, system upgrades, and logistical preparations. Chief Elections Officer Anthia Joseph outlined the confirmation process, which will transition eligible voters from the existing register to a new one under the Electors Act of 2025. Only individuals listed on the May 2025 voters register are eligible to participate. The process will be conducted exclusively within Dominica, with designated centers established in each constituency. Overseas confirmation is not permitted. Enrollment officers, appointed and supervised by the Chief Registering Officer, will oversee the process. Applicants must present themselves at their registered constituency’s confirmation center, accompanied by a witness from the same polling district. Required documents include a valid Dominican passport, driver’s license, or social security card for Dominican citizens, while Commonwealth citizens must provide a valid passport and a secondary government-issued document. The confirmation process involves multiple steps, including document verification, data entry, and issuance of a receipt. Discrepancies, such as mismatched names, will be addressed through a hotline staffed by senior personnel. The Chief Registering Officer holds final authority over confirmation decisions, with grounds for refusal including inadequate documentation or absence from the May 2025 register. The announcement follows months of public scrutiny over delays in the confirmation timeline, initially set for September 1 but postponed due to legislative amendments. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit emphasized the urgency of implementing these reforms, and despite earlier criticism, the Commission expressed confidence in its readiness to meet the October 15 deadline.
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Judge Rebukes ABDF Hierarchy for Misleading the Court
The High Court of Antigua and Barbuda witnessed a dramatic turn of events today as Justice Rene Williams delivered a scathing rebuke to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) for presenting false information in the case involving Captain Willock. The ABDF had erroneously claimed that Sergeant Manyakie Edwards, a key witness in the case, was in China when he was actually in the United States for military training. This misinformation led to an incorrect ruling against Captain Willock, who promptly alerted the court to the inaccuracy. Justice Williams condemned the ABDF’s actions, stating that they had brought the court into disrepute and undermined the integrity of the judicial process. The judge ordered the ABDF to pay $1,500 in costs to Willock within 21 days and an additional $300 to the Court Office within 7 days. In a surprising development, Willock, who had been representing himself, enlisted attorney Wendel Alexander to file an application requesting Justice Williams to recuse himself from the case. Alexander argued that the judge’s conduct could be perceived as biased by a fair-minded observer. The ABDF opposed the application, asserting that Justice Williams had acted impartially. The court has adjourned until February to review official transcripts and determine whether a full hearing on the recusal application is warranted. This case has sparked widespread public debate about accountability within the Defence Force and the delicate balance between military authority and judicial independence.
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Caribbean Court of Justice holds special sitting for fourth president
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) held a landmark ceremony on October 6, 2025, at its headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to formally inaugurate Honourable Mr Justice Winston Anderson as its fourth President. The event brought together judiciary leaders from Barbados, Belize, Guyana, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside distinguished guests and regional judicial officials. Justice Anderson, who was officially sworn in on July 6, 2025, during the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has a distinguished career spanning academia and legal practice. Prior to his CCJ appointment in 2010, he served as a professor and Deputy Dean at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Law, where he also held roles as Head of Teaching and General Counsel to CARICOM. He was instrumental in founding the CCJ Academy for Law in 2010. During the ceremony, President Anderson emphasized the CCJ’s transformative role in enhancing access to final appellate justice across the Caribbean. He highlighted a significant increase in appeals from Barbados to the CCJ, which surged from 19 to 105 cases over a 20-year period—a 450% rise. However, he noted that the Court’s full potential remains untapped due to incomplete compliance with the CCJ Agreement by member states, which limits access to justice and the development of a unified Caribbean jurisprudence. The event’s theme of expanding justice accessibility was echoed by Chief Justice Ivor Archie of Trinidad and Tobago, who pledged collaboration with President Anderson to advance regional judicial integration. Senator John Jeremie, Trinidad and Tobago’s Attorney General, praised Anderson’s integrity and commitment to the rule of law. Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal of UWI St. Augustine, lauded Anderson’s appointment as a victory for both the CCJ and the university. Former CCJ President Sir Dennis Byron expressed confidence in Anderson’s leadership, citing his contributions to landmark cases and the Needham’s Point Declaration. CCJ Judge Maureen Rajnauth-Lee commended Anderson’s collaborative approach, while CARICOM General Counsel Lisa Shoman underscored the CCJ’s critical role in fostering regional integration and upholding the rule of law. The ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the CCJ’s mission to shape a Caribbean jurisprudence that reflects the region’s unique needs and aspirations.
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Young Jamaica dismisses PNP concerns over ‘leaked’ IC reports
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Young Jamaica, has countered allegations made by the People’s National Party (PNP) regarding the premature release of Integrity Commission (IC) reports to a specific media outlet before their formal presentation in Parliament. The PNP, represented by Zuleika Jess and Nekeisha Burchell, recently voiced concerns over what they described as a recurring pattern of leaks, asserting that such actions undermine parliamentary authority, erode public trust, and suggest a potential breach in the official handling of sensitive documents.
