标签： Dominica

In a landmark ruling on October 15, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed an appeal filed by former Saint Lucian Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, marking the culmination of a contentious legal battle. The appeal sought to challenge the discontinuation of criminal proceedings against Saint Lucia’s current Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, over allegations dating back to 2020. The case centered on claims that Dr. Hilaire failed to present a commercial invoice for a vehicle imported during his tenure as High Commissioner in London. Following a change in government and mediation efforts, the Saint Lucian Customs Comptroller opted to halt the prosecution, a decision later approved by a Magistrate. Chastanet contested this move, arguing that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had assumed control of the case by January 2021 and that only the DPP had the constitutional authority to discontinue proceedings. He further alleged that the decision was politically motivated and an abuse of power. However, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal rejected his judicial review application, a stance upheld by the CCJ. The CCJ, led by Mr. Justice Eboe-Osuji and supported by President Anderson and Justices Rajnauth-Lee, Barrow, and Ononaiwu, ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the DPP had taken over the case. The Court emphasized that the DPP had never claimed responsibility, and the Magistrate’s approval of the withdrawal rendered it a judicial act, immune to challenge. Justice Barrow highlighted inconsistencies in Chastanet’s arguments, noting the illogicality of seeking to reinstate a case he claimed the Comptroller had no authority to withdraw. The appeal was dismissed without costs, with Chastanet represented by a team including Mr. Garth Patterson KC and the respondents by Mr. Anthony Astaphan KC and Mr. Seryozha Cenac.

Dominica has embarked on a landmark voter confirmation process, a pivotal step in the nation’s electoral reform agenda. The initiative, which commenced on October 15, 2025, aims to transition eligible voters from the existing electoral register to a new one under the Electors Act of 2025. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre has called on Dominicans, both at home and abroad, to actively participate in this historic process, emphasizing its significance in modernizing the voting system and enhancing democratic participation. The confirmation process, conducted across 48 centers in Dominica, is exclusively for individuals listed on the May 2025 voters’ register. Overseas confirmation is not permitted. Applicants must present original identification documents, such as a valid Dominican passport, driver’s license, or social security card, along with a witness registered in the same polling district. The process involves multiple steps, including document verification, data entry, and issuance of a confirmation receipt. Enrollment officers, appointed by the Chief Registering Officer, oversee the process, with a hotline available to address discrepancies. The initiative, which has been years in the making, reflects Dominica’s commitment to electoral integrity. Despite delays and public scrutiny, the government has prioritized meeting the October 15 deadline, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey.

The Parliament of Dominica has unanimously passed a motion to confer the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.), the country’s most prestigious recognition, upon the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas and Pierre Charles. The motion, introduced by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, celebrates the enduring legacy of the two leaders, whose visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to social justice, education, and community development have left an indelible mark on the nation. The awards will be presented posthumously during the formal ceremonies marking Dominica’s 47th Independence Anniversary on November 3. Prime Minister Skerrit, addressing the Parliament, highlighted the exemplary service of both leaders, emphasizing their contributions to the advancement of Dominica and the broader Caribbean region. Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas served as Prime Minister from February 2000 until his untimely death on October 1 of the same year, while Pierre Charles succeeded him, serving from October 3, 2000, until his passing on January 6, 2004. The Dominica Award of Honour stands as a testament to their selfless devotion and distinguished service to the nation and its people.

The Caribbean Sea, a vital economic and cultural lifeline for the region, has recently become a focal point of geopolitical tension following a series of US military strikes targeting alleged drug-smuggling operations. Since September 2, 2025, the US Southern Command has conducted four strikes in the southern Caribbean near Venezuela, resulting in at least 21 reported deaths. Washington justifies these actions as part of its broader campaign against ‘narcoterrorism,’ specifically targeting the Venezuelan gang ‘Tren de Aragua,’ which it designated a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025. However, these unilateral actions have sparked outrage and concern across the Caribbean, raising fears of escalating militarization and economic instability. The strikes are deeply intertwined with the deteriorating US-Venezuela relations, which have worsened under successive US administrations. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has declared a state of emergency, while regional leaders, including Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, have condemned the US actions. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session on October 10, 2025, but meaningful resolutions remain unlikely due to the US veto power. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, have labeled the strikes as extrajudicial killings and violations of international law, questioning the lack of evidence linking the targeted vessels to drug smuggling. The Caribbean Sea, accounting for 27% of the global ocean economy and 18% of regional GDP, is a critical artery for fisheries, tourism, and shipping. Increased militarization threatens these industries, jeopardizing the region’s economic future. Caribbean nations, historically committed to maintaining the region as a ‘Zone of Peace,’ must unite to resist foreign intervention and preserve their shared patrimony. Diplomatic engagement, supported by regional and international allies, is essential to prevent further escalation and ensure the Caribbean Sea remains a source of prosperity, not conflict.

In the verdant landscapes of Dominica, often hailed as the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean,’ the essence of democracy is under severe threat. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his Dominica Labour Party (DLP) have maintained a tight grip on power for over two decades, raising concerns about the island’s democratic integrity. The introduction of electoral reforms in 2025, ostensibly aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness, has instead been criticized as a calculated move to entrench the ruling party’s dominance. The sidelining of the Electoral Commission, a constitutionally mandated body designed to ensure free and fair elections, has further fueled accusations of authoritarianism. The reform process, which included the tabling of three key bills in December 2024, was marked by chaos and suppression of dissent. Protesters outside the House of Assembly were met with tear gas and rubber bullets, while inside, debate was stifled by the DLP’s overwhelming majority. The InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has expressed grave concerns over the lack of public scrutiny and the erosion of voter registration safeguards. The deliberate marginalization of the Electoral Commission and the exploitation of vulnerable citizens for voter harvesting have drawn widespread condemnation. Skerrit’s government, bolstered by passport-sale revenues and international alliances, has been accused of turning state machinery into a partisan tool. The 2022 snap elections, boycotted by the opposition and marked by low turnout, set the stage for this escalation. Skerrit’s relentless pursuit of unfair advantage, coupled with his unfulfilled promises of clean governance, has led to growing calls for accountability. Dominica now stands at a crossroads, with its citizens and international allies urged to take a stand against this erosion of democratic principles. The choice is stark: reclaim democratic birthright or succumb to the twilight of one-man rule.

In a significant move to bolster regional integration, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has unveiled two vibrant billboards in St. George’s, Grenada, as part of a broader public awareness campaign. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the OECS 11th EDF Regional Integration for Growth, Harmonisation, and Technology (RIGHT) Programme and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), marks the 44th anniversary of the OECS Economic Union. The billboards serve as a vivid reminder to Grenadians of their rights to free movement, residence, and employment across the OECS member states using only a valid national ID card.

During the unveiling ceremony, Grenada’s ambassador to CARICOM and OECS Commissioner, H.E. Aaron Moses, emphasized the profound impact of this integration. He highlighted that OECS citizens now enjoy unrestricted movement, indefinite stay, and access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social security benefits. Representing the United Nations, Ms. Fiona Sandy, the UN Country Coordination Officer for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, lauded the OECS Commission and IOM for their efforts in promoting regional unity and resilience. She underscored the importance of this integration for the safety, security, and rights of Caribbean citizens.

The OECS Commission has also encouraged Grenadians to scan a QR code featured on the billboards to explore further details about their rights and opportunities under the free movement regime. This campaign not only commemorates a historic milestone but also reinforces the vision of shared prosperity and sustainability across the Caribbean region.