标签： Dominica

A year after Dominica’s parliamentary demonstrations, the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) has issued a solemn reflection on the state of democratic processes in the Commonwealth nation. On March 19, 2025, unarmed citizens gathered outside Parliament in what was termed the “Standing up for Democracy” protest, expressing vehement opposition to electoral reform legislation that was ultimately enacted despite widespread objections.

The Coalition highlights that Parliament disregarded comprehensive modernization proposals submitted by Sir Dennis Byron, an engaged electoral law expert, along with recommendations from various civil society organizations. These proposals represented years of advocacy aimed at ensuring free and fair elections through meaningful electoral reform.

In a concerning development, twenty-five law-abiding citizens faced arrests under the archaic Riot Act of 1897 following what the ERC describes as directives from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore. These individuals endured overnight detention and continue to navigate unresolved legal proceedings twelve months later, prompting the Coalition to emphasize that “justice delayed is justice denied.”

While acknowledging the recent provision allowing voter registration through Dominica-issued birth certificates with authenticated photographs—a measure the ERC views positively—the Coalition expresses profound disappointment regarding the Electoral Commission’s suspension of continuous voter registration. This suspension allegedly violated both the Dominican Constitution and Section 17(1) of the Registration of Electors Act #1 of 2025, effectively disenfranchising eligible citizens, particularly youth, for an entire year.

Although new voter registration resumed on March 9, 2026, the ERC maintains that inadequate public outreach efforts fail to properly encourage either voter confirmation or new registrations. The Coalition asserts that after extensive dialogue and legislative changes, the Electoral Commission should have demonstrated better preparedness rather than engaging in partisan conduct that undermines democratic traditions.

The ERC concludes by urging immediate action from electoral authorities to facilitate transparent voter processes, emphasizing that free and fair elections remain fundamental to Dominica’s democratic integrity.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS – CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, inaugurated the Regional Economical Agri-Insurance Programme (REAP) on Tuesday, March 17, positioning agricultural resilience at the forefront of regional development agendas. The initiative aims to safeguard Caribbean farmers and fishers against devastating financial losses caused by natural disasters.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Drew emphasized that agriculture must be central to national development strategies rather than marginalized as a secondary sector. “Agriculture is essential for building a resilient and sustainable island nation,” he stated, according to an official CARICOM release.

The Prime Minister framed REAP as a testament to the value of regional cooperation, referencing the recent 50th Regular Meeting of CARICOM held in St. Kitts and Nevis. He explicitly addressed skeptics of the regional body: “St. Kitts and Nevis alone could not have done this. This is the value of CARICOM.”

Dr. Drew highlighted the extreme vulnerabilities faced by agricultural producers, noting that a single catastrophic event could “wipe out millions of dollars in investment with no guarantee of compensation.” REAP establishes a safety net for registered farmers and fishers, providing risk mitigation guarantees that offer “ease of mind” and faster recovery following natural phenomena.

The program primarily benefits crop farmers, livestock producers, and fishers, representing a fundamental step in strengthening the Caribbean’s agricultural sector. This marks the third launch of REAP following successful implementations in Guyana and Saint Lucia.

The event featured remarks from St. Kitts and Nevis Agriculture Minister Hon. Samal Duggins, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Integration Dr. Wendell Samuel, and leadership from Lynch Caribbean Brokers Ltd. and National Caribbean Insurance.

REAP advances the Caribbean’s 25×25+5 food security initiative, which aims to reduce regional food imports by 25 percent by 2030 through enhanced agricultural sustainability and disaster resilience.

In a compelling address at a recent Town Hall Meeting hosted at Newtown Primary School, former Dominican government minister Ambrose George issued a critical public advisory regarding electoral participation. The seasoned politician emphasized the mandatory nature of voter confirmation procedures, warning constituents that incomplete registration could disenfranchise them in upcoming elections.

George articulated with clarity that historical presence on voter rolls provides no guarantee of voting eligibility. “Merely having your name previously listed doesn’t authorize participation in future elections,” he stated during the gathering. The procedural requirement demands that all prospective voters undergo a formal confirmation process to appear on the official roster of confirmed electors—the only document permitting ballot access.

The former minister outlined tangible consequences for non-compliance: “Arriving at polling stations without confirmed status constitutes wasted effort and lost opportunity.” He framed confirmation as essential to exercising fundamental democratic rights, enabling citizens to select both their preferred local representatives and national governance leadership.

The confirmation protocol involves multiple verification stages: First, officials cross-reference applicants against the May 2025 voter registry. Subsequently, they validate witness registration within identical polling districts while reviewing supporting documentation. Participants must then complete and sign Form 31 under supervision of enrollment officers and witnesses.

Finally, authorities photograph applicants and scan documents into electronic databases, with applicants verifying accuracy through dual-screen review systems. Successful applicants receive Form 32 receipts as confirmation of completed registration—the ultimate safeguard for electoral participation.

In a significant advancement for Caribbean regional governance, the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) has inaugurated three new commissioners to the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC). The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by RJLSC Chairman Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson on March 13, 2026, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The newly appointed commissioners—Mr. David Miller of Jamaica, Ms. Ayiesha De Coteau Sammy of Trinidad and Tobago (resident in the Virgin Islands), and Mr. Joel Allen of Jamaica—were formally sworn in pursuant to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Their induction signifies the region’s commitment to enforcing fair market practices, protecting consumer rights, and enhancing economic cooperation among member states.

The event garnered notable regional attention, with the presence of Virgin Islands Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, underscoring the political significance of the appointments. Addresses were delivered by key figures including Justice Anderson, who emphasized the critical responsibilities of the new commissioners, and Professor Andrew Downes, Chairman of the CCC, who highlighted the necessity of robust competition policy for regional integration. Premier Wheatley also expressed his support, wishing the appointees success in their new roles.

The RJLSC congratulated the commissioners and affirmed confidence in their ability to contribute effectively to the development and implementation of competition law within the CARICOM community.