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Israel says ‘all parties’ signed phase one of Gaza deal
In a landmark development, Israel announced on Thursday that all parties have signed the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, marking a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict. The deal, brokered in Egypt, follows a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last month, aimed at resolving the crisis that began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. The agreement includes the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, within 72 hours, with Israeli officials expressing hope that this will bring an end to the war. US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that President Trump will visit Egypt next week to celebrate the deal’s conclusion, though Trump noted that exact timing is still being finalized. Despite widespread international acclaim, critical issues remain unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of an interim “Board of Peace” led by Trump to oversee Gaza’s administration. Hamas has already rejected the proposed transitional authority, with senior official Osama Hamdan stating that no Palestinian faction would accept such an arrangement. Trump assured that the disarmament of Hamas would be addressed in the second phase of the peace plan, alongside Israeli military pullbacks. The ceasefire is set to take effect within 24 hours of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet meeting, scheduled for 1400 GMT. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that the hostage release should signal the war’s end. The deal also includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. Hamas has submitted a list of 1,950 prisoners it seeks to have freed, including high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouti, though Israel has ruled out his release. The agreement envisions a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where famine has been declared by the UN. However, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, as evidenced by continued strikes in Gaza even after the deal’s announcement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged mediators to ensure de-escalation until the agreement is fully implemented. The deal comes amid mounting international pressure to end the war, which has claimed over 67,000 lives in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures. The UN has accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel denies, while Hamas faces allegations of war crimes. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a permanent cessation of hostilities, echoing global sentiments for peace.
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Palestinian president meets Israeli peace activists as Gaza deal announced
In a significant development following the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas convened with Israeli peace activists in Ramallah on Thursday. The meeting, held at the presidential palace in the occupied West Bank, focused on fostering long-term peace between the two sides. Abbas expressed his approval of the ceasefire and the subsequent release of hostages, stating, “I welcome the agreement signed today, the end of the war, and the release of the hostages.” He also reiterated the Palestinian commitment to establishing a state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, despite past challenges, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposals. The gathering included prominent figures such as Arab-Israeli Knesset member Ayman Odeh and Palestinian Authority Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh. Abbas engaged warmly with the audience, sharing light-hearted moments and jokes. However, the event was briefly interrupted by two power outages, as reported by an AFP journalist. Among the attendees was Iddo Ilam, an activist who declined to serve in the Israeli army, receiving a thumbs-up from Abbas. Rula Daoud, co-director of the Israeli grassroots movement Standing Together, emphasized the need for a peaceful future between Jews and Palestinians. Notably, the specifics of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which is expected to facilitate the release of remaining hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, were not discussed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the possibility of the Palestinian Authority governing post-war Gaza, despite al-Sheikh’s assertion on X that the PA is fully prepared to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.
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Pintard met with North Abaco generals due to unrest over Terrece Bootle’s selection
In a bid to quell rising tensions within the Free National Movement (FNM), party leader Michael Pintard visited North Abaco on Tuesday to address discontent among key party figures. The unrest stems from the recent ratification of Terrece Bootle as the FNM’s candidate for the constituency, a decision that has sparked accusations of sidelining local voices and undue influence from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
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Pintard deflects on whether FNM will contest by-election
Michael Pintard, Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), has sidestepped questions regarding the party’s potential participation in the upcoming Golden Isles by-election. Instead, he has intensified his appeal for Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to announce an early general election. Sources reveal that the FNM has yet to officially decide on fielding a candidate, with internal divisions emerging over the strategic value of such a move. Some party members caution against depleting campaign funds ahead of the general election, while others argue that a victory in Golden Isles could galvanize the base and attract new financial support. The debate mirrors the prelude to the 2023 West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election, where the FNM ignored advice from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and suffered a defeat. Historically, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has dominated by-elections this century, securing victories in 2010 and 2012. Golden Isles residents have expressed dissatisfaction with their late representative, Vaughn Miller, who passed away on September 28, creating a potential opening for the FNM. Pintard criticized the Davis administration’s financial struggles, labeling a by-election as a wasteful expenditure of scarce resources. He emphasized that Brian Brown, the FNM’s local leader in Golden Isles, is prepared for a general election. Meanwhile, within the PLP, several candidates, including Senator Darren Pickstock, Joe Johnson, and D’Asante Smalls, are vying to succeed Miller, awaiting Davis’s decision on whether to proceed with a by-election or a general election.
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World’s oldest leader tipped for 8th term in Cameroon vote
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state at 92, is widely expected to secure an eighth term in Sunday’s presidential election. Despite facing a fragmented opposition of 11 candidates, Biya’s long-standing grip on power since 1982 remains unchallenged. The election’s credibility has been questioned by human rights groups, with concerns over fairness and transparency. Biya’s health, a topic of increasing speculation as he enters his tenth decade, adds another layer of uncertainty to the race. Should he win, he would be nearly 100 by the end of his term. The opposition, led by figures like Maurice Kamto, who was barred from running, has struggled to unite voters under promises of change and economic relief. Kamto’s exclusion has fueled accusations of electoral manipulation, with some citizens labeling the vote a “scam.” Despite this, Biya retains support among those who value his decades of experience in a country where half the population is under 20. His rare campaign appearance in Maroua, where he emphasized his commitment to serving the nation, drew mixed reactions. Critics argue that Biya’s rule has been marked by repression and regional alliances to maintain power, while supporters praise his leadership and stability. The election unfolds against a backdrop of economic challenges, including high living costs and limited access to basic services, as well as ongoing separatist conflicts in English-speaking regions. Observers have been deployed to monitor polling stations, though the government has dismissed these efforts as attempts to skew results. With low turnout expected in conflict-affected areas, the election is unlikely to bring significant change to Cameroon’s political landscape.